Two-Way Learning: Police Read to Children

Kids are often awed by police officers in uniform. Something extra special happens when officers take time to read to children at the library and in schools. The Cops and Readers program is a partnership with Regina Police Service, and it’s an opportunity for officers to connect with the community at the library. Officer Evan Bray says, “I think focusing on literacy at a very young age is really crucial to success and education.”

The program involves officers reading, playing games, and doing craft activities with young children at the library in a safe and welcoming space. “It’s a way to forget the outside world,” Evan says, “and just get lost in it together.” Sometimes a day a Cops and Readers means a pizza party and games, the kind of things that brighten any day for a kid.

The program creates a two-way-learning opportunity, in which the children to learn through play and officers can learn about the community. This empathetic approach to education, leadership, and discovery strips away stresses. More importantly, it’s just fun! 

“By focusing on the positive things like literacy and learning, it leads to a lot of positive growth in our community,” Evan says. Watch Evan talk about Cops and Readers below as part of our #RPLStories.

Videos