The Rochester Police Department hosted a career day for sixth graders from Eugenio Maria De Hostos Charter School. Over thirty students met representatives from different units in the department at the Public Safety Building in Rochester.
Jackie Shuman is an Investigator and Public Information Officer with the RPD. She says she loves bringing the students in to interact with officers, and the response is always positive, though certain units within the RPD are more popular that others.
"Swat definitely, and the technicians because of all the shows, and when they first get off the bus they'll see the mounted unit. And also, the dog. They love the dog."
Career day is supposed to show kids about what police officers do as a potential career path, but Shuman says it's also about building positive relationships.
"We like to let the kids know that we are their friend, and that they can come to us any time, despite what people have told them and what they've seen on TV."
Shuman says they also try to incorporate Black History Month education in the day's activities, not just by making an example of the black officers at the RPD, but talking to kids about prominent black historical figures from Rochester.
