North Carolina Police Publish Children’s Book To Connect With Community

There are a couple of segments of our population that have my never-ending respect:  the members of our military and our first responders-especially those that serve on fire and police forces.  What these have in common is they willingly put their lives on the line every day to ensure my family's safety.  Further, the father of one of my son's best friends is a high ranking official in CMPD.  So, I've gotten an intimate view of what a truly dedicated public servant looks like.  And it's awesome.  Because of this, it's always been hard for me to understand hatred of police.  I get it.  I've seen the same things everyone else has.  I just know that common sense says a bad apple doesn't spoil the bunch.  That being said, there's no denying that in some places our police have a big PR problem.  One North Carolina law enforcement division is doing something about it.

The Apex Police Department has published a children's book called, Who's Behind The Badge? It's a new effort to connect with the children of their community.  The 40-page book highlights the stories of actual officers within the department including their hobbies and interests.  The books are given out by officers on patrol.

Apex Police Chief Jason Armstrong tells ABC 11, "We have a really good relationship with the community here, but we can always do more. We see the age of individuals entering the criminal justice system is getting younger and younger."

Our police are here to protect and serve.  And they are moms and dads and normal people too.  Getting this message out to kids is a fantastic idea.  The Apex Police Department's children's book, Who's Behind The Badge? is beyond a great idea.

Choosing where to settle down and raise your children is an important decision. Your job and being around family are important. But so are other factors like schools, cost of living, recreational activities, and more. That's why our friends at StorageCafe released a data-driven report on the best cities for families with kids. And one North Carolina city ranked as one of the best to raise children in. While we already know that NC is a great place, it's nice to see it confirmed by others!

What makes a great environment for raising children? Safe neighborhoods, access to quality education, and cultural and outdoor opportunities for one. Additionally, in this economy, you need to factor in affordability and the job market. With families in mind, Storage Cafe ranked the 100 largest cities in the country. Rankings were based on 29 metrics, including public school ratings, safety, home prices, cost of groceries, the share of families with children, cultural and outdoor recreation opportunities, and more. 

Below you'll find the 10 Top Best Cities for families across the country. You'll see and learn a little more about the North Carolina city representing as a great place to raise children. Keep reading to see where the other North Carolina metros ranked as well. You can read the full Storage Cafe study here.

Public Schools Ranking: 1

Average Family Income: $116,046

Groceries Cost: 103

Childcare Cost: $1,294

Home Prices: $533,433

Public Schools Ranking: 15

Average Family Income: $92,712

Groceries Cost: 100

Childcare Cost: $1,505

Home Prices: $377,992

Public Schools Ranking: 11

Average Family Income: $82,870

Groceries Cost: 97

Childcare Cost: $1,689

Home Prices: $266,570

Public Schools Ranking: 7

Average Family Income:$84,436

Groceries Cost: 94

Childcare Cost: $1,289

Home Prices:$515,432

Public Schools Ranking: 12

Average Family Income: $96,846

Groceries Cost: 101

Childcare Cost: $1,377

Home Prices: $457,510

Public Schools Ranking: 13

Average Family Income: $190,089

Groceries Cost: 115

Childcare Cost:$1,866

Home Prices: $834,611

Public Schools Ranking: 17

Average Family Income: $81,972

Groceries Cost: 98

Childcare Cost:$1,400

Home Prices: $284,944

Public Schools Ranking: 29

Average Family Income: $97,829

Groceries Cost: 100

Childcare Cost: $1,455

Home Prices: $374,971

Public Schools Ranking: 2

Average Family Income: $121,153

Groceries Cost: 97

Childcare Cost: $1,193

Home Prices: $642,650

Public Schools Ranking: 25

Average Family Income: $64,164

Groceries Cost: 92

Childcare Cost:$972

HOme Prices: $208,767

Public Schools Ranking: 37

Average Family Income:$55,361

Groceries Cost: 96

Childcare Cost: $1,143

Homes Prices: $245,709

Public Schools Ranking: 49

Average Family Income: $86,107

Groceries Cost: 99

Childcare Cost: $1,387

Home Prices: $402,643

Public Schools Ranking: 32

Average Family Income: $58,500

Groceries Cost: 95

Childcare Cost: $1,132

Home Prices: $238,243

Public Schools Ranking: 59

Average Family Income: $83,996

Groceries Cost: 99

Childcare Cost: $1,304

Home Prices: $422,306