Bedford Park Police Department

Juvenile Division

Sergeant Pete Raineri

Officer Jeff Drake Officer Mark Goyer

Officer Francisco Huerta Officer Chrystal Steffan

Officer Cris Woods Officer Aaron Wright

Telephone: 708-458-3388

Email: bedfordparkjuvenileofficer@gmail.com

Quick Links: Curfew

Crisis Intervention Hotlines

Youth Violence Information

Poison Control

U.S. Product Safety Commission

Parents!

Do you know what your kids are saying when they chat on the Internet using IM or text each other on their phones? Take this short quiz to find out how well you know Internet lingo.

Fill in the blanks below:

LOL: laughing out loud

F2F: ______ ___ _____

POS: _______ ____ ________

WTGP: _______ ___ ____ ________

A/S/L: _____, ______, ________

LMIRL: _____ ______ ___ _______ ______

Answers: F2F:face to face / POS: parent over shoulder / WTGP: want to go private / A/S/L: age, sex, location / LMIRL: let’s meet in real life

For more information on Internet safety visit any of the following websites

www.ncmec.org www.cybertipline.com www.safekids.com

ANSWERS TO YOUR CURFEW QUESTIONS

What is curfew in Bedford Park?

The current curfew ordinance states:

Any person between the ages of 12 and 17 shall not be present upon any public way in the Village:

Between the hours of 11:00 p.m. Friday and 6:00 a.m. Saturday

Between the hours of 11:30 p.m. Saturday and 6:00 a.m. Sunday

Between the hours of 11:30 a.m. Sunday and 6:00 a.m. Monday

Between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on any other day of the week…

unless accompanied by parent, guardian or other responsible party of at least 21 years of age.

Any person under the age of 12 shall not be present upon any public way in the Village:

Between the hours of 9:30 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on any day of the week…

unless accompanied by parent, guardian or other responsible party of at least 21 years of age.

What if my child is out after curfew?

Any officer who finds a child in violation of this ordinance shall warn the child and report the incident to the shift commander. A written notice of violation of village ordinance will then be served upon the parent, legal guardian or person in charge of the child.

Stay Safe and Stay Informed About Vehicle Safety

Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website www.nhtsa.gov for information about:

2006 Child Safety Seat ease of use ratings
Reporting a defect or problem with a vehicle or child restraint system
Search the database for recalls, defects and complaints information
Illinois’ Graduated Driver Program

Keep your kids safe while riding in the car

General Child Seat Use Information Buckle Everyone. Children Age 12 and Under in Back!
	AGE / WEIGHT	SEAT TYPE / SEAT POSITION	USAGE TIPS
INFANTS	Birth to at least 1 year and at least 20 pounds.	Infant-Only Seat/rear-facing or Convertible Seat/used rear-facing. *Seats should be secured to the vehicle by the safety belts or by the LATCH system.*	Never use in a front seat where an air bag is present. Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing the rear. Child seat should recline at approximately a 45 degree angle. Harness straps/slots at or below shoulder level (lower set of slots for most convertible child safety seats). Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level.
INFANTS	Less than 1 year/ 20-35 lbs.	Convertible Seat/used rear-facing (select one recommended for heavier infants). *Seats should be secured to the vehicle by the safety belts or by the LATCH system.*	Never use in a front seat where an air bag is present. Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing the rear. Child seat should recline at approximately a 45 degree angle. Harness straps/slots at or below shoulder level (lower set of slots for most convertible child safety seats). Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level.
PRESCHOOLERS / TODDLER	1 to 4 years/ at least 20 lbs. to approximately 40 lbs.	Convertible Seat/forward-facing or Forward-Facing Only or High Back Booster/Harness. *Seats should be secured to the vehicle by the safety belts or by the LATCH system.*	Tightly install child seat in rear seat, facing forward. Harness straps/slots at or above child’s shoulders (usually top set of slots for convertible child safety seats). Harness straps snug on child; harness clip at armpit level.
YOUNG CHILDREN	4 to at least 8 years/unless they are 4’9" (57") tall.	Belt-Positioning Booster (no back, only) or High Back Belt-Positioning Booster. *NEVER use with lap-only belts—belt-positioning boosters are always used with lap AND shoulder belts.*	Booster used with adult lap and shoulder belt in rear seat. Shoulder belt should rest snugly across chest, rests on shoulder; and should NEVER be placed under the arm or behind the back. Lap-belt should rest low, across the lap/upper thigh area—not across the stomach.

