Fort Smith, Ark. – Officers from the Fort Smith Police Department took a break from patrols to share stories and smiles with local children at the Fort Smith Main Library this week. As part of the department’s ongoing **“Storytime with FSPD”** initiative, **Officer Shoptaw and Officer Williams** spent the afternoon reading to young attendees and engaging with families in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Held on the **fourth Tuesday of each month**, the program is designed to foster positive relationships between police officers and the community’s youngest residents. Tuesday’s event was filled with laughter, imagination, and interactive storytelling that gave children a chance to see a different side of law enforcement.
“These special moments help build trust, spark imagination, and show kids that police officers are here to protect, serve, and even share a good story or two,” the department shared in a public post following the event.
Beyond simply reading books, the program offers an opportunity for officers to answer questions, talk about safety, and encourage reading and learning outside the classroom. Parents and library staff alike praised the initiative for creating meaningful connections and encouraging literacy in a fun and inclusive setting.
Storytime with FSPD will return next month, and families are encouraged to mark their calendars for another engaging session. The Fort Smith Police Department continues to look for ways to deepen community ties, one story at a time.