YOUTH SERVICES

EDUCATION

PREVENTION

INTERVENTION

     The Office of Youth Services of the DeWitt Police Department is committed to offering twenty four programs geared to the education, prevention, and intervention of the Town of DeWitt Youth.  Twenty two of these programs are taught in the schools.  The two programs which are not offered in the schools are Police station tours and the Child digital fingerprinting identification program.  

     The goal of the Office of Youth Services is to have Police Officers as positive role models; facilitating safety lessons to an age group span from Pre-K, all the way up to High School Levels. The Officers have a different perspective than traditional teachers, due to their experiences in the streets of the Town of DeWitt Community.  Police Officers see first hand, the dangers and consequences of making poor decisions involving drugs, alcohol, and other risky situations.  Our hope is that Officers cannot only give a foundation for the kids to build on, but to create a relationship between the Police, Schools, Student and Parents.  

      Because of this combined effort, the Office of Youth Services of the DeWitt Police Department can make a difference in our ever changing society.   Through education, prevention, and intervention we are able to watch these children grow, learn, and recognize the need to make the right decisions when faced with risky situations; and choose their friends wisely.   It is the belief of the Office of Youth Services of the DeWitt Police Department to facilitate; Children learn what they live & they live what they learn.    

CHILDREN LEARN WHAT THEY LIVE

If a child lives with criticism,

He learns to condemn.

If a child lives with hostility,

He learns to fight.

If a child lives with ridicule, 

He learns to be shy.

If a child lives with shame,

He learns to feel guilty.

If a child lives with tolerance,

He learns to be patient.

If a child lives with encouragement,

He learns confidence.

If a child lives with praise,

He learns to appreciate.

If a child lives with fairness,

He learns justice.

If a child lives with security,

He learns to have faith.

If a child lives with approval,

He learns to like himself.

If a child lives with acceptance and friendship,

He learns to find love in the world.

                                              Dorothy Law Nolte

OFFICER FRIENDLY (30 min.)

This program is designed to familiarize younger children with uniformed police officers and the varied duties that they perform.  It is typically offered at the kindergarten level, and serves as an introductory session, prior to any other programs.  Children receive an activity / coloring book entitled “Police Officers are Your Friends” and/or other suitable booklets, depending on availability.

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY (45 min.)

This program is offered annually to all students, grades K-4, with the cooperation of the Jamesville-DeWitt School District Transportation Department.  The program stresses safety considerations while walking to and from the bus stop, and proper conduct while riding the school bus.  A special emphasis is placed on proper methods of crossing the street in front of the bus, and staying out of “danger zones” which exist around school busses.  The program includes a brief videotape, discussion, and actual “safe crossing” drills with a bus and driver provided by the district.  A school bus safety bracelet or magnet is distributed to all children who complete the program.

NO BULLYING! (30-45 min.)

This program is offered annually for all students, grades K-4.  It is designed to educate children as to what makes a person a bully, identify the characteristics of a bully, discuss where you find bullies most often, what bullying can lead to, and finally – how to protect yourself from a bully.  At the end, an activity / coloring book with practical bullying exercises is distributed to the children.

PERSONAL SAFETY FOR CHILDREN (30 min.)

This program is designed to make children aware of personal safety considerations, whether at home or at school.  It stresses the need to “check first” with responsible adults before they do anything that is out of their normal routine, and to avoid strangers and unsafe situations.  Children will also learn ways to call 911 in emergency situations.  This is an ideal program for summer camps, daycare centers and pre-kindergarten.  An appropriate coloring / activity book is also distributed to children.

HALLOWEEN SAFETY (30 min.)

This program covers many safety considerations which should be made at Halloween.  These include costuming, visibility to traffic, having treats “checked first” before eating, and proper behavior while out and about on Halloween night.  A videotape demonstrating safety rules, produced by the Walt Disney Co., is included in the presentation.  Each child receives a reflective Halloween pumpkin or ghost tag with a break-away safety strap at the close of the program.  

