Law enforcement officials know from firsthand experience how important education is for Maine’s future. We know what a difference it makes in preparing people for future success, and in preventing poverty, crime and a host of other social problems.

While a recent poll shows that an overwhelming majority of Maine residents support public investments in primary education, as well as in the Maine Community College System and the University of Maine System, many Mainers are still unaware of the value of investing in early childhood development from birth to five years of age. Decades of research reveal that investing in young children’s development before they enter kindergarten can have an enormous impact in helping grow our economy and also in reducing future crime.

The research clearly shows that giving children, especially at-risk children, quality early learning experiences that advance their cognitive, physical, social and emotional development is a highly cost-effective way of improving their chances of thriving in school and in life.

The High/Scope Perry Preschool study, which tracked students in a quality preschool program and similarly situated children who did not participate in the program for 40 years, estimated that every dollar invested in the program saved up to $16 over the long term. Most of the savings resulted from reduced corrections and crime-related costs.

Here are some statistics from high-quality, early-learning programs that targeted low-income children. Compared to children attending these programs, similar low-income children who did not participate were:

* One-third less likely to graduate from high school;

* One-third less likely to have yearly earnings of $20,000 or more;

* 67 percent more likely to be retained a grade;

* 71 percent more likely to be placed in a special education program;

* Five times more likely to become chronic lawbreakers; and

* 70 percent more likely to be arrested for a violent crime by age 18.

As law enforcement leaders, we focus on these last two crime-related statistics. The reality is: High-quality early education and care is one of the best crime prevention tools we have.

Throughout the past year, many organizations such as Fight Crime: Invest In Kids, the Maine Children’s Growth Council, the Maine Children’s Alliance and the Maine Coalition for Excellence in Education, have come together to support the development of a high-quality educational system in Maine from early childhood through college.

Now that the elections are behind us, we will continue to work with Maine’s new governor and legislators to ensure that this goal is a public policy priority. Strengthening early childhood development programs is the key to preparing young people for the future and for Maine’s economic prosperity. It is also a proven way to reduce crime.

Phillip Crowell Jr. is chief of police of the Auburn Police Department. Guy Desjardins is Androscoggin County sheriff.