florence-trading-cards

The front and back of the trading card issued for Lt. Jonathan Greenberg

(Courtesy photo)

FLORENCE -- The trading cards Florence police officers are handing out may never fetch top dollar like the ones with major leaguers, but the department says they'll go a long way in strengthening the relationship between the officers and the community they serve.

Florence is among a handful of departments across the country that has made trading cards depicting its officers so that children under 16 could get to know them better.

"We felt it was an excellent way for local kids to interact with the police and to answer any questions they may have," said Lt. Jonathan Greenberg, who heads the community policing unit.

The contest kicked off last month and Greenberg said it's off to a great start.

The department hopes the kids will walk away feeling more comfortable about going into headquarters or flagging down an officer should they ever need help.

Greenberg says kids who've stopped by so far have been given tours of the station and police cars. They've gotten a glimpse inside the booking areas, cell blocks, report-writing areas, the detective bureau and have even been able to try on the bullet-proof vests.

The Florence Police Officer trading card contest is off to a great start!! Kids 16 and under can participate in the... Posted by Florence Township Police Department on Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Children are encouraged to collect the 25-card set, though two are unavailable at the moment. The list is available on the department's Facebook page or at the police dispatch window, 711 Broad St.

Each card comes with a personal message and biographical information about the officers and their police duties, rather than stats about runs, batting average and on-base percentages.

Greenberg's card tells kids, "Never talk to people you don't know on the internet."

As a reward for having a complete collection, kids will be treated to a $5 gift card for Quick Stop at 5th and Broad streets.

The contest rules are:

Do not disregard your safety or the officer's to collect a trading card. This includes not approaching them when they're on a call, have their emergency lights on or are directing traffic.

To receive a trading card, simply approach an officer and introduce yourself. Your name, age and school are good starting points

Parents are not allowed to collect cards for their children

Students are not allowed to collect cards during school hours

The following cards are available at police headquarters, 711 Broad St.: Chief John Bunce, Capt. Brian Boldizar, Lt. Jonathan Greenberg, Officer Michelle Koroseta, Detective Sgt. Albert Jacoby, Detective Cpl. James Ford and Detective Christopher Powell

Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find NJ.com on Facebook.