HomeMy WebLinkAbout9A - Sexual Predator
MEETING DATE:
AGENDA #:
PREPARED BY:
AGENDA ITEM:
DISCUSSION:
4646 Dakota Street S.E.
Prior Lake, MN 55372-1714
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
September 17, 2007 \'\~
:~nk Boyles, City Manag~
CONSIDER APPROVAL OF A REPORT PROPOSING SHORT AND LONG
TERM STRATEGIES AND OBJECTIVES TO ADDRESS COMMUNITY SAFETY
FROM SEXUAL PREDATORS
Introduction
The purpose of this agenda item is to suggest to the Council for discussion some
short and long term objectives for enhancing community safety and facilitate
Council discussion about the "Safe Prior Lake Community Task Force."
Historv
A Level 3 Sexual Offender moved into Prior Lake on August 15, 2007. A
community meeting was conducted which indicated that there are 23 other
KNOWN SEXUAL OFFENDERS LIVING IN THE CITY. This event has amplified
the importance of creating and maintaining a safe and healthy community in
accordance with our 2030 Vision and Strategic Plan. Accordingly, the City
Council directed that the staff prepare an outline of short-term and long-term
objectives for City Council consideration at the next Council meeting. The
Council also agreed that a task force should be formed to assure implementation
of these and other objectives.
Current Circumstances
We have learned in a very short time the wisdom of the Long Range Planning
Committee in adding the "Safe and Healthy Community" Vision Element. It has
also become abundantly clear that a great deal of work has been done on this
topic and additional time should be spent by the Task Force: 1) learning what
resources, programs and personnel are available locally to assist, and 2) identify
which objectives and programs are likely to be most effective for the Prior Lake
community.
To begin the preparation of a short- and long-term objectives list, we identified
things we are already doing or have begun to implement because of the council's
direction:
I. What we are doing now or just started
Alreadv Underwav
· DARE program which includes, "Good Touch - Bad Touch" and
abduction scenarios for public and parochial school students in first,
third and fifth grade. This program has been incorporated into the
DARE curriculum for at least the past eight years.
www.cityofpriorlake.com
Phone 952.447'.9800 I Fax 952.447.4245
. Fingerprinting program in elementary school to stimulate thinking about
the unthinkable.
· DARE Day and Bike-a-thon which raises money to offer DARE. DARE
addresses drugs, alcohol and violence as well as ways to resist peer
and stranger pressure.
· National Night Out is a grass roots campaign in which families display
their intent to resist crime and willingness to watch out for one another.
This year, 22 neighborhoods representing 500 persons participated.
· Neighborhood Watch program is a program in which the Police
Department works with organized neighborhoods to increase vigilance
through information exchange and dialogue.
· Recently updated Police Department policy on missing and endangered
children.
. Administered a neighborhood Networking Questionnaire to 56
homeowner association or neighborhood representatives to see how
and what topic areas we can establish an ongoing dialogue.
Started
· Newswire E-Mail - we have collected more e-mail addresses at
community and neighborhood meetings and modified our information to
include family safety resources like the Wetterling Foundation and the
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
· Inside City Hall - Executive Director Nancy Sabin appeared in the
program telecast on PL TV-15 to discuss what families can do to assure
the safety of their children. This program will be replayed and is
available for families over time.
· Public Service Announcements (PSA) - we have identified 15-second
to multiple minute PSAs which are available to telecast on cable TV and
we intend to incorporate them in our programming and Website.
· Community Fall Fest - at the City's two tables we solicited additional e-
mail addresses for electronic news distribution. We also distributed
safety tip handout sheets prepared by Minnesota Crime Prevention,
Jacob Wetterling Foundation and the National Center for Missing and
Exploited Children. McGruff, the crime dog, also made an appearance.
We distributed information about World Day to Prevent Child Abuse on
November 19,2007.
· Celebrate "World Day to Prevent Child Abuse: on November 19, 2007.
II. Short Term Activities
· Adopt a City motto, "Creating a Safe Prior Lake Community."
· Inventory what others are or are not doing. What programs do the
public and parochial schools have? Do civic or athletic organizations
offer any safety training? Do churches or other non-profit organizations
offer something? For those things we learn, post them electronically,
on paper and by word-of-mouth to increase awareness and access to
such data.
· Help non-profit organizations to adopt and implement policies regarding
background checks.
. Inventory whether organizations (schools, churches, city) have all
appropriate safety policies in place.
· Utilize community events like Ladies Night Out (October 4) and
Downtown Dazzle (November 30, 2007) to collect e-mails, offer short
educational handouts or onsite training.
· Host a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children training for
child safety. This is an eight-hour, "train the trainer" program which can
be offered on a multi-jurisdictional basis to up to 50 people. The Center
pays all costs except student work time.
. Offer as part of our recreational! community education programming a
half-hour training program entitled, "No Child Should be at Risk:
Prevention Works," which can be copied and distributed on the
Website, PL TV 15 and DVD copies for everyone in Prior Lake.
