Students Meet Police, Pols at Law Day Event

City Council Member Elizabeth Crowley (as seen in top photo) describes her duties as a legislator to seventh-grade students at I.S. 73 in Maspeth. In bottom photo, David Cox of the Federal Investigation Bureau (FBI) explains the importance of teamwork in his profession. Police officers, elected officials, and representatives from city and federal agencies visited with students of I.S. 73Q during the 33rd annual Law Day sponsored by the Maspeth Kiwanis Club.

P.O. Sean Garland of the 104th Precinct warned sixth-graders of cyber bullying and the dangers they face on the internet.

"Growing up, you'll have friends, friends you can trust...good friends and best friends," he began.

"Don't talk bad about people online. You'll find out a lot of people just pretend to be your friends. Your real friends are the ones you can see and talk to."

When propmpted by the officer, most children admitted to using My- Space.com, a social networking Web site, and communicating with hundreds of people on the service.

Garland told them to be wary of individuals using MySpace that disguise themselves as adolescents, but are really adults looking to meet the youngsters in person.

"People sit online for 16 to 20 hours a day. Don't give them any information, don't let them see you through your webcam and don't even let them know who your school mascot is," added Garland.

P.O. Evelina Dove followed by advising the audience to pay attention to what their classmates are telling them to determine if they are crying for help.

Somebody confiding that they're being abused in any way, she said, shouldn't be kept a secret.

P.O. Janet Gratkowski further suggested that students be mindful of their peers and avoid ridiculing their apperance or handicaps.

In addition, State Senator Joseph Addabbo and City Council Member Elizabeth Crowley went from class- room to classroom to explain the roles they play in society as lawmakers.

Crowley, in particular, detailed how her legislative body works in concert with the mayor in order to balance the budget and ensure that public schools receiver enough funding to stay open.

She encouraged students to send her questions and requests.

David Cox from the Federal Investigation Bureau (FBI) was on hand to preach the value of teamwork.

He described how his squad consists of 10 to 15 agents depending on the assignment.

Working together, he said, isn't only important from a safety aspect, but it gives his department the opportunity to have more witnesses at the scene of an incident that may be needed down the line to backup a claim.

Another reason FBI members work in large groups, he said, is to facilitate the capture of hardened criminals by putting them in a position where they can't win versus a team of agents.

When asked about the pistol he carries while he's on duty, Cox said that all agents carry a Glock firearmto protect themselves.

"I don't want to hurt anyone. We're not criminals. We're trying to arrest people," he shared.

"I might think you're guilty, but you're not. We're prepared to use violence , but try to avoid it first."

Cox, who previously served as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps., said he would much rather see someone in jail rather than see people die through the use of guns, which "sends the wrong message."

Kiwanis member Edward Mc- Gowan was pleased with the this year's turnout of speakers, and told the Times Newsweekly of the ways in which Law Day benefits local students.

"It gives police a chance to interact with them one-on-one before they end up in a jail cell," said the attorney, who's been volunteering his time with the Maspeth Kiwanis for 37 years.

"The other part of the program is it's emphasis on education in terms of attending college and earning scholarships."

In fact, McGowan makes sure to stress to students that any sort of criminal activity will go on their records and prevent them from receiving federal scholarships.

"This program tells them they can do anything they want to and that's what I think the United States is all about anyway."