Any adult, whether a policeman or not, should know not to ask a child to get their car without the parents present.
Exactly my thoughts. I'm thinking a police officer especially should know that.
Any adult, whether a policeman or not, should know not to ask a child to get their car without the parents present.
Today, it is get into my cop car. Tomorrow, a Child Sexual Predator buys a fake badge and flashes it, and your kid is kidnapped and killed.I don't think it's THAT big a deal. Cops sometimes try to be good ambassadors of the law by being friendly with kids. Passing out candy or answering questions about "bad guys." Kids are fascinated with cops, firemen, EMS, etc.
Perhaps it was bad judgement for them to be invited into the car without a parent around and I can absolutely understand a parent's worry for their kids getting into cars, but just be sure you don't do the opposite of their intentions and scare them away from those that "Protect and Serve."
I don't think it's THAT big a deal. Cops sometimes try to be good ambassadors of the law by being friendly with kids. Passing out candy or answering questions about "bad guys." Kids are fascinated with cops, firemen, EMS, etc.
Perhaps it was bad judgement for them to be invited into the car without a parent around and I can absolutely understand a parent's worry for their kids getting into cars, but just be sure you don't do the opposite of their intentions and scare them away from those that "Protect and Serve."
True about the possiblilty of bad judgement, but........I don't think it's THAT big a deal. Cops sometimes try to be good ambassadors of the law by being friendly with kids. Passing out candy or answering questions about "bad guys." Kids are fascinated with cops, firemen, EMS, etc.
Perhaps it was bad judgement for them to be invited into the car without a parent around and I can absolutely understand a parent's worry for their kids getting into cars, but just be sure you don't do the opposite of their intentions and scare them away from those that "Protect and Serve."
Today, it is get into my cop car. Tomorrow, a Child Sexual Predator buys a fake badge and flashes it, and your kid is kidnapped and killed.
You are correct that people should not over-react. The parents should also make the kids aware that a badge does not mean anything more than a uniform, and that anyone asking them to get into the car for any reason, should be a sign to go get mommy or daddy if either are around.
I am a friendly guy and I talk to young kids whom I've never met all the time. Only a small handful shy away, and some run to their mommy and daddy. I don't have any problems with a kid being scared simply because I am a stranger. I say good for them.