Illinois police keep bored kids busy during coronavirus lockdown — by reading to them

Illinois State Police and other local law enforcement agencies have joined the Books and Badges initiative by reading books to children.

Books and Badges have existed for years, but it involved officers going into schools to read to the students. But the social distancing orders that forced schools to shut down through coronavirus pandemic have also inspired a new approach.

Troopers and officers are posting videos or live-streaming book time on their social media accounts, some of them from behind the wheel of their parked patrol cruisers.

Sgt. Tracy Lillard, Statewide Social Media Coordinator for the Illinois State Police, also known as Trooper Tracy to her Snapchat and Facebook followers, is sharing the videos daily on her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ISPMamaBear/.

To find other stories read by troopers, police officers, firefighters and even with the help of a police horse you can search #BooksAndBadges on Facebook, twitter and other social media.

According to the ISP website, the goal of Books and Badges is to develop positive relationships with students and contribute to a better relationship between law enforcement and the schools.

The coronavirus pandemic has created demand for content for children stuck at home and parents looking for alternative education sources.

This story was originally published March 27, 2020 at 12:08 PM.