How law enforcement and schools educate about ‘Stranger Danger’
A stranger approaching their child is every parent’s worst nightmare, and Yuma Police Department ( YPD ) wants to make sure kids know what to do in the case of stranger danger.
” Always be leery of that stranger that comes up to try to talk to you or pulls up in a vehicle next to you asking you if you want a ride or asking you to get close enough to talk to them,” said Sergeant Lori Franklin, Yuma Police Department.
“School resource officers (SRO) are out there to help educate the kids about stranger danger, especially if you’re walking to school, or if you’re riding your bike to school,” explained Sgt. Franklin.
YPD explained what your child should do if the unfortunate happens, and a stranger does get ahold of your child.
” If you have some stranger, and they’re trying to grab at you or they do grab at you. Fight with all you have, ” explained Sgt. Franklin. “Bring attention to anybody in the area that something bad is happening to you.”
Police added that they have officers patrolling the areas surrounding schools when they aren’t on a call.
Local school districts like the Crane School District utilizes SROs to educate their students.
” Those conversations are happening daily, either indirectly or directly. They’re talking about certain circumstances that could be considered stranger danger, or it could be considered a bomb threat or if something happens theft-wise. Anything that requires crucial communication our SROs are leading those conversations for us, our students, our teachers but also our families, ” said Mario Hogue, Crane School District.
Hogue also explained the district has taken precautions by sending memos to parents on safety and preparedness.
News 11 asked parents if they think their children know what to do if they find themselves in a “stranger danger” situation.
“I’ve done drills with my friends and I had people come up to them and try and take them out of the yard and things like that and its important it’s a big issue now-a days,” said Sean Donely , a parent who is 90 percent sure his kids won’t fall victim to a stranger with bad intentions.
A grandfather said he has been instilling the lesson into his grandchild for years.
” If anybody approaches her other than a family member or somebody she knows she said ‘no you’re not my parent. No. ” If they make anymore forward movements she will start screaming, ” this isn’t my parent. This isn’t my parent. ” And sit down, so they have to really work to pull her off, ” explained Bob Shepard, grandfather.