Information provided from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration www.nhtsa.gov

Halloween Safety Tips

Trick-or-Treaters

· Carry a flashlight

· Walk, don't run.

· Stay on Sidewalks

· Obey traffic signals

· Stay in familiar neighborhoods

· Don't cut across yards or driveways.

· Wear a watch you can read in the dark.

· Make sure costumes don't drag on the ground.

· Shoes should fit (even if they don't go with your costume)

· Avoid wearing masks while walking from house to house.

· Carry only flexible knives, swords or other props.

· (If no sidewalk) walk on the left side of the road facing traffic

· Wear clothing with reflective markings or tape.

· Approach only houses that are lit.

· Stay away from and don't pet animals you don't know.

Parents

· Make your child eat dinner before setting out.

· Ideally, young children of any age should be accompanied by an adult.

· If your children go on their own, be sure they wear a watch, preferably one that can be read in the dark.

· If you buy a costume, look for one made of flame-retardant material.

· Older children should know where to reach you and when to be home.

· You should know where they're going.

· Although tampering is rare, tell children to bring the candy home to be inspected before consuming anything.

· Look at the wrapping carefully and toss out anything that looks suspect.

Homeowners

· Make sure your yard is clear of such things as ladders, hoses, dog leashes and flower pots that can trip the young ones.

· Pets get frightened on Halloween. Put them up to protect them from cars or inadvertently biting a trick-or-treater.

· Battery powered jack o'lantern candles are preferable to a real flame.

· If you do use candles, place the pumpkin well away from where trick-or-treaters will be walking or standing.

· Make sure paper or cloth yard decorations won't be blown into a flaming candle.

· Healthy food alternatives for trick-or-treaters include packages of low-fat crackers with cheese or peanut butter filling, single-serve boxes of cereal, packaged fruit rolls, mini boxes of raisins and single-serve packets of low-fat popcorn that can be microwaved later.

· Non-food treats: plastic rings, pencils, stickers, erasers, coins

Gang Information

WHO BELONGS TO GANGS?

Gangs can affect anyone, regardless of where they live or what school they attend. Young people from all walks of life join gangs. Some gang members drop out of school, while others may be excellent students. Research shows that the following factors are common indicators that a young person may be involved in gang activity:

Youth admits to gang membership
Is under 21 years of age and is identified as a gang member by a parent/guardian
Is identified as a gang member by a reliable source
Resides in or frequents a known gang area, uses a gang's hand signs, colors, or tattoos, and/or associates with known gang members
Has been arrested more then once with or in the company of known gang members for crimes that are consistent with gang activity
Has been stopped by the police more than four times while in the presence of known gang members

HOW TO IDENTIFY GANG MEMBERS

The following are some common indicators to look for if you suspect your child may be involved in gang activity. These indicators are not a guarantee that your child is involved in a gang. The only way to know for sure is by communicating with your child. Below is a partial list to reference.

Frequent disciplinary problems at home/school or frequent contact with police.
Drawing graffiti or using gang hand signs.
Not associating with long time friends/secretive about new friends/activities.
Changing normal routines/not coming home after school/staying out late at night.
Photographs with others displaying gang signs, weapons or gang-type clothing.
Using a new nickname.
Refusing to take part in family activities.
Drinking alcohol/using drugs.
Unusual mood swings or patterns of behavior.
Sudden, unexplained increase in material possessions.
Obsession with a particular color of clothing or desire for a particular logo.
Using different-colored shoelaces.
Unusual writing, markings, numbers, symbols or street names on shoes, jeans or inside hats. .
Wearing clothing of sports teams that use similar colors or logos of the gang.

