Program fosters relationships between children and police

The St. Petersburg Police Department is currently interacting with young students on a monthly basis through the Police at Preschools program (POPS). 

St. Petersburg City Council member Deborah Figgs-Sanders believes this can build positive relationships and have a lasting impact for years to come. 

Figgs-Sanders created the POPS program in 2021 as part of her Enough is Enough gun violence initiative, with former councilmember Lisa Wheeler-Bowman. 

Recognized at the City Council’s Oct. 9 meeting, POPS has been offered at multiple local preschools including Kidz World and Imagination Station. 

“This is where we need to start making the greatest impact,” Figgs-Sanders told the Catalyst. “We have preschoolers that would see men and women in uniform and be afraid. They would be timid and have negative reactions to our law enforcement.” 

A key part of the initiative is interaction, she continued. Officers play with the children, rather than give a brief presentation. During these visits, the students receive “pops”-related rewards, such as popsicles and lollipops. 

The program has had a significant impact, Figgs-Sanders explained. “Instead of the children being afraid of the police, they welcome the police.” 

Officer Moise Myrthil works with learners at Kidz World. For him, it’s about being a role model. 

“We become not only another connection for them, but also a mentor or a person that they can look up to,” he said. “My favorite part is when they ask simple but tough questions.” 

Myrthil’s interactions with the students include throwing footballs, running games and blowing bubbles. 

Kidz World owner Arthurene Williams discussed the influence of POPS at the Oct. 9 council meeting. More than 100 of the preschool’s students have participated in the initiative. 

“Our children get to see that these officers are people just like them,” she said. “POPS gives them a new perspective. Children who once were hesitant now have the biggest grins and run up to the officers to give them hugs.” 

Officer Nora Brachna, who interacts with students at Imagination Station, also spoke.

“Kids at their age are still forming ideas about the world around them. By playing with them, not just talking to them, we show that police officers are approachable, kind and safe.”