Cops prevent crime starting in schools

HUTSONVILLE, Ill. (WTHI) - Illinois law enforcement officers say preventing crime starts in preschool.

That's why members of Fight Crime: Invest in Kids visited a class in Hutsonville, Ill. The group is composed of law enforcement officers who believe cuts to early education can result in higher crime rates.

Illinois lawmakers cut funding by 10 percent last year to preschool education and, with a tough budget situation this year, more cuts could be in the future.

"We would much rather invest the dollars on the front end in quality preschool, than invest in the back end, by arresting these kids, by putting them in jail. That's just a loss for our community," Ben Peck with Fight Crime: Invest in Kids said.

The officers also read to the kids at the preschool, showing them how police and other officials are there to help and protect them.