Atascadero police join ‘Operation Juice Box’ to connect with local kids
– The Atascadero Police Department announced its participation in Operation Juice Box, a community outreach initiative designed to build trust and connections between law enforcement and youth.
Operation Juice Box is a national nonprofit program that provides police officers with juice boxes and small nonperishable items to distribute to children during their daily patrols. These informal interactions are intended to foster positive relationships and encourage open communication between young people and law enforcement.
The program was founded in 2016 by Chelsea Parham, a 9-1-1 dispatcher, in response to growing tensions between police and the communities they serve. It has since expanded to include participating departments across several states, including California, Idaho, Illinois and New York.
The Atascadero Police Department is seeking public input to help plan its first Juice Box event. The department is asking residents whether they prefer the event to be held on a weekday or weekend, and what location in town would be most suitable.
“Building trust and positive connections with our youth is something we truly value, and we can’t wait to get started,” the department stated in a social media post. “Drop your ideas in the comments—we can’t wait to connect with you all, one juice box at a time.”
For more information, contact the Atascadero Police Department at (805) 461-5051.
