Do the Right Thing Program

Truly effective law enforcement in the 21st century must be based on strong ties between communities and their police departments. Community policing begins with tapping our most precious resource – our youth. Unfortunately, many children lack positive role models and self-esteem and they are unable to direct themselves down a positive path in life.

A program adopted by the Punta Gorda Police Department in 1995, dubbed “Do the Right Thing,” is working to instill positive attitudes and self-esteem in local youth by publicly recognizing them for their achievements, whether their accomplishments involve academics, athletics, community service, conservation, or any other effort where a child is trying his or her best to “do the right thing”.

Every month, five local Charlotte County children are selected from a pool of nominees for their outstanding efforts. The children may attend any school in Charlotte County. The top winner is awarded a $100.00 savings bond, a trophy, and various other prizes donated by local businesses. Four runners up each receive trophies, certificates and a "Do the Right Thing" T-shirt. Reinforcing the belief that every nominee is a winner, all students nominated for the award receive a certificate of recognition from the Chief of Police.

"Do the Right Thing" was started by the Miami Police Department and is now enjoying full success with programs all over the United States, England and Germany. The "Do the Right Thing" program has earned accolades from numerous organizations. The program has touched the lives of thousands of students, with the potential of reaching thousands more in the coming years.

Corporate sponsors (and we hope you will become one), combined with donations from local businesses, are used to fund the program. “Do the Right Thing" is funded solely through donations from corporate sponsors and community members. All donations to the "Do the Right Thing" program, both monetary and in-kind, are tax deductible.

Principals, teachers, parents, business leaders and community members are encouraged to nominate children for the "Do the Right Thing" award. Nomination forms are available at all Charlotte County schools as well as the Punta Gorda Police Department. Nominations may also be submitted through the City of Punta Gorda website. Click on Police Department and go to “Do the Right Thing”.

For additional information on the program, or to become a corporate sponsor, please contact Sergeant Joe King at 575-5525.

The following photos are from the 2009-2010 Do the Right Thing Program.

2008-2009 Do the Right Thing overall winner

April 2009 Winners

September 2009 Winners

October 2009 Winners

Annual Softball Tournament

Annual Softball Tournament

Simply fill out the online form and click Submit and it will be sent to the Do The Right Thing Program for consideration and processing. All fields are required.