Tasmania Police will today receive 50 TAZI teddy bears from Girl Guides to be given to children who are affected by accidents, emergencies and crime.

The donated bears will be used to help break down barriers between police and children and to help them cope with traumatic situations.

The bears will be kept in police cars, ready to be called into action when required.

Assistant Commissioner Colin Little said:

“We are very grateful to the Girl Guides for donating these bears.

“We are often the first people children encounter following a crime or emergency and the fear and confusion can be overwhelming for them.

“Often what young children need more than anything is some comfort and reassurance and the teddy bears can help with that,” he said.

Girl Guides Tasmania Commissioner Mary Laing said:

“Girl Guides Tasmania strives to provide services and activities where children and young people feel safe and are protected from harm, where they are respected, listened to and their best interests considered and upheld.

“Connecting with Tasmania Police to donate our TAZI bears was another way for us to fulfil our commitment,” she said.