Cranston Cops Become Mentors at City Elementary School

One of the most disheartening things for a career police officer is to watch the gradual transformation of a promising young child into a young adult in trouble with the law.

The Cranston Police Department, which has been working on strengthening its community policing model for years, has just launched a new initiative that gives several officers the opportunity to make a difference in a young child’s life.

At the same time, it’s giving a group of students at a city elementary school a chance to get to know a few members of law enforcement on a personal level as friends and mentors.

It’s the beginning of what Cranston Police Chief Col. Michael J. Winquist says is the the start of a long-term relationship “designed to improve school attendance, self-esteem, personal and school success.”

The department’s partnership with the Cranston Mentor Program brought together a group of officers who volunteered to be mentors to the school this week for a first meeting with the student mentees.

They got a tour of the school and a chance to chat and get to know each other.

“The Cranston Police Department and its officers are true leaders and dedicated partners in Cranston’s Mentor Program. The children at Arlington School are so lucky to have such amazing men and women volunteering their time to help them have a brighter future,” said Cranston Mentor Program Coordinator Arlene McNulty.

The intent is to provide children with a chance to connect with caring adults who can serve as role models as well as friends. As mentors, the officers will offer guidance, emotional support and new experiences.

These types of relationships have been shown to prevent problems with school attendance, substance abuse and other issues that can mushroom a few years down the road. At the elementary age, children are in a critical state of crossroads between dependence and their future independence. It’s a time when a child’s relationships with adults can leave an incredible imprint on their future success or failure.

“Members of the Cranston Police Department are proud to participate in the Cranston Mentor Program facilitated by the Rhode Island Mentorship Partnership,” Winquist said. “I commend the many officers who have volunteered their time to serve as mentors. I am confident they will have a positive impact on the students. Participation in this program is yet another example of the police department building strong relationships by investing in the community we serve.”

Photos via Cranston Police Department on Facebook