We propose that the State of Ohio Senate adopt the Texas Community Safety Education Act. This rule requires school districts and charter schools to provide one time instruction to students in grades 9-12 on proper interaction with Police Officers during traffic stops and other in-person encounters. (tea.texas.gov)  It would be naive to assume that parents, guardians, and teachers have time or make the time to explain "How" our young people should react or behave (Specifically) around Peace or Police Officers.  Interactions with Police Officers can be an extremely stressful situation for everyone involved, including the Police Officers, and there is CLEARLY a need to educate ALL of our young people and prepare them for the real world.  

This is not only for the purpose of educating our young people.  This requirement would be put in place as a safety measure to help protect both young citizens and Police Officers alike.  Additionally, it could help to protect the rights of our citizens as many may not be aware of their rights and how to protect themselves during an interaction with a Police Officer.  I could include a number of examples showing miscommunication and poorly handled interactions between young people and Police Officers, but you can quickly research at any number of reputable news outlets online, or at your local library, and find hundreds of examples of police interactions gone wrong.  (From both sides)

Texas is leading the way in helping to protect the next generation with real world education and preparation.  With continuous improvements to the program, and plenty of referral cases to review, Ohio can study and easily adopt some version of this safety act that will propel and encourage the next generation of young people and Police Officers to safely interact with each other.  Education and understanding is the path we need to take.