III. Long Term
· Encourage civic, religious, school, athletic and other groups to offer
training or take steps to improve safety within their own organizations.
. Add teaching personal safety and online safety information with existing
fingerprinting program.
· Prepare refinements to existing notification statutes and work with
legislators, SCALE, AMM and LMC to have the refinements adopted as
law.
· Adopt a City policy to protect children including policy on how the Police
Department handles such crimes, or what City personnel should do if
they are asked to assist in the field.
· Develop local PSAs for PL TV 15 and school access channel.
· Establish a safety library on the Website, at the Library, etc.
· Explore and implement new programs within the Police Department to
expand proactive Safe and Healthy strategies; i.e., community crime
prevention specialist.
· Encourage the teaching of "NetSmartz" training to kids.
. Establish goals and objectives such as:
o Assuring that 70% of public! private organizations and agencies or
companies who work with children have policies and responses in
place (and have trained staff regarding the warning signs of sexual
abuse).
o Assuring that 70% of all residents have been provided safety
information.
o Assuring that 70% of the City's neighborhoods have been offered
the opportunity to receive personal safety training through various
media.
Conclusion
Included for Council information are various materials on this topic:
1. World Day to Prevent Child Abuse - November 19, 2007.
2. Updated Police Department Policy and Procedure on Missing and
Endangered Children.
3. Halloween Safety Tips.
4. Know the Rules - General Tips for parents and guardians to keep their
children safe.
5. Know the Rules for going to and from school more safely.
6. Knowing my Eight Rules for Safety.
ISSUES:
The information above is suggested by the staff at this time. These objectives
could change dramatically once the Task Force is in place.
We believe there are a significant number of resources available to us within
Prior Lake. For example, Betsy Jader, a Prior Lake resident who works with the
Grant Hussey Foundation and was a member of the Project Protect Task Force,
has already provided some excellent materials on "Project Protect" for our use
and has agreed to serve on the task force.
As to task force composition, we believe that representatives of each of the five
stakeholder groups identified by the Jacob Wetterling Foundation should serve.
They include:
. Parents, grandparents, caregivers
· Schools, faith-based, civic, daycare organizations, ECFE
· Law enforcement I legal
. Public policymakers at various levels
. Corporations
In the absence of Council direction to the contrary, the staff intends to personally
solicit persons from these groups to serve on the task force. One or two council
members would be appropriate.
Our intent is to proceed as outlined in this memo unless the Council directs
otherwise.
FINANCIAL
IMPACT:
Unknown at this time.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Adopt the report as submitted.
2. Adopt the report with amendments.
3. Take no action.
RECOMMENDED As the Council deems appropriate.
MOTION:
World Day To Prevent Child Abuse
~overnber19,2007
4
"
..
9 Tips on how YOU can prevent Child Abuse
1. Speak up when you see something odd or inappropriate with a child. . . tell the appropriate authority or agency so
one of you can check it out. If your child goes missing, report it to the police and call Jacob Wetterling Foundation
at 651-714-4673 or from Greater MN call1-800-325-HOPE (4673).
2. Never keep a secret, only keep surprises. Teach children that they are never to keep secrets, only surprises. A
secret is most often negative, hurtful or harmful so children should never agree to keep them. Surprises are most
often positive, fun and short-term, so keeping them is usually fIne. Most abusers make children "promise not to
tell. . . "
3. Stranger Danger DOES NOT WORK. Teach kids about what dangerous SITUATIONS and BEHAVIORS to
avoid versus what KINDS OF PEOPLE to avoid. More than 85% of the time, those who abuse kids are known,
trusted adults or juveniles within the child's circle.
4. Learn the warning signs of inappropriate sexual behaviors in both adults and youth.
5. Talk with your children and family through connecting conversations about healthy sexuality including age
appropriate information and boundaries. Make a family safety plan available at:
www.stopitnow.com/mn/ pdf/MN_FamSafetyPlan.pdf
6. Make a plan if someone's behavior around children concerns you. Contact Stop It Now! Minnesota's safe and
confIdential Helpline at 1-888-PREVENT for information about what to do.
7. Make time for your children. Take some time to playa game or read a book together each day.
8. Refrain from using discipline in anger. Use discipline to teach your children to manage their behavior.
9. Lend a hand to others. Identify ways you can help friends, family and neighbors in times of stress. You may offer
to care for a neighbor's child for an evening or bring them dinner.
For more information visit:
Jacob Wetterling Foundation: 1-800-325-HOPE, www.jwf.org
Stop It Now! Minnesota: 651-644-8515, www.stoptinow.org/mn
Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota: 1-800-621-6322, www.familysupport.org
Neighborhood House: 651-789-2500, www.neighb.org
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PRIOR LAKE POLICE DEPARTMENT
POLICY AND PROCEDURE MANUAL
MISSING AND ENDANGERED CHILDREN
DATE ISSUED: OCTOBER 11, 1995
SECTION 5 CHAPTER 2
RETENTION DATE: UNTIL RESCINDED
PURPOSE
THE PURPOSE OF THIS POLICY IS TO ESTABLISH GUIDELINES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE
CONSISTENT RESPONSE TO, AND INVESTIGATION OF, ALL REPORTS OF MISSING AND
ENDANGERED CHILDREN AS DEFINED IN MINNESOTA STATUTES, CHAPTER 299C.52, SUBD.
