There’s a new law being proposed in the Assembly that would require New Jersey schools to teach students how they should interact with police officers. The bill is being touted as a way to protect both kids and cops, in the wake of highly-publicized police shootings such as Michael Brown in Missouri.
Assemblyman Ralph Caputo, one of the bill’s sponsors, had some poignant words about why he thought the bill is needed:
“Kids have to learn how to behave when they’re being investigated or talked to, because they could put themselves in jeopardy. It’s also a good effort to protect the police. Kids have to recognize their authority when they’re being questioned and how to conduct themselves.”
Caputo’s words might seem like he is putting the blame on the deceased kids in cases such as Brown’s. However, he says he’s not placing blame on anyone, rather just seeking to educate kids on situations they may come across that no one speaks of: “When a kid jumps out of a car, he may appear to be threatening but he’s not — he just may not understand what those protocols are.”
It’s a shame that there have been tragic situations such as those in Missouri that have forced us to propose laws such as this to protect kids and cops from dangerous situations. But that’s the world we live in.
Ultimately, though, we support any program that educates our students about life. School isn’t just about math, science, English and other “traditional” subjects. It’s also about preparing kids for the real world, and dealing with police, and protection, is real world stuff.
Education programs with police officers in schools is nothing new — D.A.R.E has been around for awhile. This proposed law, which we support, is just another step in the right direction to teach students how they can be better citizens, and how they can better interact with the men and women who are tasked with their protection.
