Leading By Example

On April 23rd, 2008, Senior Lead Officer Karen Reade, LAPD, joined Narine Zardarian, Field Deputy from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, in leading a class of 27 fifth- graders at Van Nuys Elementary School in the fight against crime. Zardarian, along with hundreds of deputy district attorneys and district attorney investigators, teaches about the criminal justice system as part of the District Attorney’s Project L.E.A.D. curriculum.

Having met Officer Reade through the Panorama City Neighborhood Council, of which Zardarian serves as the Secretary of the board, the two decided to introduce a different side of law enforcement to the students. Zardarian’s students are no stranger to law enforcement: one has a brother who was recently released from juvenile hall, another was asked to join a gang, and many other similar scenarios form the reality these kids are faced with on a daily basis. Surprisingly, on the first day of class, when Zardarian asked the students to write what they would like to be when they grew up, many said, a police officer. A police officer they would meet, Zardarian decided at that point.

Officer Reade fit the role perfectly. Her friendly smile and demeanor showed a different side of law enforcement to the class; yet her strong personality demonstrated that she meant business. Officer Reade was the perfect role model for the girls and a mind opener for the boys. The class had prepared many questions for her such as whether she likes her job, why she became an officer, if there are different requirements to becoming a police “girl” and if she has ever feared for her life.

These discussions not only informed, but also inspired the students. Prior to handing out prizes and saying good-bye, Officer Reade emphasized the most important thing about her job which is to treat everyone with respect. She challenged their views of the criminal and law enforcement relationship when she told them that even when arresting someone she still treats them with humanity, to the point where one individual said, “thank you,” when getting into the patrol car.

Project L.E.A.D. is grateful for the partnership of those who go above and beyond their call of duty and Officer Reade did just that when she committed herself to speaking to Zardarian’s Van Nuys Elementary 5th graders.

Narine Zardarian

Comments

[Dis and Dat]

Great job, Officer Reade. You exemply what is right with LAPD by showing the human side of being a police officer as well as demonstrating one of the most important things, which is to treat everyone with respect.

Kudos to you for setting a great example to our school children. May many of them fulfill their dreams of becoming a police officer.

Who knows...maybe a few years from now, Officer Reade will work with them as a partner or be their supervisor. Keep up the good work, Karen, we need more positive role models like you.