MONROE — There are more cops than ever in local schools these days but, for the most part, no one’s getting busted.

Rather, many of the officers hanging around Monroe area schools lately are there as part of a Kiwanis Club initiative to read books to kids and build relationships with them that transcend the traditional law enforcement roles.

The effort began in earnest a few years ago when the Kiwanis District Governor Jean Manteufel envisioned an initiative that could be implemented by local clubs and focus on children, children’s literacy, and getting more books into kids’ hands.  

In Monroe, Shirley Eells is coordinator for the local Kiwanis ‘n Cops n’ Kids program, and says it helps not only to improve children’s literacy but has the secondary benefit of improving community trust in law enforcement at an impressionable age. 

Suggested readings for the programs run the gambit from favorite “Flat Stanley” classics to a title from NBA star LeBron James called “I promise.” All are meant to be educational and inspiring to children, organizers say.

So far, Monroe Police, The Green County Sheriff, and Monticello Police have gotten involved in the program, she said.

“We started having them read in libraries and then we started having them go to schools and daycares,” said Eells. “It is really amazing how kids respond to police officers.

Kids are fascinated, she said, by all things law enforcement from the equipment they carry, and the jobs they do daily. Sometimes an officer will bring a K-9 along for the presentation, which is always a hit with the kids.

Monroe Police Chief Fred Kelley said he was pleased when the Kiwanis asked his department to get involved reading to kids and that, beyond the literacy aspect of the program, it provides a positive interaction with police.

“It’s always been troubling to me …that a child is afraid of the police,” he said. “We would much rather they feel comfortable with us as someone who can help.”

It’s important for the public — not just children — to see police as individuals rather than nameless enforcers of the law.

“The officers who have done it say it has been good…I want everyone to be on a first-name basis with our officers,” said Kelly.

Green County Sheriff Jeff Skatrud agreed. 

“Having the opportunity to participate in the reading program provides us with the opportunity to show our personal sides to the kids and hopefully takes away some of the mystery that the badge and uniform presents,” said Skatrud. “I’ve done it before…and personally it’s a welcome relief from the day to day grind and fun to interact with the kids.”