I, (c), AND (E) ("MINNESOTA MISSING CHILDREN PROGRAM"). ALTHOUGH THIS IS A
DEPARTMENT POLICY, SOME PROCEDURES ARE MANDATORY. THE MANDATORY
PROCEDURES ARE HIGHLIGHTED IN BOLD PRINT.
THE POLICY ADDRESSES ONLY THOSE INVESTIGATIONS WHERE THE MISSING CHILD HAS BEEN
DETERMINED TO BE BOTH MISSING AND ENDANGERED.
POLICY
THE PRIOR LAKE POLICE DEPARTMENT RECOGNIZES THAT THERE IS A CRITICAL NEED FOR
IMMEDIATE AND CONSISTENT RESPONSE TO REPORTS OF MISSING AND ENDANGERED
CHILDREN. THE DECISIONS MADE AND ACTIONS TAKEN DURING THE PRELIMINARY STAGES
HAVE A PROFOUND AFFECT ON THE OUTCOME OF THE CASE. THEREFORE, THIS DEPARTMENT
HAS ESTABLISHED THE FOLLOWING RESPONSIBILITIES AND GUIDELINES FOR THE
INVESTIGATION OF MISSING AND ENDANGERED CHILDREN. ALL OFFICERS WILL BE
INFORMED OF, AND COMPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING REQUIRED PROCEDURES.
AFTER THE PRIOR LAKE POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED A REPORT OF A MISSING
CHILD, OBTAINED THE BASIC FACTS OF THE CASE, DESCRIPTIONS OF THE MISSING CHILD AND
ABDUCTOR (IF KNOWN), AND DETERMINED THAT THERE IS SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE TO BELIEVE
THAT THE CHILD IS ENDANGERED, THE DEPARTMENT WILL RESPOND ACCORDING TO THE
FOLLOWING FIVE TYPES OF GENERAL PROCEDURES:
1) INITIAL RESPONSE,
2) INITIAL INVESTIGATION,
3) INVESTIGATION,
4) PROLONGED INVESTIGATION, AND
5) RECOVERy/CASE CLOSURE.
THE FACTS SURROUNDING EACH MISSING AND ENDANGERED CHILD REPORT WILL DICTATE
WHEN THE PROCEDURES ARE WARRANTED, AND WHAT THE ORDER AND PRIORITY SHOULD
BE WITHIN EACH OF THE FIVE CATEGORIES. HOWEVER, EACH OF THE PROCEDURES MUST BE
CARRIED OUT IMMEDIATELY AS CIRCUMSTANCES WARRANT AND MANY OF THE STEPS WILL
NEED TO BE DONE SIMUL T ANEOUSL Y.
DEFINITIONS
MISSING
ENDANGERED
CHILD
SUFFICIENT
EVIDENCE
NCIC
ClIS
PROCEDURES
ACCORDING TO MINNESOTA STATUTES, CHAPTER 299C.52, SUBD. I, (C),
MISSING MEANS "THE STATUS OF A CHILD AFTER A LAW ENFORCEMENT
AGENCY THAT HAS RECEIVED A REPORT OF A MISSING CHILD HAS
CONDUCTED A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION AND DETERMINED THAT THE
CHILD CANNOT BE LOCATED."
ACCORDING TO MINNESOTA STATUTES, CHAPTER 299C.52, SUBD. 1, (E),
ENDANGERED MEANS THAT "A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL HAS RECEIVED
SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE THAT THE CHILD IS WITH A PERSON WHO PRESENTS A
THREAT OF IMMEDIATE PHYSICAL INJURY TO THE CHILD OR PHYSICAL OR
SEXUAL ABUSE OF THE CHILD."
ACCORDING TO MINNESOTA STATUTES, CHAPTER 299C.52, SUBD. I, (A),
CHILD MEANS "ANY PERSON UNDER THE AGE OF 18 YEARS OR ANY PERSON
CERTIFIED OR KNOWN TO BE MENTALLY INCOMPETENT."
MEANS ARTICULABLE FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH WOULD INDUCE
A REASONABLY PRUDENT POLICE OR PEACE OFFICER TO BELIEVE THAT A
CRIME HAS BEEN OR IS ABOUT TO BE COMMITTED.
MEANS THE NATIONAL CRIME INFORMATION CENTER.
MEANS THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE INFORMATION SYSTEM.
