Trading his badge for a book, Temple University Police Officer Arashdeep Bawa sat down in front of the second grade class at the Paul L. Dunbar School and opened up the picture book, The Me I Choose To Be by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley, and began reading aloud.

“It’s such a great book, because it sparks conversation and creativity among young students,” Bawa said. 

Earlier this academic year, Temple University’s Department of Public Safety launched Cops in the Classroom, a new community engagement initiative that connects Temple Police with neighboring elementary schools in North Philadelphia every week. The goal: to start conversations about reading, safety and kindness. 

“Cops in the Classroom is about continuing to build bridges between law enforcement and the North Philadelphia community,” said Jennifer Griffin, chief of police and vice president for public safety. 

Griffin hopes the program inspires a love of reading for the children. On top of that, she knows the police officers find it very rewarding to spend time with the children and it's another great example of their commitment to protecting and serving. 

“Temple police officers are having just as much fun as the kids,” Griffin said. “There is a lot of engagement during this program. The students choose the books they want the officers to read, and the officers really bring the stories to life by using different voices, funny faces and lots of energy. It’s a truly engaging experience that makes a lasting impact.”

Temple Police have been reading to different grades, rotating every week between the Paul L. Dunbar School and the Tanner G. Duckrey School. The idea came from police within Temple Police’s Engagement Unit. 

“I hope that having police officers will allow our youth to see police in a different light. We’re not just law enforcers. We’re really community builders,” said Temple University Police Officer Leroy Wimberly. 

He added that Temple Police strive to empower the city’s youth. 

“After each story, Temple Police talk with the students about what they’ve just read and share some of our own favorite books and stories, too,” Bawa said.

Temple Police Officer Gloria West said she looks forward to connecting with youth through reading every chance she can.

“The kids really listen, and I get a chance to act out the part when I’m reading. And the students love it, they sit there like they can’t wait until I get to the next word,” West said.

West added that she provides the children with an important lesson.

“I always tell the kids, if you want to drive or do anything in life, you’ve got to learn to read,” West said. “We want them to feel empowered and know we’re here for them, but they also need to keep learning and striving to better themselves.”

Cops in the Classroom is one of several Public Safety community initiatives designed to continue to strengthen bonds between the Temple and North Philadelphia communities. Others include Pack the Patrol Car, Trunk-or-Treat, the department’s annual turkey giveaway ahead of Thanksgiving and the annual Children’s Holiday Party. 

Bawa said he’s seen students have been enjoying building connections with Temple Police, especially during Cops in the Classroom. 

“This program is a great opportunity for children to see police in a positive way,” he said.