"Books From Badges" Program Expands to the North Las Vegas Police Department

North Las Vegas Officers Reach Out to Children With Books

Jan. 25, 2006 - On Jan. 25, 2006, law enforcement officials and Kids to Kids representatives gathered to announce the expansion of the "Books From Badges" literacy program to include North Las Vegas.

"Books From Badges," sponsored by Spread the Word Nevada and Kids to Kids, works with Las Vegas police departments to distribute books to children in neighborhoods with high crime rates. The program has distributed more than 12,000 books.

Above (left to right): Police Chief Mark Paresi, Cynthia Hensel, Kids to Kids Book Drive Coordinator, Kids to Kids President Laurie Porter, Executive Director of Kids to Kids Lisa Habighorst, and program liaison Crime Prevention Specialist Nicole Dennis.

Through this partnership with the North Las Vegas Police Department, officers will carry bags of children's books in each of their 112 patrol, detective and community service cars. When they encounter children during their work day, officers can offer the youngsters their own books to take home, share with their families, and read.

In addition to the Kids to Kids books to be distributed by officers on their beats, bookcases laden with children's books will be located at both the Lake Mead and Bruce Substation and the Northwest Area Command for youngsters to access while waiting with their parents or by simply walking to the neighborhood police station.

"Books From Badges" not only promotes literacy, but also fosters positive relationships between children and their families and the officers who serve and protect them.

Above, Officer Teresa Marsh shares books with children at the North Las Vegas launch of "Books From Badges."

Laurie Porter, President of Spread the Word Nevada, commented, "The goal of Kids to Kids is to get books into the hands of children who need them most. Through the 'Books From Badges' partnership, we not only are providing reading materials, but also the potential for even more positive relationships among the officers and the neighborhood children. Books are incredible. They not only provide exploration into new worlds and opportunities, they also provide bridges that span generations, cultures, and stereotypes."

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