Camden Police Expand Kindergarten Reading Program

by Justin Udo

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A big step forward for community policing in Camden County.

For the last three years, as part of the Bookmates program, officers from the Camden County Police Department have spent a half hour each week reading to kindergartners at two of Camden's elementary schools.

On Thursday, officials announced they are now expanding that program to four schools.

"This whole experience is good for me, I'm glad I got the opportunity," said Officer Maria Christina Holmes.

She says it's many of the kids first interaction with police, and she's happy it's a positive one.

"They love it. They're so excited every week. They count on you. Some of them don't have brothers and sisters, mothers or fathers, so they want this connection, they want someone to talk to them, hear them. Hear them read, and it gets them excited about learning," said Holmes.

Many of the kindergartners say they love when the officers come to read with them, but it's pretty hard to pick a story.

"My favorite book is all of them," said one Kindergartner.

Officials say they've gotten a lot of good feedback about the program, and they are looking to expand it to even more schools.