Metro patrol equipped with teddy bears, children’s books

Friday, March 17, 2006 | 7:13 a.m.

Metro Police have carried teddy bears in their patrol cars for nearly two decades, handing out the donated stuffed animals to children they meet while responding to 911 calls, investigating crimes and making arrests. In one patrol car these days, however, the bears share space with a small library of original books, written and illustrated by fifth graders at Oran Gragson Elementary School in eastern Las Vegas.

The bears, often handmade by volunteers, help calm frightened children, particularly during domestic dispute calls. A book can "teach them something as well, and it's doubly good because it comes from another kid," said Christopher Curtis, a Metro field training officer who keeps the books in his patrol car.

The books come from the classroom of teacher Tari Smethurst, whose students have produced more than 100 titles since 2003. Smethurst adds plastic spiral binding to the pages before passing them on to Curtis for distribution. Each book has "To the children of Las Vegas" as the dedication.

Smethurst, 36, came up with the idea after completing Metro's Citizens Police Academy, a 12-week program that gives participants a closer look at the department, including the chance to ride along with an officer on patrol.

A Peace Corps volunteer before joining the School District six years ago, Smethurst stresses to her students the value of community service.

"At 10 or 11 can they understand like we understand? Probably not - but they are learning about giving and helping others," she said.

Palmira Rios knows exactly what will happen when she finishes her latest effort, an adventure story about a girl who finds a secret attic in her house along with a treasure map.

The presents are given to children "when their parents go to jail," Palmira said. "It's sad. They get a bear from the police and a book from us."

Fifth grader Daniel Castro is already a seasoned author. His most recent book, "The Twice-Cut Dragon," tells what happens when a cranky old knight coaxes the mythical beast down from a tree.

"This is my third book," Castro said, pointing to the pages of his next novella spread out in front of him. "It's 'The Train With a Lot of People.' "

Smethurst said she hopes a local publisher or printer might be willing to help with the project so that her students could produce sturdier books that would last longer once distributed.

"For some of these kids, it might be the only book they have," she said. "It would be wonderful if we could give them something to keep and enjoy for a long time."