If any of these signs are present, you should not automatically conclude that your child is involved in a gang. Instead, you should talk with them to determine whether or not they are involved in a gang and, if so, at what level. Only by communicating with your child will you know for sure

Protecting Your Child from Gang Involvement

Supervise your children’s activities and know their friends. Insist on meeting your children’s friends and make every effort to get to know their parents. Discourage your children from hanging around with gang members. Make sure you how your children are spending their free time. Check up on your children occasionally to make sure they are doing what they say they are doing. Do not allow your children to stay out late or spend a lot of unsupervised time out in the streets.
Get your children involved in supervised, positive group activities. These might include after-school programs or clubs, athletics, the arts, or volunteering with community groups. Find activities that interest your child and that help your child to develop a sense of belonging.
Develop good communication with your children. It is important to develop good communication with your children so that if they have a problem, they will know they can come to you. Good communication is open and frequent, and it takes on a positive tone. Talk to your child, and take the time to listen to what your child is telling you. Make no topic off limits.
Spend positive time with your children. Plan activities that the whole family can enjoy, but also find a way to spend time alone with your children. Make sure that you regularly praise your child and encourage and support your child emotionally.
Become involved in your children's education. Put a high value on education and help your child to do his or her best in school. Keep in close contact with your child’s teachers and let your local schools know about any concerns you might have.
Clearly and continually begin to express to your children at an early age your disapproval of gangs and gang-related activity. Let them know that you think gangs are dangerous and that their well-being is very important to you.
Keep your children from attracting the attention of gangs. Do not buy or allow your children to dress in gang-style clothing. Teach your children to walk away if gang members approach them and to avoid using gang gestures. Do not allow your children to write or practice writing gang names, symbols, or any other gang graffiti on their books, papers, clothes, bodies, walls or any other place.
Learn about gang and drug activity in your community. Gangs take different forms in different communities, and the gangs in your community may look and act very differently than those you see on television or at the movies. Learn how gang members in your community dress and speak, and find out about the kind of activities they are involved in. Attend information meetings and read articles related to gang activity. Contact your child's school to find out if gangs are active there.

For additional gang information visit:

www.sobs.org/chilocal/gangs/gnghome

www.safeyouth.org

Bullying Warning Signs

The following may be signs that your child is being bullied:

Avoiding certain situations, people, or places, such as pretending to be sick so that he or she does not have to go to school
Changes in behavior, such as being withdrawn and passive, being overly active and aggressive, or being self-destructive
Frequent crying or feeling sad
Signs of low self-esteem
Being unwilling to speak or showing signs of fear when asked about certain situations, people, or places
Signs of injuries
Suddenly receiving lower grades or showing signs of learning problems
Recurrent unexplained physical symptoms such as stomach pains and fatigue

Toll-Free 24-Hour Crisis Intervention Hotlines

National Hopeline Network
1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
www.hopeline.com
This national crisis hotline network connects people who are depressed or suicidal, or those who are concerned about someone they love, automatically to a CONTACT USA or AAS certified crisis center

National Runaway Switchboard
1-800-621-4000
www.nrscrisisline.org
For runaway youth, teens in crisis, and concerned friends and family members

National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233) 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
www.ndvh.org
A hotline for victims of domestic and family violence at home, and concerned family and friends.

National Child Abuse Hotline
1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
www.childhelpusa.org/programs_hotline.htm
A hotline for parents, children, professionals, and anyone concerned that child abuse is occurring.

National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE (1-800-656-4673)
www.rainn.org
This hotline connects sexual assault victims to local rape crisis centers

YOUTH VIOLENCE INFORMATION/ RESOURCES

The National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center Hotline offers information on youth violence and referrals to organizations providing youth violence prevention and intervention services.

The National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center is a “one-stop shop” for information on youth violence prevention, sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other Federal agencies.

Where do you go if you're wondering how to help a friend who is depressed, what to do if someone you know is planning to commit a violent act, or how to start a nonviolence program in your school? What can you do to make a positive difference?

We’ll help you find out what you need to know about violence – how to prevent it, and how it influences the decisions that you and other teens make.

Visit our link at www.safeyouth.org

NYVPRC Toll Free Hotline:

1-866-SAFEYOUTH (1-866-723-3968)

1-888-503-3952 (TTY)

Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Eastern Time)

POISON CONTROL

The Illinois Poison Center serves all of Illinois 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Staffed by nurses, physicians, pharmacists and other poison specialists, the IPC offers free, confidential poison prevention advice and treatment recommendations via a toll-free hot line

1-800-222-1222

You can go to the website www.poison.org to get additional information or to request a free prevention package including prevention checklists, magnets and stickers.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Help keep your family safe by checking product recalls and safety news from CPSC.

The website features recalls and product information, as well as an interactive kid friendly section.

www.cpsc.gov

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