Buddies With Badges Expands to NDE > Covington Partners

Buddies With Badges Expands to NDE

Posted on November 30, 2023 in Mentoring

The Covington Police Department in collaboration with Covington Partners is working to connect with the youth of Covington and lead the city to a better future.

Last school year, the pilot project Buddies with Badges began at Glenn O. Swing Elementary School after Covington Police Sergeant Rachel White saw an email promoting mentoring in Covington and thought she could interest her co-workers as another way to be engaged with the community.

Now, the project has expanded its reach to students at Ninth District Elementary School. Currently, nine police department employees are participating in Buddies with Badges at Glenn O. Swing Elementary and Ninth District Elementary, with hopes to expand even further in the coming years. Members of the CPD are matched one-on-one with elementary students and meet in small groups weekly.

“The Covington Police Department is a part of the community,” she said. “It is important for us to be involved with the community in more than just the typical law enforcement manner. Mentoring can help us bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community by building meaningful relationships with the youth in Covington. It allows us to connect with the younger generation, guide them towards better life decisions and help them grow and strive. Plus, it's a lot of fun!”

Through the program, local law enforcement are making valuable connections with students, resulting in a positive impact on their lives.

“Protecting and serving the community means so much more than many people think, and being able to mentor these kids is a wonderful opportunity for the department,” Sergeant White said of the program. She and the other Buddies with Badges mentors love being able to connect with the community and are excited to be a part of this program.

Category: Mentoring