ASHLAND, Ohio — When it comes to building relations with students, 12-year veteran Ashland police officer Jeremy Jarvis is taking a unique approach.
Jarvis serves as the school resource officer for all schools in the Ashland City School District which includes Edison Elementary School. This is his second year as SRO, and he’s already found a new way to connect with students.
Each morning, students are greeted with a fist bump – simple, but effective.
“Kids started coming in, and I started giving fist bumps,” said Jarvis. “It gets the kids to trust me and know that law enforcement officers aren’t scary. They’re here to help.”
That’s the bond that Jarvis was trying to create with students. And to make that bond stronger, the Edison Elementary parent teacher organization (PTO) stepped in with a gift that they knew kids would love.
“A couple weeks ago, the PTO here at Eidson School bought me these nice Hulk hands,” said Jarvis with a smile.
The new Incredible Hulk themed ‘hands’ are a welcome addition to the morning routine for students who fist bump with a smile – at times even adding a hug.
Jarvis remembers the first time students saw the hands. “They were happy. And that’s the main thing. kids being happy and having a good time.”
It may not seem like much, but Jarvis says the fist bump can go a long way toward bridging the gap between students and police. And the morning gesture helps students understand officers are allies they can count on.
“Peace officers are good guys. And no different than anybody else.”