Wilmington Police Department assemble First Responder Kits4Kids

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Wilmington Police Department taking steps to help ease emotional trauma for children they encounter at crime scenes.

The department made what is called Kits4Kids. The kits contain things like Rubik’s Cubes, crayons and miniature vehicles. In addition to helping children get through a difficult time, WPD hopes that these kits will help young children build a positive relationship with law enforcement. Officer Lynn Hartley, who works with Community Engagement, said she thinks these kits are a must-have in a First Responders tool kit.

“By having these kits, especially for children, they may not be comfortable in how to start a conversation and sometimes even that officer may not have all the tools to be able to start a conversation with a child. Especially, if there is a traumatic event that’s going on or even just out on the street. That’s one way we can start making them feel comfortable.”

Hartley said these kits could be used in situations when a child is involved or near a domestic violence situation, a vehicle crash, or when they have witnessed a crime.