I. INITIAL RESPONSE PROCEDURES
A. DISPATCH AN OFFICER TO THE SCENE TO CONDUCT A PRELIMINARY
INVESTIGATION
B. OBTAIN INTERPRETIVE SERVICES IF NECESSARY
C. INTERVIEW PARENT(S)/PERSON MAKING THE INITIAL REPORT
D. DETERMINE WHEN, WHERE, AND BY WHOM THE MISSING CHILD WAS
LAST SEEN
E. INTERVIEW THE INDIVIDUALS WHO LAST HAD CONTACT WITH THE CHILD
F. OBTAIN A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE MISSING CHILD, ABDUCTOR,
VEHICLES, ETC.
G. LOAD THE NCIC MISSING PERSON FILE (INVOLUNTARY CATEGORY)
WITH COMPETE DESCRIPTIVE, AND CRITICAL INFORMATION
REGARDING THE MISSING AND ENDANGERED CHILD
H. LOAD THE NCIC SYSTEM WITH COMPLETE DESCRIPTIVE INFORMATION
REGARDING SUSPECT(S)
1. REQUEST INVESTIGATIVE AND SUPERVISORY ASSISTANCE
J. UPDATE ADDITIONAL RESPONDING PERSONNEL
K. BROADCAST KNOWN DETAILS, ON ALL POLICE COMMUNICATION CHANNELS,
TO OTHER PATROL UNITS, OTHER LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES,
AND SURROUNDING LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AND, IF NECESSARY, USE
THE NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
(NLETS) AND THE MINNESOTA CRIME ALERT NETWORK TO ALERT STATE,
REGIONAL, AND FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES.
L. NOTIFY THE F AMIL Y OF CRIME VICTIM SERVICES A V AILABLE, AND, GIVE
THE F AMIL Y THE CRIME VICTIM SERVICES CARD
M. SEAL THE CRIME SCENE, DO NOT ALLOW INDIVIDUALS TO LEAVE THE AREA
UNTIL INTERVIEWED, AND NOTE ANYONE WHO MAY HAVE LEFT JUST PRIOR
TO THE ARRIVAL OF LAW ENFORCEMENT
N. ACTIVATE PROTOCOLS FOR WORKING WITH THE MEDIA
O. As REQUIRED BY MINNESOTA STATUTE, CHAPTER 299C.53, SUBD. I,
CONTACT THE BUREAU OF CRIMINAL ApPREHENSION REGARDING THE
INCIDENT. REQUEST ASSISTANCE AS NECESSARY.
P. IMPLEMENT MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL COORDINATION/MUTUAL AID PLAN
AS NECESSARY, FOR EXAMPLE:
I. WHEN THE PRIMARY AGENCY HAS LIMITED RESOURCES,
2. WHEN THE INVESTIGATION CROSSES JURISDICTIONAL LINES, AND
3. WHEN JURISDICTIONS HAVE PRE-ESTABLISHED TASK FORCES OR
INVESTIGATIVE TEAMS.
2. INITIAL INVESTIGATION
A. CONDUCT A NEIGHBORHOOD/VEHICLE CANVASS
B. ARRANGE FOR USE OF HELPFUL MEDIA COVERAGE
C. MAINTAIN RECORDS OF TELEPHONE COMMUNICATIONS OR MESSAGES
D. ENSURE THAT EVERYONE AT THE SCENE IS IDENTIFIED AND INTERVIEWED
SEP ARA TEL Y
E. SEARCH THE HOME OR BUILDING WHERE THE INCIDENT TOOK PLACE AND
CONDUCT A SEARCH INCLUDING ALL SURROUNDING AREAS. OBTAIN
CONSENT OR A SEARCH WARRANT IF NECESSARY.
F. ASSIGN A TRAINED AND/OR EXPERIENCED INVESTIGATOR WHOSE DUTIES
WILL INCLUDE COORDINATION OF THE INVESTIGATION
3 . INVESTIGATION
A. BEGIN SETTING UP THE COMMAND POST/OPERATION BASE A WAY FROM
THE CHILD'S RESIDENCE: KNOW THE SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE
COMMAND POST SUPERVISOR, MEDIA SPECIALIST, SEARCH
COORDINATOR, COMMUNICATION OFFICER, SUPPORT UNIT COORDINATOR,
AND TWO LIAISON OFFICERS (ONE AT COMMAND POST, ONE AT VICTIM'S
RESIDENCE). THE ROLE OF THE LIAISON AT THE HOME WILL INCLUDE
FACILITATING SUPPORT AND ADVOCACY FOR THE FAMILY.
B. ESTABLISH THE ABILITY TO "TRAP AND TRACE" ALL INCOMING CALLS.
CONSIDER SETTING UP A SEP ARA TE TELEPHONE LINE OR CELLULAR
TELEPHONE FOR AGENCY USE.
