Two local ministers are stepping into action to promote safety at traffic stops.
They call it, The Village of a Thousand Elders.
Their advice could save lives.
A recent presentation to Moline Police is producing results.
Just days after the talk, the wristband urging, "Don't Assume, Verify," is put into action.
"Traffic stops are a very dangerous situation," said Captain John Reynolds, East Moline Police Department. "You just never know what's going to happen."
As Moline Police make a routine traffic stop for speeding, the driver follows training from the faith-based campaign.
The driver, who happens to be an African American soldier stationed at the Rock Island Arsenal, puts his hands on the steering wheel and reveals the wristband.
"It lowers the tension," said Dr. Melvin Grimes, who co-founded the effort with Rev. P. Wonder Harris. "People understand that you're dealing with a citizen."
What happens next surprises the soldier.
"The officer saw the bracelet and knew about the program," Dr. Grimes continued. "The officer said, 'You're part of the Village?'"
"Yes sir," the driver replied.
The officer just said, "You know what? Have a good day."
That one case is a shining example of how the program can succeed.
Some 400 residents in the Illinois Quad Cities are wearing the wristbands.
Now, by adding stickers for cars, it can enhance what they're trying to do.
Pastors and police hope the stickers will also reduce any tension.
Participants receive training on how to respond before they receive a sticker.
"You see a sticker, it's not going to say like, okay, this person is not a threat at all," Capt. Reynolds said. "It's just to remember what we're here for, to serve and protect the people. Let's go with a level playing field here."
The wristbands and stickers are available after training sessions at either Tabernacle Baptist Church in Moline or Mount Zion Baptist Church in East Moline.
"It's not just a sticker," said Rev. Harris. "It's what it's about. It took a long time to build a foundation for it."
Pastors hope that the first success story will lead to many more. The Moline case is a powerful endorsement.
That's because police and the community are working together.
"It could have very easily gone the opposite direction," Dr. Grimes concluded.
They're taking simple steps that just might save lives someday.