WASHINGTON — Did you know there is a program that fosters a positive relationship between law enforcement and young people in D.C.? Well, there is — and it is done with the help of that Go-Go beat.
The Officer Friendly Program features the Side By Side Band and Metropolitan Police Department Officer Brittany Shakir is the band's singer. According to the Washington DC Police Foundation, the band was revitalized in 2018 with a focus on building stronger community policing relationships and engaging with audiences of all ages.
The officers go into schools in the District as part of the innovative program for the youth and family engagement bureau.
Through music and other forms of positive reinforcement, the officers work to promote public safety and good decision making among elementary school-aged students. The visiting officers educate kids on what police men and women do and teach basic safety rules including stranger awareness.
Their dedication to building strong relationships within the community is helping us get uplifted.
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