As Halloween nears, the Austin Police Department has taken steps to ensure safety for families and children residing in shelters. Officers Rivera and Gonzales recently visited the Rathgeber Center for Families to provide guidance on stranger danger and public space safety.
During their visit, the officers engaged children with interactive activities emphasizing awareness of surroundings. They explained that while not all strangers are dangerous, it is important to recognize potentially unsafe situations. The session included essential rules such as asking permission before speaking to unfamiliar adults and informing parents before going anywhere with someone new. Officer Gonzales advised children to memorize key information like their parents' names, phone numbers, and home addresses for effective communication if they encounter uncomfortable situations.
The officers' approach left a positive impact on the children, who were eager to befriend them. One child named Jordan expressed her admiration by stating, “When I grow up, I am going to be a police officer just like these women.”
The Salvation Army expressed gratitude towards the Austin Police Department for their dedication to community safety and children's education. They invite individuals or groups interested in volunteering services beneficial to clients at their shelters.
For those willing to contribute talents or ideas, contact [email protected] for volunteer opportunities.