Families participate in police child safety sessions

PARKER, Colo. — The kidnapping and murder of Jessica Ridgeway is on a lot of parents’ minds. They’ve answered the call of Parker Police who have set up a series of seminars designed to give entire families the latest in child safety education.

“We hope to give tips on how kids can stay safe when heading to and from school,” said officer Amy Lantz. “Our goal is to help open dialogue within the family so parents and kids can role play some ways to avoid ‘dangerous situations.’”

Staying out of dangerous situations is the new ‘stranger danger’ watchword. The thought there is because an attack by strangers is rare, where the most common risk so many young people face is from a family member or someone the family might know.

Police went over walking in groups or using the buddy system when walking, using emergency whistles when confronted by someone seeking to harm them and by learning how to stay out of compromising situations.

So far in four sessions, more than 650 people have taken in the new police methods.  There are still four sessions to go. The way to be included is to email your interest in attending to: gjones@parkeronline.org

Space is limited, so the sooner you get your request in the better.