C. COMPILE A LIST OF KNOW SEX OFFENDERS IN THE REGION
D. IN CASES OF INFANT ABDUCTION, INVESTIGATE CLAIMS OF HOME BIRTHS
MADE IN THE AREA
E. OBTAIN CHILD PROTECTIVE AGENCY RECORDS FOR REPORTS OF ABUSE
ON CHILD
F. REVIEW RECORDS FOR PREVIOUS INCIDENTS RELATED TO THE MISSING
CHILD AND PRIOR POLICE ACTIVITY IN THE AREA INCLUDING PROWLERS,
INDECENT EXPOSURE, ATTEMPTED ABDUCTION, ETC.
G. OBTAIN THE CHILD'S MEDICAL AND DENTAL RECORDS
H. UPDATE THE NCIC MISSING PERSON FILE WITH ANY ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION REGARDING THE CHILD OR SUSPECT AS NECESSARY
I. INTERVIEW DELIVERY PERSONNEL; EMPLOYEES OF GAS, WATER, ELECTRIC,
AND CABLE COMP ANIES; TAXI DRIVERS; POST OFFICE PERSONNEL;
SANITATION WORKERS; ETC.
J. CONTACT THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR MISSING AND EXPLOITED CHILDREN
(NCMEC) FOR PHOTO DISSEMINATION, AND OTHER CASE ASSISTANCE
K. DETERMINE IF OUTSIDE HELP IS NECESSARY AND UTILIZE LOCAL AND STATE
RESOURCES RELATED TO SPECIALIZED INVESTIGATIVE NEEDS, INCLUDING:
1. CRIME VICTIM ADVOCATES
2. MINNESOTA BUREAU OF CRIMINAL ApPREHENSION
3. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
4. COUNTY ATTORNEY
5. CUSTOMS INVESTIGATIVE SERVICES
6. MINNESOTA STATE PATROL
7. MINNESOTA CRIME ALERT NETWORK
8. INVESTIGATIVE EXPERTS IN THE AREAS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT,
CHILD MALTREATMENT, AND/OR HOMICIDE
9. SEARCHES:
a. GROUND SEARCHES - PERSONNEL, VEHICLES, HORSES
b. CANINE ASSISTANCE
c. WATER AND UNDERWATER SEARCHES
d. AIR SEARCHES
IO. INVESTIGATIVE RESOURCES:
a. CHILD INTERVIEWING
b. POLYGRAPH
C PROFILING/BEHA VIORAL ANALYSIS
d. MN SEX AND VIOLENT CRIME ANALYSIS PROGRAMS
e. CRIME ANALYSIS/COMPUTER ASSISTANCE
f. FORENSIC ARTISTRY/CRIME SCENE/EVIDENCE PROCESSING
g. MEMORY RETRIEVAL
11. INTERPRETIVE SERVICES
12. THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
13. TELEPHONE SERVICES (TRAPS, TRACES, ETC.)
14. MEDIA ASSISTANCE (LOCAL AND NATIONAL)
4. PROLONGED INVESTIGATION
A. DEVELOP A PROFILE ON THE POSSIBLE ABDUCTOR
B. CONSIDER THE USE OF POLYGRAPH FOR THE PARENTS AND OTHER KEY
INDIVIDUALS
C. RE-READ ALL REPORTS AND TRANSCRIPTS OF INTERVIEWS, REVISIT THE
CRIME SCENE, REVIEW ALL PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEOTAPES, RE-INTERVIEW
KEY INDIVIDUALS, AND, RE-EXAMINE ALL PHYSICAL EVIDENCE COLLECTED
D. REVIEW ALL POTENTIAL WITNESS/SUSPECT INFORMATION OBTAINED IN
THE INITIAL INVESTIGATION AND CONSIDER BACKGROUND CHECKS ON
ANYONE IDENTIFIED IN THE INVESTIGATION
E. DEVELOP TIME-LINE AND OTHER VISUAL EXHIBITS
F. CRITIQUE RESULTS OF THE ON-GOING INVESTIGATION WITH APPROPRIATE
INVESTIGATIVE RESOURCES
G. ARRANGE FOR PERIODIC MEDIA COVERAGE
H. UTILIZE REWARDS AND CRIMES TOPPER PROGRAMS
1. UPDATE NCIC MISSING PERSON FILE INFORMATION AS NECESSARY
J. RE-CONTACT THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR MISSING AND EXPLOITED
CHILDREN (NCMEC) FOR AGE PROGRESSION ASSISTANCE
5. RECOVERy/CASE CLOSURE
A. ARRANGE FOR A COMPREHENSIVE PHYSICAL EXAMINATION OF THE VICTIM
B. CONDUCT A CAREFUL INTERVIEW OF THE CHILD, DOCUMENT THE RESULTS
OF THE INTERVIEW, AND INVOLVE ALL APPROPRIATE AGENCIES
C. REFER F AMIL Y FOR EFFECTIVE REUNIFICATION ASSISTANCE
D. CANCEL ALARMS AND REMOVE CASE FROM NCIC AND OTHER INFORMATION
SYSTEMS, AND REMOVE POSTERS AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS FROM
CIRCULATION
E. PERFORM CONSTRUCTIVE POST-CASE CRITIQUE. RE-ASSESS THE
PROCEDURES USED AND UPDATE THE DEPARTMENT'S POLICE AND
PROCEDURES AS APPROPRIATE.
