Commonwealth's Attorneys Office Contact: Leah Maddox Victim Advocate Commonwealth's Attorneys Office P.O. Box 472 Franklin, KY 42134 STOP Program Activity Summary: This activity was designed to have students experience the consequences of rule/law breaking. We did it through simulations. Seventh grade students entered the gym. Volunteers had students draw from a group of scenarios of infractions, misdemeanors and felonies. After scenario selection, a volunteer "parent" was assigned to each child. Each pair (child and "parent") proceeded to first station marked on scenario. Volunteers manning stations actually worked in those areas. For example, the "Principal Station" was manned by the current principal and former principal. There they role-played the consequences of the infractions. When stations were completed, students were "debriefed." They completed a survey and learned of the essay contest. All essays had to be no more than 150 words and turned in two (2) days later for a $50 Savings Bond. Activity Narrative: Extent to which the activity expands public awareness of the law. The general public was informed through the local media radio and newspaper and through ABC affiliate, Channel 13 located in Bowling Green, Kentucky. By using the seventh grade students, we generated discussions within student groups, teachers, families, grandparents, churches, organizations, law associations and the general community. Extent to which the activity highlights the theme of "Celebrate Your Freedom—Assuring Equal Justice for All." Seventh grade students were to "experience" a scenario where rules or laws were broken. Each student personally experienced consequences related to their respective "crime." Students drawing infractions within the school system learned first-hand steps taken by the Board and their rights they have within the Board of Education framework. Students drawing misdemeanor/felony crimes experienced the Commonwealth's criminal justice system. Extent of outreach to communities and schools (public) impact. There are 273 seventh graders enrolled in Franklin-Simpson Middle School. There were 54 adult volunteers representing the following community groups: 49th Judicial Circuit Court, Commonwealth's Attorney Office, Simpson County Sheriff's Office, Franklin Police Department, Department of Protection & Permanency, Simpson County Extension Service, 4-H Clubs, Simpson County Board of Education, Franklin-Simpson Middle School, Youth Resource Center, Simpson County Health Department, Kentucky State Police, Simpson County Bar Association, Court Designated Worker, Barren River Office of Public Defender. May 1, 2002, ABC affiliate WBKO—Channel 13, Bowling Green, Kentucky, carried our story during the 6:00 p.m. news. This reached 34,000 households, or 52,000 individuals. The story aired during the 10:00 p.m. newscast reaching 21,000 households, or 32,000 individuals. The story was again aired during their May 2, 2002 morning show reaching 27,000 households or 38,000 individuals. The Franklin Favorite, a local weekly newspaper, carried coverage of the STOP Program Essay contest winner, Josh McDonald, in the June 13th edition. Circulation for the Franklin Favorite is approximately 10,000. Extent and effectiveness of partnerships formed among community groups, schools and legal organizations. Since we are one of the smallest counties in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, various organizations had previously been involved in collaborative efforts. Because of these previously forged relationships, we were able to come together quickly, decide upon our approach and, most importantly, achieve success in the implementation of our program. This was the first time the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office worked with the Simpson County Cooperative Extension Service. The experience was great, and we have begun discussing how to work together on a future crime prevention project in October of this year. Quality, innovation, and effectiveness of approach. The quality and some innovation of this program directly correlates to the dedication these individuals have to our county's youth. When you see retired school teachers or law enforcement officers on their day off come in and "pretend" to be a distraught parent, now that was something truly worth seeing. Quite frankly, I never knew there were that many great actors living here. The effectiveness and the rest of the innovation of our approach came from individualizing this program for the students. To have an assembly with a topic being presented to 273 students is fine, but our goal was to have these students take something back with them. Something that would stick with them as they go out into their world. A MEMORY of a situation that turned bad. Extent to which activities have the potential to extend their impact beyond Law Day. Based upon the success of this program, we are currently in the planning stages of a month-long Crime Prevention Program to be held in October, National Crime Prevention Month. October will be divided up with various areas of community interest being addressed. We are discussing addressing the following areas: Consumer Protection Crimes Against the Elderly Small-Business Crime Prevention (loss prevention, keeping employees safe, etc.) Drug/Alcohol Abuse Child Abuse including Child Sexual Abuse, etc. Sample Programs Home | By Audience | By Location | By Sponsoring Organization