School Standouts: Police chief writes tickets to kids when he catches them doing something positive

PERRIS, Calif. - Kids get caught all the time in school when they do something bad. But what happens when they do something good?

At Mead Elementary in Perris, kids love getting “caught” by the police. Yes, you read that correctly! Val Verde Unified Police Chief Mark Clark writes tickets to kids when he catches them doing something positive. It’s called the "Positive Citation Program."  

The students love being recognized in front of their peers.  

They can then take their “citation” to restaurants and businesses in the community that have teamed up with law enforcement to offer rewards for the students' good deeds and behaviors. 

The program is a great way to reinforce positive behavior and build trust with law enforcement.

But that’s not the only reason Clark is being honored during this week's School Standouts. Chief Clark may look like an officer, but he’s really Santa Claus with a badge. Clark makes it his mission every year to make sure each student K through 3rd receives a Christmas gift through a toy drive.  

It takes Clark months to oversee money collection — $50,000 this year — to organize the purchase and delivery, and take in donations.

Chief Clark also uses his patrol car and part-time sleigh to deliver presents to kids battling cancer at Loma Linda Children’s Hospital.  

Congratulations Val Verde Unified Police Chief Mark Clark on being nominated as one of FOX 11's “School Standouts.”

If you'd like to nominate a person or program for FOX 11 School Standouts, head over to FOX11SchoolStandouts.com.