KNOW THE RULES.. .SAFETY TIPS FOR HALLOWEEN
1. Do not allow a child to go "Trick or Treating" alone. Be sure older children TAKE A FRIEND
and an ADULT accompanies young children.
2. Be certain to accompany young children to the door of every house they approach.
3~ Be certain that parents are familiar with every house and all people from which the children
receive treats.
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~0Jg0ffi" of JuvonU,Justi,e
1 ~ and Delinquency Prevention
OffkeolJu.tke~. U.5.Derw=mofJuscice
4. Children should be cautioned that they should NOT enter any home without prior
permission from their parents.
5. Children should be cautioned not to approach any vehicle, occupied or not, unless they know
the owner and are accompanied by a parent.
5. Make sure that all children carry a glow stick or wear reflective clothing.
7. When using facial masks, make sure that children can see and breathe properly and easily.
8. All costumes.and masks should be clearly marked as flame resistant.
9. Children should be warned to NEVER approach any house that is not well lit and does not
have a porch or "outside" light on.
10~ Children should be cautioned to remember any suspicious incidents and report them to their
parents and/or the proper official.
lJ.~ Children should be cautioned to run away from people who try to trick them with special
treats.
12. Children should be instructed to scream and make a Scene if anyone tries to grab them or
force them, in any way, to go with them.
13. Parents should inspect all treats and dispose of anything that seems to have been tampered
with, has been opened, or is not wrapped. .
14. A good alternative to "Trick or Treating" is for parents to organize parties at home, in
schools, or in community centers.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CHILD SAFETY CALL THE NATIONAL CENTER
FOR MISSING &: EXPLOITED CHILDREN AT 1-800-THE-LOST pRfoReMrrtM>M~EPllTMENT
W W W ~ m i s sin g kid s ~ com 4649 Dakota Street SE
.. .. ~ Prior Lake, MN 55372
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ANt> FUW HALLOWEEN!
. . .
. . .
KNQW THE.RULES..
GENERAL TIPS FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS TO HELP KEEP THEIR CHILDREN SAFER
While many parents and guardians feel they are faced with new and unprecedented challenges when trying to keep their
children safer in today's fast-paced and increasingly global society, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children@
offers these commonsense, general safety tips to help families put these challenges into perspective.
. - - ,.
;;'1){> Mttke sure YOll know where each of your children is at all times. Know your children's frieridsand b~clearwjthyou~
>"JV.;:chi~dre.naboutthe ~Iacesand h~mes they ~ay visit. Make it a r~le for your ~hildrehtocheckin with, youwh/~'I1J~ey
;:,>.arrlve ator d~partfrom a partIcular locatIon and when there IS a change In plans. You should also let them know.
/:,,"'iwhehyou're ri.mningIate or if your plans have changed to show the rule is for safety purposes and.not bdng>~,sec;l "
::,,":CX: t6~~check uP!' o,ntheiTt . . . '. . ',' .... . i;:".: .
;5~>i:N~verl~ave chiIdr~n unattended in a vehicle, whether it is running or not: Children'shouid'nev~rb~lkffYi
",.; (unsupervised or allowed to spend time alone or with others in vehicles as the potentialdangersto~t~~ir~8f~tY'1
:~:i::<t.\". 'oLit~elghany perceived convenience or "fun." Remind children to never hitchhike, approach a vehicle.orengage;fn:i
}X: ". . i.dcQnver$dtiph with anyone within a vehicle they do not know and trust, or go anywhere withcinyonewi*olJriflrs.t;
r_:"~..~'5,,[.,~~;!tingY~Ur per,missi9n. .> .' .' . . .... '. ".. .' ..: :. ;;".1
;'~...~O':'.':.:.~'.>'...'..!J~e. ih,V.,. g.,v.edi.n.. Y?U:.'.<:.h. ild~en'~ activities. .AS an active participant you'll have a better. oPPQrtu.nityto oq..~.erveh.;o~.-!H.~;:;
[;:;;~,:~,'B:d~lt~)~charge.lntetact~lth your children. If you are concerned about anYone's behaV;lOr;tak~}t;.lJP.W;lth;t,~lf;.i
Il~~~~~i~;~I~f;;~~~~:~~~t~O;;s:~t~e~!nf'i:~~~ ~~ttOf~~Je~~:i~~:~~~~;~~~~~e~~s~?'~~l;;J
f~'-.a;~.';!:f.;/~?tjceWl1e~.. dnyori~. shews oneorall of your children .agreat deal of attentio~o. tb~. ,i~$9i.,<irigth~m.......g'ifts.Tak~.tqe<.i
j~L~:~r:.'tJtMtpt(:dktoyourchddren about the person and find out why the person IS acting It1 th,.sway.<< ..... . ....i'~)
;;!};;ZX;;{~i;T~(lch;:YOU~l:hn~ren'th~y have the right to say NO to any unwelcome; uncom;or~(lble.,:6r~onf~si~g+0~ch'dr:~;l
. ~~J,"C'}'a~tiOI1S ,~Y9th~t~ran9get out of those ~ituations. as quickl~ as ~ossible. If avoid9nce i$unot~,nop:ti()~;i:hi}dr~YI";
:.;\:Z;"'):i::;~i ,?rpuld t:>~ taugryttoklck, scream, and resist. When In such a Situation, teach them to IqucJly yell,J!1ls per.$or!~.t'J9rj
i~.';:;,my:fat~er/tnotHer/giJardian," and then immediately tell you if this happens. Reassure them you'retber~tQJ'e.lp':
f~i;:~"";?;':'~.i,.!:;~an~wjs~k9y!otellyouanything. ..... ..f........ ..':' ';j
:' '.,:.: ,Be sensitive to any changes in your children's behavior or attitude. Encourage open communicationand,learn how to. !
