Preschool Officer Program (POPS) credited with improving early trust between young children and St. Pete police

Representatives of two St. Petersburg preschools told the council that the Preschool Officer Program (POPS) has strengthened relationships between local police officers and young children since its launch in August 2021.

Arturine (Autherine) Williams, owner and administrator of Kids World Preschool, and Jackie Lane of Imagination Station described monthly, informal visits from officers that emphasize play and relationship‑building rather than formality. “Our children get to see that these officers are people just like them,” Williams said. She told the council that more than 180 children across the two sites have participated and that officers routinely return for events such as trunk-or-treats, bicycle and helmet giveaways, and graduations.

Officer Nora Brockna, assigned to the Community Service Division, described participation as “one of the most rewarding parts” of her work and said early positive interactions can shape how children view law enforcement “for years to come.” Officer Mirthle (two decades with the department and a U.S. Army veteran) said the program helps build trust and demonstrate that leadership includes caring for the community.

Councilmembers praised the partnership. Councilmember Deborah Figg Sanders said POPS grew from a local effort to reduce fear among young children who had negative or stressful interactions with officers; she credited the program with changing parent perceptions as well as children’s. Councilmember Corey Givens Jr. recounted a park walk-and-talk where children freely approached officers — a change he attributed to relationship-building programs like POPS.

Administratively, the program is coordinated through the St. Petersburg Police Department’s Community Services Division; participating preschools said the officers have also secured grants to purchase bikes and car seats for families. No changes to funding or policy were requested at the meeting.

Councilmembers asked for continued updates and praised the program as a proactive, neighborhood-level strategy to reduce fear and increase community ties.