Nassau County police kick off school year with surprise visit for students
BETHPAGE, New York (WABC) -- Nassau County police officers visited JFK Middle School on Wednesday to welcome students back during the first week of school and reinforce relationships between law enforcement, students and families.
Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said the department makes a point of engaging with students and parents each year as schools reopen.
"In Nassau County we greet our students every single year, speak to our parents, go out to community meetings, the relationship is key to our success," Ryder said.
Ryder said building strong relationships between students and law enforcement helps foster trust and supports public safety efforts.
School officials said students were surprised to see a large law enforcement presence participating in activities at the school.
"I do think it is a little bit of a surprise that you see so many law enforcement officers here throwing out the balls and Frisbees, and it's great to see the reaction from the students and they say it's great," said David Schneider, Bethpage Schools, Superintendent.
Ryder emphasized that police involvement extends beyond the opening days of the school year.
"We're not just here today and gone the rest of the year, we will be here all year and next year and the follow, we have done assessments with every school," he said.
According to police, there are 456 school buildings in Nassau County. All are equipped with the RAVE app, which can be used in an emergency to bypass the 911 call system and provide a faster police response. Law enforcement officers are also trained to know the layout of every campus.
"They are mandated to visit a building a day and walk that building. You got to be familiar with the environment you police," Ryder said.
As students return to classrooms, Ryder urged members of the public to be especially cautious around schools and pedestrians.
"It's the first day of school, everyone is excited, kids have ear bud in, they are not paying attention, crossing the street, so here's the community part, do your part and be more attentive watching these kids," he said.
Police said they will conduct unannounced building checks and work directly with school administrators throughout the school year.
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