Recently a group of daycare children were playing in a local park when they spotted a police car. They waved at the police car, pointing and shouting. At first, the police officer passed by the group of children. But then the officer must have spotted the excited children because he pulled over and stopped.
West Des Moines Officer Aaron Swenson pulled over and talked with the children for a while. He asked them a favor. He told them that no one had petted his dog for a while. Then Officer Swenson asked the kids to pet his police dog, Aro. Aro was excited to see the kids. The children were excited to see the dog, as well.
According to another West Des Moines officer, Sgt. Brent Cook, the police department is looking for opportunities to build community relationships between police officers and the residents. Instead of just patrolling in their police cars, officers are encouraged to take any chance to spend positive time with the public.
The children will never forget having the opportunity to meet a police officer and make friends with a police K-9 dog. Aro, the K-9 officer, was happy to provide face kissing for the children’s enjoyment. And the children learned that spending time with the police doesn’t have to be a negative experience.