COP Card Collectible Program Kicks Off This Week In Lacey Schools

Lacey police are meeting this week with elementary and middle school students to promote the COP Card Collectible program, Police Chief David A. Paprota said.

Assemblies were held in the Middle School and Cedar Creek School on Tuesday, with more assemblies scheduled in the other schools during the week.

The goal? To get to know each other.

Students can start collecting the cards - which feature pictures and information about the officers - at local businesses sponsoring the program on March 28.

It will culminate on May 21, at a "Meet-the-Officer Day," which will include music, games, dancing, food, prizes, giveaways giveaways, and maybe even a dunk tank, the chief said.

"It is a day for children to come out and spend time with the staff of the police department in a very positive and fun environment," Paprota said.

Students who collect all 72 cards and submit their checklists will be entered into raffles at each school at the end of the school year to win prizes. The prizes include bicycles and helmets, iPads, iPods, headphones, gift cars iTunes cards and more, the chief said.

Students need to complete the COP Card Checklist and have it verified by either a teacher or a police officer by the end of the last two weeks of school, Paprota said.

Once the program begins, police officers will carry their respective cards to give to students they meet in the neighborhoods and throughout the township. The program was last held in 2013 into 2014. More than 1,000 residents participated in the Meet-the-Officer event.

“The Lacey Township Police Department has experienced the attrition of 17 full-time police officers in recent years with 12 new officers being hired,” Paprota said. “The cards provide the whole community with an opportunity to learn more about the changes that have been underway in the police department.”

Any business interested in participating in the program may contact Sergeant Robert Flynn at609.693.6636 x2578 or Lieutenant Patrick Ganley609.693.6636 x2564 for more information.