Police-community relations have been tense over the last year. Following the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others who lost their lives at the hands of law enforcement, public trust in the “blue” was drastically diminished.
However, the Bensalem Township Police Department is working to strengthen its relationship with community members, especially young people, in a pretty “sweet” way.
Last week, at Imagination Land Playground, the department unveiled its “Copsicle” ice cream bus.
Driven by a Bensalem officer, the transformed school bus will “patrol” the neighborhood and distribute free treats to children (and possibly adults) across the township. It features flashing red and blue lights and plays a traditional ice cream truck jingle to let everyone know it’s on the way.
A thousand cones and bars supplied by Philadelphia Water Ice were given out during the recent news conference, which was well-attended by hungry kids, despite the rainy weather.
Present was director of public safety Fred Harran, who hopes this new initiative helps locals see that not all cops are bad.
“In Bensalem Township, we’re always looking for ways to reach out to our young folks. In 2021, I don’t know what could be more important than continuing to break down those barriers and build good relationships,” Harran said.
Creating the “Copsicle” was a true collaborative effort. The Bensalem Township School District donated the bus, which was no longer in service for students but still street-worthy.
Thanks to donations from Creekside Apartments and the community coalition Building A Better Bensalem Together, the department was able to wrap the bus. It now features pictures of ice cream options as well as resources offered by the department.
“This bus was paid for with all community donations and will be going out to different events throughout the township,” said Harran. “It’s going to go out and really try to get to those kids and help break down those barriers and show the kids that police are here to help you. A lot of things have transpired in this world, and that’s not the message that’s portrayed. But in Bensalem, that’s the message that’s portrayed every single day.”
Bensalem Township Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo was in attendance. He praised the project and all parties involved in making it happen.
“This is Bensalem. This is what we do here,” he said. “We have the greatest police department, to me, in all the United States. We’re out there all the time. This is not something new. Our police department works hard to get into the community.”
On social media, “Copsicle” was largely met with excitement and support. Many residents applauded Bensalem Police for thinking outside the box to show how most officers take their oath to serve and protect seriously. Others weren’t quite on board, describing the initiative as a “stunt” and “manipulation.”
“Copsicle” isn’t the first time the department took steps to change people’s negative views of police.
Several months ago, Bensalem Police and the NAACP Bucks County signed a historic agreement, which ensures officers receive regular training in having peaceful interactions with all citizens, including people of color; and allows residents to report any complaints against police to the NAACP Bucks County or local religious leaders.
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
