Oakland Police Department Revives Teddy Bear Patrol
OAKLAND (KCBS) - Oakland police hit the streets Thursday with extra tools in their patrol cars after a spate of violent crimes that victimized children.
The Oakland Police Department decided to revive the so-called teddy bear patrol after a six year hiatus because of the recent murder of 3-year-old Carlos Nava and the strong-arm robbery of a 2-year-old girl, said police services technician Brenda Ivey.
"This 2-year-old that was just a victim of having her gold taken off of her, the officer that was on call gave her a bear after that incident," Ivey said.
KCBS' Anna Duckworth Reports:
Five hundred bears, complete with badges and certificates, were recently donated by the Teddy Bear Patrol, a non-profit organization in Lafayette that works with the Oakland Police Athletics League to raise money to buy the stuffed animals.
Ivey said the gesture from an authority figure at a frightening moment, such as when a parent or guardian is taken into custody, could help overcome fear or distrust.
"As a police department, we want to serve the kids and let them know we're not just taking bad guys to jail. We're here to talk to you," she said.
(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