""ft:;', be an active listener. Look and listen to small cues and clues indicating something may be troubling your children',' I
:' ,":.: ,beca~se children are not always comfortable disclosing disturbing events or feelings: this may be because they are '
:. ;,":', concerned about your reaction to their problems. If your children do confide problems to you, strive to remain '.
:~.. :,' calm, noncritical, and nonjudgmental. Listen compassionately to their concern, and work with them to get the help
....., ",they need to resolve the problem. , .
r~~'8,.:;'<j:f..'..6h~~ur~t()screeri babysitters and caregivers. Many states now have a public:registry allowing pa~ents.andg~~rdid.nsti-i:
ii'. ;. ;"; J; ~ck;out ihclividualsfor prior criminal records and sex offenses. Check out. references withotherfamilieswho/
c;'c':::'i nave,wsed.thecaregiver or babysitter. Once you have chosen the caregiver, drop in. unexpectedly-to se~how;y()ur.'
>:'_.,.:~:",:R~ildr~naredoing;Askyourchildren how the experience with the caregiver was, and carefully listen to theresyo~ses:'
;""d":!':,>PractiCebas,c saf~tyski lis with your chi Idren. Make an outing to a mall or park a "teachable" exp~riencfin~hi~h
Y';.",'~?)'our.chil~renpracticechecking wit~ you, using pay .telephones, going to the :estroom ~ith a friend,andlosating,
.....' ..:the adults wh<? may be able to help If they need assistance. Remember, allOWing yourchddrento wear clothing or .
.....-...carry items-in public on which their name is displayed may bring about unwelcome attention from inappropriate
'~:p~opleJookingfor a way to start a conversation with your children. _ . ..... ........,
~~~~~bR~ . 10 Remember there is no substitute for your attention and supervision.Being:
: ; ...MISS!NG& .., . . available and taking time to really know and listen to your children helps
).; 'EXPLOITED' build feelings of safety and security.' . '. .
: >.) ..>;::(~H I. L DR EO N' . 1-800- THE-lOST@ (1-800-843-5678)
r .~Tj)J:!.,:::;'k:"on www.missingkidscom. .... .
· '~.OfficiOfJ"'tic'Pwg,"ms. U.S.D'pa"'nentofJu>tico Copyright@ 2000 National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). All rights reserved.
- -
About CHILD SAFET'Y,r
What are the most important things parents and guardians should know
when talking to their children about this issue?
Don't forget your older children. Children 11-17 are equally at risk of being victimized. At the same time you
are giving your older children more freedom, make sure they understand the important safety rules as well.
" When you speak to your children, do so in a calm, nonthreatening manner. Children do not need to be
frightened to get the point across. Fear may actually work at cross-purposes to the safety message,
because fear can be paralyzing to a child.
Speak openly about safety issueS. Children will be less likely to come to you if the issue is
enshrouded in secrecy. If they feel you are comfortable discussing the subject matter, they may be
more forthcoming to you.
Do not confuse children with the concept of "strangers." Children do not have the same understanding of
who a stranger is as an adult might. The "stranger-danger" message is not effective as danger to chi Idren is
much greater from someone they or you know than from a "stranger."
" Practice what you talk about. You may think your children understand your message, but until they are
able to incorporate it into their daily lives, it may not be clearly understood. Find opportunities to practice
"what if" scenarios.
Teach your children it is more important to get out of a threatening situation than it is to be polite. They
also need to know it is okay to tell you what happened and they won't be a tattletale.
What are the most important things parents and guardians should
tell their children about this issue?
Children should always check first with you or another trusted adult before going anywhere, accepting
anything, or getting into a vehicle with anyone. This applies to older children as well.
;, Children should not go out alone and should always take a friend with them when they go places or play outside.
,', \ It's okay to say no if Someone tries to touch them or treats them in a way to make them feel scared,
uncomfortable, or confused and get out of the situation as quickly as possible.
Children need to know they may tell you or another trusted adult if they feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused.