FUN WITH FINGERPRINTS (45 min.)

This program introduces children to one of the exciting differences which can be seen between all people.  A brief history of why the police use fingerprints to identify people, how they can be classified, and what some famous “bad guys” have done to try and alter their fingerprints will be discussed.  Children will also have the opportunity to study their own fingerprint patterns and see some of the tools that police use to recover latent fingerprints at crime scenes.

CHILD DIGITAL FINGERPRINT IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM (8 min. a child)

This innovative program records digital images of the child’s 10 fingerprints, photograph, and personal information onto a mini compact disk; and printed out poster.  In the event of an emergency, parents can provide law enforcement with the child’s digital identification kit.  The kit also includes a detailed list of steps to follow if your child is missing and helpful contact numbers.  The program is offered by appointment at the police department or can be arranged to participate in a community event.

BICYCLE / IN-LINE SKATING SAFETY (30 min.)

This program is designed to make children aware of the hazards that can be associated with bike riding, and safe riding skills which can minimize those hazards.  Topics covered include road signage, basic rules of the road, safety equipment, and the importance of routine maintenance of your bike, skates, or blades.  This program is typically offered in the spring, just prior to the DeWitt Police Benevolent Association's annual Bicycle & In-Line Skating Rodeo.  A coloring / activity booklet is available for children who attend this program.

LAWS OF ARREST (45 min.)

Typically offered to high-school and adult groups.  This program informs students about the purpose of having laws, and the consequences for violating them.  A brief overview of the adult and juvenile criminal justice systems is provided, as well as a discussion which helps to clear up many “myths” about law-enforcement or personal rights which are commonly portrayed on television shows.

POLICE SCIENCE (45-60 min.)

This program shows students some practical applications of what they learn in science classes.  A brief history of the use of physical evidence in law enforcement is followed by demonstrations or examples of how concepts from the classroom are translated into the science of criminal investigations (physical evidence collection, evolving technologies, RADAR, use of the scientific method etc...).   This program can be tailored to suit group needs, and provides students with concrete evidence that the skills which they learn in school do actually have applications after entering a career field.

LAW ENFORCEMENT AS A CAREER (45 min.)

This program provides a basic overview of the law enforcement profession, hiring requirements, and steps to take if you are interested in pursuing a career in police work.  The program also discusses differences between federal, state and local agencies, and the important roles played by each.

POLICE STATION TOURS (30 min.)

Available for any age group, topics covered during the tour vary with age.  This includes a complete tour of DeWitt Police Department: Administration, Booking, Training Room, Roll Call, Criminal Investigation, Interview Rooms, Youth Services and Crime Lab.  If interested, children can see what it’s like inside a police car with all the emergency lights and siren activated.  The Justice Court may also be viewed if available.  Arrangements for station tours should be made directly with the Youth Investigator or Chief of Police. 

INTERNET SAFTEY

This program is designed for children grades 5-12.  The program outlines basic safety rules while online including:  avoiding pop-ups and/or inappropriate advertisements, providing personal information online, email / instant message safety, and chat room precautions.   

INTERNET & CELL PHONE SAFETY FOR PARENTS (45-60 min.)

This PowerPoint presentation discusses current trends and challenges for parents, which their teens face on the internet with social networking sites like Facebook & MySpace, email, chats, instant messaging, online gaming, & blogging.  It also discusses the new cell trend “sexting” and talks about texting inappropriate messages, pics, and vids.

FATAL VISION

This program is designed for children grades 5 – 12.  Fatal Vision is a training tool used to vividly demonstrate the concept of impairment and the dangers of impaired driving.  Alcohol and other drug impairment is the result of the alcohol or other drug’s effect on the brain.  The Fatal Vision Goggles distort vision and cause behaviors that are similar to behaviors exhibited by someone under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.  Students will leave the classroom knowing the devastating consequences of drinking and driving, as well as having a lasting impression of how impairment can affect your motor skills. 

