Oxford Finest
By Lynn Allred
Oxford Ledger Staff
The words "police officer" and "community service" have always been somewhat interchangeable, and the members of the Oxford Police Department are no exception. Students in Granville County Schools are learning just how dedicated the Command Staff of the OPD is through ongoing community outreach projects the officers participate in each week.
Every Friday, uniformed officers visit the four third grade classrooms at C.G. Credle School and read select books to students as they stress the importance of learning and making good decisions.
The “Reading Buddies” program, a partnership between the school and local law enforcement, is the result of a casual conversation between Principal Amy Hobgood and Oxford Police Chief Al Coley. When the principal referred to a need for volunteers to assist with the school's reading program, Chief Coley did not hesitate to offer the services of his staff. "She had the idea," he says, "and we provided the manpower to get it done."
Principal Hobgood says that the third graders were specifically selected for this program because they are “gateway students.” End of grade testing is done at this level, including reading comprehension and mathematics tests. North Carolina public school students in grades 3, 5, and 8 are required to meet statewide standards for promotion, in addition to local promotion requirements.
“We can definitely see a difference in student interest due to the involvement of the police department,” Principal Hobgood says. “Students are excited to have them come into the classroom, and as a result, they are more interested in the story that is being presented.”
While Chief Coley credits the principal for the project, Principal Hobgood turns it right back around.
“Chief Coley asked how he could help, and I could tell that he really wanted to make a difference,” she says. “We are very grateful for what the police department is able to do for us.”
A strong advocate for education, Oxford's Chief of Police is a firm believer in setting a positive example for young people. The father of four, he has seen for himself how being involved with the classroom and offering ongoing support to kids can dramatically change the attitudes of our next generation. It is his hope that the department can create a long-term relationship with the students they work with each week.
"In just a few short years these kids will be teenagers." the chief says. “The impact we make on them now can influence the choices they make in the future."
According to Chief Coley, books that are selected to read to the students all have a strong message that is discussed at the end of the reading session, with an emphasis on understanding the moral of the story. Policemen discuss choices that the characters make and encourage students to think about the book’s message.
At the end of the “Reading Buddies” program, he adds, the tables will be turned and the students will read to the adults. A pizza party has also been scheduled to celebrate the end of the school year and the collaboration between the police department and the school.
The outreach to our local kids does not stop with the "Reading Buddies" program, however. Officers representing the Oxford Police Department also have lunch on a regular basis with students at several local schools.
This informal time spent with kids of all ages and backgrounds provides an opportunity for open conversation so that officers and students can get to know each other better.
"We want these young people to know that we are here to help them succeed," Chief Coley says. "Positive feedback and a little encouragement can go a long way."
The chief notes that the healthy relationship the staff is building with our students is making a real impact, and that the officers are getting to know the kids on a personal level.
One middle school girl invited Chief Coley to her team's volleyball game. "She was very surprised when I came out to see them play," he notes.
It is not only the students and teachers that are affected by the way the police department is reaching out to the community.
"Parents come up to us all the time," Chief Coley notes, "and thank us for giving our time to help their kids."
C.G. Credle Principal Amy Hobgood agrees that the Oxford Police Department is making a difference in the schools.
“Several years from now, these kids will be making tough choices,” she says. “The time spent with them now can determine what those decisions may be later on.”
"These kids are our future," Chief Coley said, "and from what I have seen, our future is in good hands."