Children need to know there will always be someone to help them and they have the right to be safe.
What is the biggest myth surrounding this issue?
The biggest myth is dangers to children come from strangers. In the majority of cases the perpetrator is
someone the parents/guardian or child knows, and that person may be in a position of trust or responsibility to
the family.
What advice would you offer parents and guardians
who want to talk to their children about this issue?
Parents and guardians should choose opportunities or "teachable" moments to reinforce safety skills. If an
incident occurs in your community, and your children ask you about it, speak frankly but with reaSSurance.
Explain to your children you want to discuss the safety rules with them so they will know what to do if they are
ever confronted with a difficult situation. Make sure you have "safety nets" in place so your chi Idren know there
is always Someone available to help them. PRIOR LAKE POLICE DEPARTMENT o'i P.RJo~
4649 Dakota Street SE f ~
Prior Lake, MN 55372 , _. trt
'<,.';;<,. CoPyrighf@'z8oo National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC),AIl~i~h+~f~;e"~~;1; '~11> ,
i-'--' : This proJect waS suppol-"ted by. ~ant NO -2005-MC-CX~K024 awarded by t~e Office of Juvemle Justice and Dehnquency Prevention, Office of Justice Programs, .U S. Department of Justice Points of view or ?plnfons in . ~SO ___ _ ._ ~_~
; :oreJM~~;_Rf:~!li~ ~uthor01ld d~ flotn.ec~s~at'i!y r~pt'e~~rJt-the official position ot' poliCies of the US Department of .Justice, National Center for Mlssmg, & sxpl~'1:~d C~ddf:'~:(tc.md 1-~.90.., 1:~.~-hQST"'~_e ~e~I.~t~f,~~:~~~~~~~;';:,.-;;,~;_,~_:i::~';,~;:<.::~::z}5~
~;,the.>~ti~W91 ,q~!1ter" for MfssfngA Exploited Childre_rl{'.~:.. . /': _ _ ~_ , " '" i ' '::_:, _ _c',,_:_ _:-:-?{??'.'~~:o:-~:;tX:;~<i~'~~~
:~ :-<(,~: {:L>.,
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, cYW~9;f~fYasadults do. They may not "look before they lealJ,/lwhich,o~< " ",~,
:J~.(i;'ifuP9rtdnt forfamilies to supervise young children and praCtice>
<,:W~\>>iff:ftheir older children. The tips noted below will help "
;~!:~~~~':f~ildr"n;foro safer journey
Instruct your child to always TAKE A fRIEND when walking or riding his
or her bike to and from schoo/. It's safer and more fun to be with your
friends. Walk and ride in well-lit areas, and never take shortcuts. When walk-
ing and biking stay aware of your surroundings and observe all traffic rules in
place to more safely share the roads and sidewalks with others.
Even though there is safety in numbers, it is still not safe for young children
to walk to and from school especially if they must take isolated routes before or during
daylight. Always provide supervision for your young children to help ensure their safe
arrival to and from school.
Your child should stay with a group while waiting at the bus stop. If anyone bothers your
child while going to or from school, you should teach him or her to get away from that
person, and TELL you or another trusted adult. If an adult approaches your child for help
or directions, remember grownups needing help should not ask children for help; they
should ask other adults.
4. You should visit the bus stop with your children and learn the bus number. This '
will avoid confusion for your children about knowing which bus to ride.
5. Instruct your children if anyone they don't know or a person who confuses,
scares, or makes them feel uncomfortable offers a ride, say NO. Children
should never hitchhike. Also children should never accept a ride from anyone
unless you have told them it is OK to do so in each instance. "
.~~:~;l'f:;J/~g11~~;;
Knowing My 8
Rules for Safety
1 .~~. 'I\{ C lS check first '"Iv'hth If'ny pOfn;c.~ntf.,':
ri=>, nelrS~:w~ ~n choifOle before ~ fJI.~o
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ta.)LOO i'f sO~De~on<01! tr"ies to '~"irJlU\t:h, Olf'::l'
€~)),. 'WreQ1t m€~ an <<:;ULvay thllilt n'~~SJr'llle f~eE
<r;'r~Jred II ~D"-o;)"tl"llf......rt~""bg,,-...,. .~". .......:gn.(':' ij<r;';<::z,,,..,!i
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n..~ncnn1<'fortab~JJ.L.Cor1l'fused .
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e sorneonELwho
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~~'lt~'~Fz~ ~'~r;9~"1rlr 'iht'1~ ij~~}e safe~
---____~CI:IECK FIRST
- TAKE A FRIEND__.
_____._..__~TEL.L. SOMEO~E I TRUST IF
---____5.0METHING IS WRONG
-.-----.---_SIAY STRONG, SMART, ANt:LSAFE
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NATIONAL ~
CENTER FOR' fo' ~
MISSING &:
EXPLOITED
CHI L D R E N"
www.mlsslngkids.com
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police@cilyofpriorlake.com