ALIVE AT 25 DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE (4 hours)

This program is four hours in length and involves four lessons designed for young drivers.  This highly interactive defensive driving program encourages young drivers to take responsibility for their driving behavior.  Alive at 25 was developed by the National Safety Council.  The DeWitt Police Department in conjunction with the Jamesville DeWitt School District, State Farm Insurance Companies, and the Safety Council of Upstate New York are conducting this training initiative.  Instructors from the DeWitt Police Department will use workbook exercises, interactive media segments, group discussions, role-playing, and short lectures to help young drivers learn strategies that will keep them safer while in a vehicle.

DIGITAL 360 IMAGING SAFE SCHOOLS PROGRAM (Weeks to Months)

This program is offered to schools in the Town of DeWitt where digital photos are taken of a school (roof to basement) interior, exterior, and aerial.  These photos are shot with a special lens and rotating tripod.  The photos are then stitched together and blended into a virtual tour software program.  Copies are given to the Superintendents Office, Fire Department, and DeWitt Police Department in case of a critical incident.

S.A.V.E. ELEMENTARY VISITATIONS (Grades 1st & 3rd) This program is organized into two half-hour lessons, delivered on a weekly cycle.  Classroom teachers remain with the class during the programs, so that the material may be integrated into regular studies.  This provides a unified approach between the school and the police to help create resilient and safety-conscious children. 

 Grade 1

Lesson One: “Officer Friendly.”   The purpose of this lesson is to familiarize younger children with uniformed police officers and the varied duties that they perform. It also introduces ways to call 911 in an emergency.

Lesson Two: “Personal Safety for Children.”  The purpose of this lesson is to help students recognize & memorize their full name, home address, & phone number; and utilize the check first rule & buddy system.  It also teaches home safety tips and to utilize the 3 S.A.V.E. Safety Tips -“No, Go, Tell.”

 Grade 3

Lesson One: “Drugs: Helpful or Harmful?”  The purpose of this lesson is to help the students understand that some drugs when used properly may be helpful but that drugs may be harmful if misused.  Students are also taught rules for drug safety and the effects of these drugs; along with and introduction to peer pressure.

Lesson Two: “Dealing with Angry Feelings & Bullying.”  The purpose of this lesson is to discuss feelings of anger, Four steps when Angry – 1. Stop 2. Calm Down 3. Think 4. Act.  We also discuss: What is a bully, characteristics of Bullies, where do we see bullying, and what bullying can lead to.

 S.A.V.E. CORE PROGRAM (5Th Grade)

This program is organized into six lessons taught by a specially trained Law Enforcement Officer to be integrated into other instruction by the classroom teacher.  The emphasis of the program is to help students recognize and resist the many direct and subtle pressures that influence them to experiment with tobacco products, inhalants, and other drugs; or engages in violence.  The information, principles, and skills and the activities within the lessons are all designed to build students’ capacities to solve difficult personal and social problems related to substance use / abuse and to make and act on decisions that are informed and in their best interest.

Lesson One:  “Introduction.”  The officer introduces himself/herself to the children, provides the purpose/overview of the SAVE program.  Student introductions are next, followed by No/Go/Tell safety tips.  The last part of this lesson is basic information about the dangers of Inhalants.

Lesson Two:  “Tobacco.”  The purpose of this lesson is to recognize the health risks and social consequences associated with using tobacco products.  The four types of tobacco products are discussed followed by a fact & health sheet.

Lesson Three:  “Critical Consumer.”  Students will learn about tobacco advertisements from magazines, newspapers, Internet.  Students will also be introduced to the Surgeon General warning labels on all tobacco products, and will be required to make their own warning labels.

Lesson Four:  “Peer pressure & response styles.”  The purpose of this lesson is to help students recognize qualities of a good friend.  Talk about personal pressures, explain and show the five types of peer pressure.  We will also talk about the three response styles, and focus in on “confident.”

