Talking With Students | Video

Retha Colclasure | 11/9/2012

Students learn a lot in school: how to do math, how to maintain friendships, and which items on the lunch line to avoid. They also learn how to be law-abiding citizens. There is an ongoing program in the Bismarck Public School system that pairs police workers with classrooms.

Diane Larson has talked about a lot of different issues with these sixth graders over the years.

"One of the things we want to do is come into the classrooms, talk to them about things that kids get into trouble with in hopes that by talking about these things, that will help them avoid getting into trouble."

This time, they`re talking about bullying, something that can be an everyday fact of life for students.

"We talk about things that kids have been arrested for and try to be proactive so kids realize we`re here to help them and not have them get into trouble," Larson said.

Other issues could be drugs, underage drinking or even safe driving. It`s all done with one purpose, influence these students with good before they`re influenced by bad.

"By having that positive relationship, it does deter crime," Larson said.

The school system benefits from the relationship as well.

"Not only are kids then not likely to try some of these things, also if there is a problem the schools can call us and we can talk to the student and even avoid a citation in the first place," Larson said.

She says students are less likely to get in trouble with the law and more likely to turn to it for help. If they have a positive impression about law enforcement and the police youth bureau.

The Bismarck Police Youth Bureau was established in 1975, and is one of the nation`s longest running youth diversion programs.

COMMENT ON THIS STORY