Police reach out to youth with program, K-9 demonstration

Mark Boris, an officer with the Shelby Police Department, wants the community to trust him.
And to stress that message, Boris spoke to the youth group at Putnam Baptist Church this week.
Boris gave a slideshow presentation to more than 60 kids on topics ranging from drugs to how the police department works.
“Marijuana is the biggest things for kids your age,” he told them. “You will see it a lot.  Just say no.”
The group laughed and listened as Boris presented the information in an enjoyable way. He read street names of common drugs and even showed them a slide of what meth did to two people after only seven months.
“The teenage years are important,” Boris said. “You have to hit them now while you can.”
The Shelby Police Department K-9 Unit was also there and gave a full demonstration on how their dogs find drugs in concealed places.
“The most important part is their noses,” said Howard Young, K-9 trainer. “These dogs are full of energy with a lot of drive.”
As part of the presentation, Max and Siko found drugs the officers had planted in different areas along the side of the church building to demonstrate how they do their jobs.
Police Chief Jeff Ledford said Boris did this project on his own and wanted to share with kids that they can trust the police in their community.
“Our kids are going to be our leaders for tomorrow,” Ledford said. “The best way is to open up and let them know what we do.”
At the end of the presentation, Boris gave each kid a water bottle and his business card.
“Police aren’t always the bad guys,” he said. “It’s important that they know the officers in their area. I want them to know who I am.”

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