Police are a child’s friend and protector
Montclair police held an awareness campaign to address children's fears about police and their role in communities.
HOPING to address misconceptions about the police among children, the Montclair police held an awareness programme at the Udobo Pre-Primary School in Montclair recently.
The school, which has 120 learners, aged between three and six, caters from Grade RRR until Grade R.
Lisa Jane Govender, the head of department at the school, said during a recent career day, the children expressed their fears of police officers.
“While discussing the various jobs that people do and when it came to the police, we found out that the children were afraid of the police, and believed that they are just there to shoot and kill people.
“However, we wanted them to know that police are actually approachable, helpful, and friendly. We are amazed by the response from the children to the police officer and believe that we have changed their mindsets,” she said.
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Sergeant Noma Mnguni, a social and crime prevention coordinator at the police station, said, it was important for children to have trust in the police.
“The children said they were very afraid of the police, as they were scared to be shot. However, I told them police officers are their friends, and are always there to protect them, and not harm them. I also told them the police are there to protect the country. They then understood the role of the police and soon changed their view of the police, with many of the children saying they wanted to be police officers.
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“I also spoke to them about the dangers of bullying and talking to strangers, and what to do if they find themselves in such a situation, such as tell a parent and the police. It was great to interact with the children and see them smile and not be fearful anymore,” she said.
The children were also given pamphlets with information about their rights, child abuse, and safety tips. The children were also taught the numbers for the police and Childline.
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