Dallas police hope to inspire reading while interacting with students in positive setting

DALLAS - The Dallas police chief helped kick off a book fair at an elementary school Monday morning. It’s part of a program to help give young people in Dallas a different perspective on police.

Chief Eddie Garcia and several of his officers were at John Neely Bryan Elementary to welcome students back to class after the long weekend.

Many of the students hopped out of the carpool line with big smiles on their faces when they saw the officers. 

Some were a little scared but warmed up when they saw the officers and their school mascot giving fist bumps and high fives.

The event was part of a partnership with Safer Dallas to reframe children’s interactions with law enforcement.

Chief Garcia spoke to the students and the officers handing out wrapped books to all the students.

"A couple of weeks before, the officers started wrapping the books so it will be like a gift. So, they can be a little bit excited," said DPD’s Maj. Juan Salas. 

"We were able to give books to the kids and they’re able to see us in a light where we’re not out there enforcing and doing the job our men and women have to do," Garcia said. "The hope is that our men and women are looked at as exactly that as moms, fathers, brothers, sisters and so that our community sees us that we’re more than just handcuffs on our belt. That’s important to us."

The officers will be back at the school throughout the week to help the students pick out books.