WILMINGTON, N.C. -- Wilmington police officer, Melanie Medlock, is helping to make some bus stops a safe space for students.
- Every school day, for about two years, she stands out at the bus stop with students to ensure they get on safely
- Medlock stops in three communities every morning: Houston Moore, Hillcrest, and Creekwood
- Medlock said getting to know the kids, and their parents helps to enhance the community relationships
Every school day, for about two years, she stands out at the bus stop with students to ensure they get on safely. What was originally about keeping kids out of the middle of the street, and making sure drivers stopped for the school buses, has developed into much more than that.
"As an officer in the community, we become one of the neighbors, you know," said Medlock. "We become that community, and being able to come out and speak to people by name, you know, I think that means a lot."
Medlock stops in three communities every morning: Houston Moore, Hillcrest, and Creekwood. She said many students at the Creekwood stop used to bully each other, but now that has significantly decreased.
Some of the kids say they notice the difference.
"Whenever I'm out here sometimes, sometimes I don't feel safe," said Noah, a sixth grader. "Sometimes ...I just look around but, then I'll just hang around her car whenever I see her."
Medlock said getting to know the kids, and their parents helps to enhance the community relationships.
"It gives them that safety feeling and builds those bounds, I think, are very important," said Medlock. "And, I think it starts with the kids."
