Thursday, October 18, 2007 Regional police launch 'Jr Cops' program By Ben O. Tesiorna
HOW would you turn a juvenile delinquent to a responsible adult with a social conscience? For the Police Regional Office 11, their "Jr Cops" program is the answer.
Launched last October 6 at Barangay Communal, Buhangin as pilot area, the Jr Cops aims to educate out-of-school youths (OSY) and children in conflict with the law (CICL) and make them responsible citizens.
The OSYs and CICLs will be trained on basic police knowledge, first aid and safety procedures, recognition of illegal drug trade, sports, and most of all, the inculcation of moral and spiritual values.
PRO 11 Director Andres Caro said he is optimistic that their Jr Cops program will soar to greater heights as it continues to build hope and realization in the children of their significance as stakeholders in the community.
Jr. Cops was conceptualized through the Family, Juvenile, Gender and Development Section of the Police Community Relations Division in PRO 11. It was the brainchild of Sr. Insp. Irishlane Garcia with the approval of the PRO 11 chief.
Also involved in the program are the Davao City Central 911 Communication, City Sports Development Division, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Sangguniang Kabataan, Saint Mary Parish of Buhangin, and the barangay council of the place.
Each of the agencies will be sharing their field of expertise in educating the children.
