Mic and Nero - Cartoon K9s Help Keep Kids Safe

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2011

In an effort to engage today’s media-savvy children on topics such as pedestrian and traffic safety, drug abuse, underage drinking, and other traditional public safety topics, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon has created the Mik and Nero franchise. This dynamic series of comics and activity books In the popular “manga” style follows the adventures of two police dogs as they help children to understand and avoid dangers in their lives. Named after two real-life K9s serving with the sheriff’s office, the pair have become ambassadors throughout the region. Professionally written and illustrated, five separate books have been produced over the past two years, in a partnership with other government agencies, non-profit organizations and private sponsors. More than 125,000 copies have been printed to date. They have been distributed free-of-charge through sheriff’s office programs that target young people, as well as many other groups and organizations serving that same demographic throughout Clackamas county and across Oregon. The development and production of these books has largely been paid for by grants from local, state, and federal programs, as well as private businesses.