NOPD's Officer Friendly & McGruff The Crime Dog Kick Off New Pilot Program in Schools

The NOPD has kicked off a new Pilot Program aimed at promoting positive relationships with young people at schools throughout the city.

On March 20, 2024, McGruff & his colleagues spent time with students at Bishop McManus Academy in New Orleans East and introduced the kids to the Mounted and K-9 units as well as Seventh District Command Staff, the Crime Lab and Traffic Divisions.

With the reintroduction of Officer Friendly, the NOPD is expanding with a new program called 'McGruff & Company' in which McGruff the Crime Dog, Officer Friendly and School Resource Officers meet with students to promote gun safety and overall information about what police officers do to keep students and their families safe.

The Officer Friendly program is one of the most requested programs by the Community as many residents recall their first interaction with Law Enforcement in elementary school through this program which often leaves a lasting, positive impression on students.

By expanding the visit to include various NOPD Units, the 'McGruff & Company' program is taking the interaction a step further in hopes this interactive and expansive approach

will contribute to positive decision-making by youth as well as show transparency and better understanding between youth and law enforcement.

Teaching youth basic crime prevention and self-protection techniques helps keep them from being victims of crime. By interacting with youth at an early age, it allows NOPD to build a positive relationship with lasting effects.

For information on how schools or other groups can book a visit by Officer Friendly and the McGruff & Company team, use the link below.

NOPD - Community Services - Officer Friendly Program - City of New Orleans (nola.gov)