Bringing together Honolulu's finest and eager young minds, Ka`ewai Elementary School featured a special guest on their Career Day earlier this month. Officer Adam Picadura of the Honolulu Police Department joined the first graders to talk about life behind the badge and the role of police in society. According to an article published by the HPD, Picadura, with almost six years into his duty with District 5 Community Policing Team, takes inspiration from his father, a retired Hawai`i police officer.
The day was not only a chance to highlight the career pathway but also an opportunity to invest in community values. Picadura's visit served as an educational platform, where he laid emphasis on why staying in school and making good choices plays a crucial role in any career – especially in law enforcement. He also coaches high school football, showing that his dedication to the local youth doesn't end when his shift is over. "It’s a way to give back to the community," Officer Picadura explained, as reported by the HPD.
During the Q&A session, the students' curiosity was as clear as Honolulu's sunny skies. They asked about the gadgets adorning Officer Picadura's duty belt – a snapshot into the everyday tools of a police officer. It was here that a local officer highlighted the profound difference between public safety tools and common playthings. "They’re used to keep people safe, and not toys," Officer Picadura emphasized, talking about items such as handcuffs and police radios. The first graders found themselves especially intrigued by the handcuffs, which were demonstrated—but not played with—by Officer Picadura, as per the Honolulu Police Department press release.
Schools looking to provide a similar experience for their students have a gateway to do so, as evident from the service information available on the HPD's website. Any educational institution interested in inviting officers to share their professional journeys can find out more through the 'Services Offered' section, an initiative that bridges the gap between law enforcement and community from a young age. For more details, visit Honolulu Police Department site.
