Do the Right Thing

DO THE RIGHT THING (DTRT) encourages socially-desirable behavior in school-age children and showcases “good kids” who are making an effort to improve themselves and the community. The goals of DO THE RIGHT THING are to help foster self-esteem in young people by reinforcing positive behavior and to establish these young people as role models for their peers; to build bridges of trust throughout the community; and to publicly thank youth who are “doing the right thing.”

The Program accepts nominations monthly from teachers, parents, police officers, and other adults in the community in recognition of students’ good deeds, attitudes and behaviors. All nominees receive a DO THE RIGHT THING T-shirt, a certificate of recognition, and a congratulatory letter from Chief Mills. From this group, five students are chosen each month for special recognition. They are invited, with their families and friends, to a ceremony at the Palm Springs Police Department. The Chief awards the winners plaques and prize packages, and they are publicly recognized by our media sponsor KESQ on the news as well as in special promotional ads and on KESQ’s “Desert Chat.”

Founded in Miami, Florida, in 1990, there are now more than 60 DO THE RIGHT THING chapters throughout the United States, England, and Germany, and the program has impacted more than 500,000 children. Police chiefs from around the country attest to the importance of DTRT programs in their cities and the demonstrated effects they have witnessed both in the bahavior of young people and the relationship of their officers with the community.