September 4, 2012 — With the start of a new school year, Salt Lake City Police Chief Chris Burbank encourages parents to talk about safety with their children in this month’s video message from the Chief.

“We never want our children to be paranoid, especially not to the point of being unable to participate in our community, but we certainly want them to be aware and reduce their exposure to risk,” Burbank says, noting that parents may download a variety of safety brochures and the SLCPD Activity Book for Kids! from the Department’s website to get the conversation started.

The Chief also talks with Officer Carlie Wiechman about Operation Safe Passage, a volunteer program that trains parents and residents to be a calming presence and visible deterrent to potential threats along neighborhood walking routes to and from city schools. A three-minute video about the program and how it works is posted here.

If you would like to join Operation Safe Passage, please contact Officer Wiechman by:

• email, operationsafepassage@slcgov.com,
• or phone, (801) 799-6397.

In closing the video message, Chief Burbank notes, “it’s important as parents that we let our children know who are safe people that they can talk to, that they can communicate with, and, most importantly, tell if they feel that someone has tried to approach them in inappropriately.”

Contact: Reporters seeking comment should contact the Public Information Officer at 801.799.NEWS (6397).

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