The Westport Police Youth Collaborative announced today that they will be holding
a Middle School Cop Shop at Toquet Hall on Tuesday, March 4 from 6:30-7:45 p.m.
This month’s topic is “Social Media and The Law: What every kid needs to know about
their rights and responsibilities in a digital world.” Westport Detective Sereniti Dobson
will be accompanied by other officers and Jen Cirino, Coordinator of Information
& Technology Literacy for the Westport Public Schools. The interactive panel will
give real-world examples of how the improper use of social media can have long-term
consequences for kids.
Cop Shops are informal, round table discussions between police officers and kids with
the intent of building supportive relationships and a better understanding between parties.
Middle through high school aged youth are invited to share a meal with local officers
while learning more about social media and personal responsibility. There will be plenty
of time for questions and answers about anything a young person may want to ask of
an officer. This is a great opportunity for officers to get to know more young people in
our community in a non-enforcement capacity and for kids to get to know the men and
women who serve our community.
“A partnership of the Department of Human Services and the Westport Police
Department, The Westport Police-Youth Collaborative (WPYC) seeks to foster respect
and understanding between cops and kids in Town by creating opportunities for them to
plan and implement programs which they believe will help foster communication and
build trust with one another.” said Elaine Daignault, an adult advisor to the group.
Past events spearheaded by high school students on the Westport Youth Commission
and Westport Officers Detective Sereniti Dobson and DARE Officer Ned Batlin have
provided many opportunities for community building among cops and kids including
such events as: the Westport Youth Commission Volleyball Smackdown tournament
during the May Homes with Hope annual Castles in the Sand event at Compo Beach,
annual Dodge-a-Cop events (scheduled for April 1st
raise funds for local non-profits and other events and opportunities for kids to spend time
with officers.
, 2014 at Staples High School) to
For more information on the Westport Police-Youth Collaborative or to get involved
contact Elained@westportct.gov.