Police help welcome students to new school year

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Thursday was the first day of school for students in Hutchinson USD 308. The Hutchinson Police Department was on hand to greet students as the school day began. Officers were assigned to each school in the district as a way to connect with each other.

Four-year-old Alexander Smart walks with Hutchinson Police Chief Jeff Hooper as he makes his way to Avenue A pre-school for the first day of class. (COVER PHOTO) Jesse Hernandez is greeted by Chief Hooper as he waits for his day to start.

“One of my primary driving principals at the Hutchinson Police Department is community engagement,” Jeff Hooper, Hutchinson police chief, said. “I just really feel it’s important for us to be out and connect with the community, and who better to connect with than our kids.”

Hooper says that connection is vital no matter the age of the citizen.

“They’re all important schools and it’s important to touch those kids at every age I think and build that relationship up with them so they just know that we’re people too,” he added.

Hooper spent the morning at the Avenue A pre-school facility. Other members of the force were at each school during the morning.