Lesson Five:  “Online Internet Safety.”  This lesson is 40 minute PowerPoint presentation put on by Netsmartz.org, in cooperation with NCMEC.  It helps students recognize online dangers, posting too much information on social networking sites; and also discusses emails, im’s, and chat messages.  

Lesson Six:  “Classroom Graduation.”  An in-classroom graduation ceremony is conducted; where SAVE t-shirts and certificates are personally handed out to each student.  Classroom discussion is then encouraged facilitating questions, comments, and concerns about the past six weeks of lessons.    

S.A.V.E.  PROGRAM (7Th Grade)

Lesson One:  “Online Internet Safety.”  The officer will present – Netsmartz.org Teen PowerPoint presentation on internet safety, which was created by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC).  They will also discuss Social networking sites & ways to stay safe.

Lesson Two:  “Alcohol.”  The purpose of this lesson is to recognize the health risks and social consequences surrounding alcohol use and abuse.  Students will learn about the types of alcohol, facts & health effects, laws & consequences involving alcohol.  The fatal vision goggles will also be demonstrated to students.

 Lesson Three:  “Tobacco.”  The purpose of this lesson is to recognize the health risks and social consequences associated with using tobacco products.  Students will review the four types of Tobacco products-cigarettes, cigars, pipes, & chew.

We discuss the NYS law of tobacco use 18 yrs, and Onondaga County Law- 19yrs old. 

Lesson Four:  “Marijuana & Prescription Drugs.”  Students will discuss and receive a marijuana fact/health sheet.  Consequences will be discussed including: Legal, health, school sanctions, and addiction.  Types of prescription drugs will be discussed; as well as the laws, legal ramifications, school sanctions-athletics, and the possibility of jeopardizing college futures as well as future career opportunities.

S.A.V.E.  PROGRAM (8Th Grade)

Lesson One:  “Cell Phone Safety (Sexting).”  The officer will present a teen PowerPoint presentation on cell phone safety.  They will also discuss the dangers, legal & personal consequences of sending/texting nude or semi-nude pictures and video clips of themselves in a common practice called “sexting.”

Lesson Two:  “Internet Peer Pressure and Cyberbullying.”  The purpose of this lesson is to recognize the dangers and consequences of bullying peers online by computer, social networking sites, or cell phone text messages.  Students will learn about what to do if they receive messages that are threatening, harassing, or bullying in nature.  They will also learn about legal & school consequences.  

S.A.V.E.  PROGRAM (10Th Grade)

NYS VEHICLE & TRAFFIC LAW (90 min.)

This program offers vitally important information to those who have accepted the responsibilities associated with driving a car in New York State.  This program can be tailored to fit group needs, and may cover anything related to traffic safety.  Possible topics include driving while intoxicated; speeding and other common traffic infractions; being a safe and courteous driver; vehicle safety equipment; license suspension; how driving records affect insurance premiums.

NY DRUG LAWS (90 min.)

Typically offered to high-school and adult groups.  This program familiarizes students with drug laws in New York State.  Students learn the consequences (legal and social) of arrest for drug use or possession, or for choosing to associate with those who abuse drugs.  Additionally, school policies regarding drug use or possession are discussed, as well as Federal “Zero-Tolerance” laws which make the personal property of drug users or sellers subject to seizure.

PERSONAL SAFETY & DATE RAPE FOR WOMEN (90 min.)

This program provides a basic overview of personal safety considerations for women.  The program stresses ways to help ensure that women stay “in control” of situations and their surroundings, and provides suggestions which can help to minimize being targeted as a crime victim. Rape and sexual assault laws will be addressed during this program, as well as what to do, and how to report a rape or sexual assault.  This presentation also discusses the dangers of meeting people on the internet, posting too much information on social networking sites and cell phones.  High school or adult groups only.