The Washington Township Police Department (WTPD) has launched its new WTPD Outdoor Initiative, encouraging school-aged children to spend more time outdoors and away from screens.
Throughout the summer, officers who see children playing outside in Washington Township and the Village of Lakeview will give them an entry into a drawing for a $100 gift card.
The winning name will be drawn on Friday, August 14, just before students head back to school.
Police say the program is about much more than a prize.
It’s designed to create positive interactions between officers and young people while encouraging healthy outdoor activities.
“It gets kids out and gives us an opportunity to have what I expect to be hundreds of positive interactions with the youth in our community,” Chief Michael Thompson said.
The department says investing in local children is a priority.
“I care about the kids in this community more than anything. Our future is important,” Thompson added.
The winning child will be announced following the August 14 drawing, and police say they’re planning a special presentation when the gift card is awarded.
Washington Township officers encourage families to get outside this summer—you never know when an officer might stop by with an entry into the drawing instead of just a friendly wave.
