The police department’s trading cards feature officer photos and biographies. The program is sponsored by the Berlin Rotary.
The Berlin Police Department’s trading card program is officially back, providing all ages with a personal way to connect with its officers.
The effort is sponsored by the Berlin Rotary Club and features collectible cards designed to spark conversations, build trust and deepen relationships between police and the public. Each card showcases a photo selected by the officers themselves, their rank, a brief biography and a motivational quote on the back.
Residents can collect the cards simply by asking an officer they happen upon in the community, at local events or during school visits.
Lt. Joshua Smith said reviving the initiative was long overdue.
“The police trading card program is nothing new to law enforcement as a group,” he explained. “However, it is something that sometimes is forgotten about or not updated due to funds, timing or just being a lower priority. Berlin police over the years have had several trading cards, and it was time for a new one …”
Smith said the process of collecting cards is simple.
“Each officer has their own personal card, with their information and picture,” he said. “Anyone can simply ask an officer – no matter where or when – if they have a trading card, and the officer will provide some. They will also be handed out during school in Berlin as well at (borough) events.”
Smith believes the program helps strengthen community connections.
“It provides an opportunity to engage an officer or an officer to engage a child or anyone at that, with a fun, creative activity that kids and anyone can collect,” he observed. “They can familiarize themselves with who the officer is by name and face as well as meeting them in person. They may also learn something about the officer in return.”
The response so far has been overwhelmingly positive: “Yes, and yes!” Smith enthused when asked if the program has sparked new interactions.
“The children and staff at our schools love them,” he said. “We’ve been giving them out during dropoff times, as well as lunch at our schools, and there has been a great response. One school even decorated their Christmas tree with the cards.”
Looking ahead, Smith said the goal is to keep the cards ongoing and updated.
“My long-term plan with this will be to keep it going for each new officer we obtain and update it more frequently,” he noted. “We had cards made in 2013 and 2017 and now 2025. We will continue the program with each officer as the years go on.”
Smith also expressed gratitude to the partners who helped make the relaunch possible, including the cards’ creator, Mala Graphix.
