JACKSON POLICE WILL TRY TO FORGE A POSITIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH CHILDREN THROUGH TRADING CARDS

Distributing cards to youngsters that contain pictures of local policemen has helped children in other cities around the country get acquainted with policemen, and there is no reason it won't do the same at Jackson.

The Jackson Police Department is embarking on the program. Beginning in about a month, most Jackson police officers will have their own trading cards much as professional athletes do. Children can collect the cards by flagging down an officer in a car or stopping him or her anywhere.

Children love to collect cards, and collectible cards of police officers likely will become popular among children in Jackson. More importantly, it will help the children get acquainted with the officers and past the intimidation the uniform, badge and gun may pose to many of the youngsters.

It will help them learn that a police officer can be a good friend, and that's an important lesson.