A couple dozen or so eager youngsters gather around deputies from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, scrutinizing with great interest the uniforms and shiny instruments adorning the duty belts.

The deputies don’t have to ask twice when they offer the children a look inside a patrol car; the students line up obediently to wait their turn.

But most important, they are learning a lesson — that law enforcement officers are their friends.

“We want kids to be comfortable; we want them to come see us,” said Lt. Kelly Cox.

Cox said deputies are available to speak at with school classes, church groups, after school programs, senior citizen groups, Scout troops, 4-H clubs … you name it, and most likely they’ve been there.

“If there’s any organization that wants us to speak, we can accommodate them,” Cox said. “You can request a certain topic; we recently had someone ask us to speak about gang activity in Beaufort County.”

Presentations are tailored to each group’s age level.

“The way we talk to a first-grade class is going to be a lot different than a high school group,” Cox pointed out. “We’ve been to Eastern Elementary School, Chocowinity Primary School, Northside High School, Washington High School, Southside High School, Bath Elementary School … we’ve done something at almost every school this year.”

Special programs cover a variety of topics, including social media safety, teen driving, situation awareness and church security, according to Cox.

“We even offer a program just for grandparents about what to look for if their grandchildren are using drugs,” he added.

For some gatherings, deputies bring along McGruff the Crime Dog as a special guest. More often than not, Jordan Gold is the man inside the McGruff costume.

“Pretty much whenever they need somebody I try to do it,” said Gold, BCSO’s system administrator. “I’ve been to Special Olympics, National Night Out and school events.”

While the McGruff costume can be quite uncomfortable during spring and summer appearances, Gold said his enthusiasm for it never wanes.

“It can get hot, but it’s really worthwhile when the kids smile at you,” he said. “It’s great seeing the kids enjoying meeting McGruff.”

For more information about scheduling an appearance with the sheriff’s office, contact Cox at kcox@co.beaufort.nc.us.