Why Early Childhood Matters to... LAW ENFORCEMENT

Research shows that quality early childhood experiences lead to increased high school graduation rates and college enrollment, which in turn, reduce unemployment, teen pregnancy, dependence on social services, and crime; children exposed to high-quality early education are 70% less likely to commit a violent crime by age 18. These are better outcomes for kids that also save taxpayers money.

That’s why so many in the law enforcement community say that providing more educational programs for young children is the most effective strategy to reduce youth violence and crime; and why First Things First partners with parents and communities to help all kids start school healthy and ready to succeed.

“I believe it is extremely important for the community to support early childhood education because the statistics are clear. Children form impressions of who they are before the age of six. What they learn in those early formative years goes a long way toward helping them establish their own identities. Law enforcement has a role to play encouraging educators to help young children to learn those concepts key to becoming a contributing member of society. Early education and secondary education is vital to helping young people make positive choices for their lives."

Frank L. Milstead
Director, Arizona Department of Public Safety

“A wise person once said: ‘Train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old, they will not depart from it.’ We in law enforcement find this to be true on a daily basis. Those persons who had a solid upbringing, with sound moral principles instilled in them at a young age, are proven to be less likely to be involved in negative activities making them the focus of our attention. For this reason, programs like First Things First have a huge impact on the positive direction of our society and the future of America as a whole.”

Sheriff Mark J. Dannels
Cochise County

"The early developmental stages in a child’s life are the most critical. Their success is our future, and who we are to become as a society. These children will be the construction workers building our communities, the police officers protecting us, the teachers educating our great grandchildren, and the doctors caring for us as we age. For us to invest in them now is but a small price to pay for our future.”

Chief Roberto A. Villaseñor
Tucson Police Department

“The Phoenix Police Department understands the correlation between strong families and a strong community. Actively participating in early childhood development and education are key components in building strong families. Because the foundation of this collaborative relationship must begin early, we encourage everyone to read, speak, and engage with their children from day one.”

Commander Matthew Giordano
Phoenix Police Department

“A child begins to learn about life from birth. Helping children develop the ability to learn and live a good life is what early childhood education means to us, and it is one of our many responsibilities. Children see police officers as whom we are: Protectors, Providers and Peace Keepers of life, and we’re here to help them succeed. It was once told to me that ‘Education is the system that transmits culture.’ Being a Warrior of our society and a positive influence early in a child’s life helps them maintain basic life philosophies such as Strength, Wisdom, Guidance and Protection. These basic pillars, which we represent and teach, are maintained in the culture we live.”

Chief Francis E. Bradley Sr.
Hualapai Nation Police Department

“In my many years of law enforcement experience, I have come to the conclusion that kids with positive parental involvement in their day-to-day life are far less likely to have negative law enforcement contact as they become young adults.”

Chief Jody Fanning
Cottonwood Police Department

“Having worked in criminal justice for over 40 years, I see the connection between education and the criminal justice system. So many people who are now incarcerated in our jails and prisons lack the basic education skills to acquire and retain a job. Many of them have very low reading and writing skills which makes it difficult for them to fill out applications, read directions and follow instructions. It is clear that early childhood education is an issue that extends into adulthood and to our criminal justice system. As a society we must be willing to spend money and create programs that will provide every child the opportunity to receive quality education at an early age. If we refuse to fund education, we will most certainly be funding more jails and prisons. Victor Hugo wrote, ‘He who opens a school door, closes a prison.’”

Sheriff Bill Pribil
Coconino County