THE INFORMER    

Welcome to our community resource newsletter, "The Informer. " The Informer will be updated monthly with information about our company,  local law enforcement agencies, and current issues in Public Safety.

 WEEK OF AUGUST 30, 2010

Pre-School Safety and Security...Who’s Doing What

By Steve Wallach

With more and more children attending private pre-school and other daytime programs, the question of safety and security often comes up.  I am often asked what can be done to protect our kids while they are at pre-school.

You should know that all schools  have safety and security policies.  Today, more have added security systems and methods to make sure that children are not injured or abducted.  But as with all things security, the systems are only as good as both the school and YOU make them.  That’s right, YOU have a responsibility.  We teach folks that attend our Crime Prevention classes that responsibility for preventing crime is a shared one...the Police and YOU.  So what can YOU do to share the responsibility for safety and security of your children at pre-school.  Let’s take a look at who is doing what.

When selecting a school, YOU must take the responsibility to check out the school and its policies...including their safety and security program.  Ask questions of the school staff about their policy and their systems to protect your children.  Be sure you really understand the program and ask questions if you don’t. Most importantly, be sure you are really satisfied with the answers you get.  Many staff members will just throw out answers and hope you will stop asking auestions. Most schools will show you their equipment and policy and explain operations.  What types of systems do schools use?  Today’s school uses a combination of systems which include closed circuit TV, access control, alarms, phones, and good old common sense on the part of their staff.

If the school has an electronic access system, understand its use.  For example,  while some might think it rude, NEVER allow someone to enter the building behind you by holding the door  open.  You don’t know who the person is and you may have compromised security.  Enter your code, put your finger or hand on the scanner, and enter the school.  The person behind you should do the same.  These systems record who enters and gives the school administration a record or who has entered and when.  If you are leaving the school with your child, never hold the door open for someone entering unless they have used the system and entered their personal code.

When picking up your child, don’t allow them run around the school or try to exit the front door.  They can fall in the hallways.  If they exit the school without you and you lose sight of them, it’s possible they could be injured in the parking lot, or worse, be abducted.  Never leave the school without having your child’s hand in yours.  Sure, I know the kids like to be independent, but you have the responsibility of making sure they are safe.  I have heard on more than one occasion a parent say, “Well, it was the school’s fault; they’re not watching out for the kids.”  If you are present, and you are taking your child home, YOU are responsible. 

The school may well have CCTV cameras, but they can’t be everywhere.  Cameras are usually located in critical interior and exterior areas, but again, if parents don’t use the systems, the cameras can’t do much, except document that you may not have followed procedures when entering or leaving.  They can also capture information for police if something happens.

Remember to sign in and out properly.  If the school has a sign in/out log,  sign it each time you bring your child to school or pick them up. 

Another important item...because someone trying to enter on your coattails tells you they are "school staff." never take their word for it, unless you know for sure they are on the staff.   If the staff is not signing in because they think they're above the policy, report this to school administration.  They are responsible for the actions of their staff. 

One final tip...NEVER leave the keys to your car in the car with the engine running.  In Texas, this is a crime under the State Codes.  You open yourself up to having your car stolen or items taken from the car.  When driving in the school parking lot,  SLOW DOWN and watch for other kids and parents.  It’s not necessary to drive 30 MPH in the lot;  10-15 MPH works just fine.  Finally, no texting or cel phone use while driving and for the gals, wait until you park to fix your make-up. 

Recently, I wrote an article for publication that addressed the apathy of people towards crime prevention and safety.  The article explained that victims often complain and blame others for the problem.  Not a good idea, because if the victim had taken precautions, the crime or incident may not have occurred.  Prevention is a shared responsibility.  Taking care of your kids who attend pre-school is a shared responsibility...YOU and the school.  Taking the attitude that security precautions are annoying and petty is not a good position.

Work with the school and its administrators to protect not only your child but all others at the school.  If someone calls you “rude,” because you didn’t let them in on your coattails, take a moment and explain to them why.  Remember, the child you protect is not only your own, but someone else’s as well.

As our friend, “McGriff The Crime Dog,” says,  “Let’s all take a bite outta crime!!”

(c)122009 MSR

Stay safe; Harden The Target, and remember:

Have a Safe and Secure Week!  And,

LET’S ALL TAKE A BITE OUT OF CRIME!!

He who does not prevent crime when he can, encourages it.
—Roman philosopher, Seneca

For more information, call MetroStar Resources,  866-769-4863.