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n/a
A Massachusetts mom said police went too far when they paid her and her 5-year-old daughter a visit for failing to return their library books on time.
"She's 5; she didn't understand," said Shannon Benoit of her daughter, Hailey.
Police said Tuesday that an officer showed up last week at the Benoit's home in the town of Charlton to inform the family that the books were long overdue.
Hailey -- who was standing beside her mom when the officer arrived -- then burst into tears.
'Is that policeman going to arrest me?'" Benoit quoted her daughter to CNN affiliate WBZ-TV.
"I was scared," added Hailey.
Police enforcement of library lending leaves 5 year-old in tears - CNN.com
Police Chief James A. Pervier said his officers have been asked by library personnel to make similar visits to at least 13 other Charlton households over library late fees.
Officials say the police-backed crackdown has since inspired more prompt book returns among library patrons.
"We've gotten quite a bit back," said Hansen. "Even some things that weren't overdue!"
Benoit told CNN that she has since returned the overdue books, making the return trip to the library shortly after the officer's visit.
"She's 5; she didn't understand," said Shannon Benoit of her daughter, Hailey.
Police said Tuesday that an officer showed up last week at the Benoit's home in the town of Charlton to inform the family that the books were long overdue.
Hailey -- who was standing beside her mom when the officer arrived -- then burst into tears.
'Is that policeman going to arrest me?'" Benoit quoted her daughter to CNN affiliate WBZ-TV.
"I was scared," added Hailey.
Police enforcement of library lending leaves 5 year-old in tears - CNN.com
Police Chief James A. Pervier said his officers have been asked by library personnel to make similar visits to at least 13 other Charlton households over library late fees.
Officials say the police-backed crackdown has since inspired more prompt book returns among library patrons.
"We've gotten quite a bit back," said Hansen. "Even some things that weren't overdue!"
Benoit told CNN that she has since returned the overdue books, making the return trip to the library shortly after the officer's visit.