Musical message

     By Tina Allen
     View staff writer
      Jim Starr spent 25 years helping fight crime for the Los Angeles Police Department. Now, the former sergeant is devoting himself full time to a different beat.
      He is educating schoolchildren on the importance of safety and health through music in his role as the "Singing Cop."
      It is a name he earned early on in the police force, where his talents were used to develop a rapport with the public and show the positive side of law enforcement. Throughout the years he has been featured on national television, most recently on "Dateline NBC."
      The show, designed for children ages 3 to 12, is something Starr refers to as "edu-entertainment."
      "We feel if we get the kids young and make an impression, it will have more impact along with all the other programs," he said. "We are just one spoke in the wheel doing our little contribution to hopefully make the community better."
      His goal is to provide children with a plan before they are in danger, covering topics ranging from traffic, bicycle and home safety to gangs, drugs and conflict resolution, using song lyrics children tend to remember.
      "Have a plan is our theme," said Starr, who was in charge of training instructors for the entire Los Angeles Police Department. "Have a plan before something happens, not just after the fact and get lectured by a cop or a teacher or a parent."
      Starr is not alone in his mission. His wife, Christina, who studied theater and physical education at the University of California, Berkeley, and co-star Dr. Flamingo, an oversized piano-playing bird, focus on the importance of nutrition and exercise.
      Ned Mills, a board member of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, is behind the flamingo suit. He has a lengthy performance record, which includes a number of children's shows and movies. Most recently, he was Halle Berry's piano trainer.
      "We are trying to help kids want to do things," Christina Starr said. "They are either in front of the computer or the T.V., so they don't go out to play much anymore."
      Then, of course, there is Magic, the star-shaped guitar, which seems to have a mind of its own. Not only does it sing along to tunes, but comments throughout the show.
      "I don't think I know this one, Jim," it interjected in a recent performance as Jim Starr was about to sing a song about respect and responsibility.
      The show is operated under the nonprofit organization, the Starr-Gem Safety Foundation for Children. Jim Starr credits Ramona Ward, CEO of Jay Ward Productions, for providing funding for its creation.
      The Starrs recently moved to Las Vegas from Los Angeles to pursue their dreams of reaching more children. In the past year alone, they have performed for more than 35,000 pupils.
      They are currently working on a PBS special titled "Starrland: The Safety and Health Musical Review," which should air early next year. In addition, they are in the process of creating a Web site, where children can submit questions to Dr. Flamingo about issues that are bothering them.
      "We really feel that if we all are just a little bit more aware, we don't need to change the world. But, if everybody does their part for children's safety, more than just talk about it, there won't be Columbines," Jim Starr said. "The message is simple: Keep our kids safe."
      Those interested in the show or in donating to the foundation can call 258-5658.