Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
-Community Policing Unit

Early Learning Coalition

What:
Community Policing Deputies are partnering with the Early Learning Coalition for a youth reading program, “Officer Friendly’s Book Club.”

When:
Community Policing Deputies began the reading program in May and it will continue throughout the summer.

Where:
Community Policing Deputies will visit learning centers in the areas of Oldsmar, South Dunedin, Ridgecrest, High Point and Lealman in Pinellas County.  

Why/How:
Community Policing Deputies are joining forces with the Early Learning Coalition for a youth reading program, “Officer Friendly’s Book Club.”

Deputies began the program in May and will continue throughout the summer.

During the program, deputies will visit learning centers in the areas of Oldsmar, South Dunedin, Ridgecrest, High Point and Lealman in Pinellas County and read to children for 30 minutes each month. The children range in age from 3 to 4 years old. 

The books the deputies read are provided by the Early Learning Coalition and will be donated to the classrooms at the end of each session.

“This partnership assists our deputies in maintaining a positive presence within our community and allows them to build positive relationships with our youth,” said Sheriff Bob Gualtieri.

The Early Learning Coalition of Pinellas County is a not for profit planning and funding agency focused on early care and education.

Photos of the Community Policing Deputy Wilson reading to children are attached.