The Knoxville Police Department is once again doing their part to make sure local children stay safe while riding bikes, scooters, skateboarding or just playing outside. The department has teamed up with local businesses to issue citations to children in Knoxville found to be wearing helmets or playing in a safe manner according to Knoxville School Resource Officer Kyle Keller. Keller tells KNIA/KRLS News parents should not be too concerned if they see a Knoxville Police Officer stop and talk to their children. Keller says parents should encourage their children to wear helmets and if officers are not too busy they shouldn’t be surprised when they stop and give a citation to their children with a coupon to either Kone Korner, Subway or Casey’s General Stores. Keller says the citation program is all about kids having fun while being safe. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the department also announced recently they are continuing to monitor the situation and will continue to speak with Marion County Public Health, and Marion County Emergency Management as to any recommendations to hold their Helmets and Hotdogs and Fishing with a Cop events later in the summer or early fall.