Joan Wellander-kleppe

Kids 'n' Cops: Excerpts from Children's Letters, Artwork and Anecdotes Joan Wellander-kleppe

The excerpts and drawings from children's letters are reproduced verbatim. The children's ages range from six to ten, representing first through fourth graders in public, private, and parochial schools. Officer George Zaranti creatively forged a trust with the thousands of children through his obvious sincerity blended with a refreshing sense of humor. This, and other innovative programs unique to Chicago's 19th Police District, such as the Junior Patrol and the boys' a cappella choir, were effective in reaching young people with the hope of keeping them focused in the right direction instead of joining one of the many gangs in the area. Officer Zaranti involved himself with all of these programs, subliminally filling the children's need for a male role model.