BAY MINETTE, Ala. — Like a Good Neighbear State Farm is there. No that's not a typo. Local State Farm agent John Chason has teamed up with the Bay Minette Police Department to create Operation Good Neigh Bear.

Chason presented Chief Michael Rowland with 48 bears wearing T-shirts bearing the State Farm logo and the words Good Neigh Bear on the back.

"Operation Good Neigh Bear is putting stuffed bears in the police cars so that when officers encounter children who are scared of police or have been involved in or witnessed a traumatic event, the bear can bridge that gap and help calm them down," Rowland said.

"It's a tremendous program and we're glad to be a part of it."

Rowland said cars currently carry stuffed animals when available, but said the program relies on donations of the toys and supplies usually don't hold out for long.

"We've never had a formal program," Rowland said.

Chason said the original donation is of 48 bears, two for each patrol car. When those run out, the department can call and will be supplied with more.