The program called “Be Safe and Be Spotted 2010” allows uniformed police officers to randomly reward those practicing safety like wearing helmets while biking or skateboarding and buckling up while in a car.
“We want word to get out,” said Det. David Gowens. “That’s what our goal is, that word will get out and kids will do the right thing.”
The Cedartown, Rockmart and Polk County Police are all participating in the program.
Uniformed officers will have a supply of prizes to give away at random while on patrol. Gowens said they would give prizes to those they see on the street using proper safety equipment or practicing safety measures like looking both ways before crossing a street.
Gowens emphasized only uniformed officers in patrol cars would be giving away prizes.
The program started July 4 and will run through Labor Day.
Gowens said officers also hope the program will have a side benefit of fostering a positive attitude toward law enforcement.
“Maybe if they are talking with their friends and say an officer gave them a prize for doing something right, it will give others an incentive to do the right thing,” he said.
The program is looking for more sponsors. Currently, sponsors include Polk Safe Kids, Redmond EMS, Floyd EMS, Mercury Appraisal, Cedartown McDonalds, Rockmart Optimist Club, Cedartown Kiwanis Club and Polk Family Connection.
For more information or to become a sponsor, contact Rhonda Poteet, Polk Safe Kids Coordinator at polksafekids@yahoo.com
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