Community Services

Bicycle Rodeos

Each spring and summer, local clubs, church groups, and community agencies request Bike Safety Rodeos. We work with each group to provide hands-on training for each participant to increase their level of awareness and ability as it relates to safe cycling practices.

For further information about bicycle rodeos, you may contact Community Services at (519) 352-4650. We will also post information on upcoming events on our home page

This program began in 1998 when the Chatham-Kent Quilter’s Guild partnered with the Chatham-Kent Police Service. The quilts are given out by front line police officers on behalf of the Chatham-Kent Quilters Guild to children that are traumatized by a motor vehicle collision, house fire or other traumatic circumstance.

As of August 2009, 302 quilts have been given to children in a variety of traumatic situations which include:

• Motor vehicle roll over crash
• At house fires
• Where a parent was arrested as a result of a warrant
• To a missing three-year-old
• Apprehension of a child by Children’s Services
• Sudden death situation
• Given to children in the winter time in a stalled vehicle
• Child burn victim at a campfire
• To a child removed from home to a place of safety as a result of a domestic situation
• To a child who had a seizure
• To a child where a parent became unconscious due to alcohol consumption
• To children who were passengers in a rather serious school bus collision

These uniquely designed quilts have provided comfort and a warm memory of a police officer to many children not only in Chatham-Kent but to those families that have travelled through Chatham-Kent and needed assistance in a time of need.

On behalf of the Chatham-Kent Police Service, we would like to thank the many volunteers who make up the Chatham-Kent Quilters Guild for their dedication, love and many, many hours that each of you put into making these beautiful quilts. You really do touch the lives of children when they have faced traumatic situations.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Chatham-Kent Quilters Guild and participating in this worthwhile cause, the Chatham-Kent Quilters Guild meet monthly at St. Paul’s Congregational Church located at 450 Park Avenue West in Chatham.

Car Seat Clinics

Child car seat inspection clinics are highly popular, especially by those who are first time parents. For more information contact the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit at 519-352-7270.

Helmet Safety

Why Wear a Bicycle Helmet?

• Wearing a bicycle helmet has been shown to reduce serious head injuries by 85%
• 39% of deaths from cycling injuries occur in children under the age of 15.
• Even a low speed fall on a bicycle path can cause a serious head injury!
• Everyone under the age of 18 must wear a certified helmet when cycling. It’s the law!

How to buy the Right Helmet

There are different types of helmets for different sports and activities. This is because different sports cause different types of injuries. It is therefore important when choosing a bicycle helmet to make sure that it is specifically designed for cycling (not hockey, skiing, football, etc.) otherwise, you may not get the type of protection you need.

Check and make sure that the helmet has a certification label from one of the following organizations: Canadian Standards Association (CSA), Snell, The American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM), and The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). A certification label indicates that the helmet has been tested to withstand certain levels of impact giving you the best protection that is available.

• Helmets should have adequate vents to allow for airflow to the head.
• Avoid helmets with extremely pointed shapes, inadequate or excessive vents, dark colours, thin straps, and complicated adjustments.
• Make Sure Your Helmet Fits!
• When you place your helmet on your head, it should sit low. The brim of the helmet should be about two fingers width (1-2 cm) above the eyebrows.
• The helmet should not be tilted forwards or backwards.
• The chinstraps should go over both ears in the shape of a V. The ear should be in the middle of the V. The chinstrap should be secure around the chin, with room for one finger to fit between the strap and the chin.

Helmet Sizes

To find an approximate helmet size, measure around the head, just above the eyebrows.

 

Head Circumference	Helmet Size	Nominal
20 – 1/2 inches	6 – 1/2	Toddler
20 – 3/4 inches	6 – 5/8	Small
21 – 1/4inches	6 – 3/4	Medium
21 – 5/8 inches	6 – 7/8	Medium
22 inches	7	Medium
22 – 3/8 inches	7 – 1/8	Medium
22 – 3/4 inches	7 – 1/4	Large

 

(According to most manufacturers)

If Your Helmet is Too Small…

• Loosen chin straps
• Remove any extra foam from inside
• If the helmet is still too small, you will need to purchase a larger one!

If Your Helmet is Too Big…

• Tighten chin straps
• Add extra foam to the inside of the helmet, according to the manufacturers instructions. (Most helmets come with extra foam.)
• If the helmet is still too big, you will need to purchase a smaller one!
  * When sizing a helmet, never alter the outer shell! This could damage the helmet and make it less effective in protecting you from a head injury!

Replacing Your Helmet

• Always replace your helmet after a crash. Damage may not be seen by looking at the helmet, but the inner lining may have been destroyed.
• Cracks or dents mean that you need a new helmet.
• When a helmet is five years old, it needs to be replaced because the material naturally weakens over time.

Caring For Your Helmet

• Wash in warm water with a mild soap.
• Only use paint and stickers that come with the helmet when it is purchased (other paint and glue might damage the helmet).
• Keep your helmet away from heat. Even stored in a car trunk, a helmet may become unglued and will therefore not give you effective protection against injury.
• Check the screws and straps to make sure that they are tight and working properly.

Home Alone

For many families with older children, the time comes when you must decide if your child is ready to care for themselves. While some parents leave for work before school opens, others finish work long after school is over. Often there are few sitters or afterschool programs available at these times.

Some families may learn suddenly the babysitter is no longer available or that their child is unhappy with his child care arrangements. Some children ask to try new activities and stay home alone. Sometimes care is too expensive or certain child care arrangements are not available during school breaks. The transition to having your child stay home alone is a big step for every family.

Is Your Child Ready?

Consider your child’s maturity level and their ability to handle a variety of situations. If you answer “yes” to most of the following questions, this may indicate your child is ready to stay alone.

• Have they handled brief periods of being left alone well?
• Will they come straight home after school?
• Will they be lonely or frightened by themselves?
• Can they manage simple jobs like fixing a snack and taking phone messages?
• Are they physically able to unlock and lock the doors at home?
• Can they solve small problems themselves?
• Does they know when and how to seek outside help?
• Are they prepared to handle an accident or an emergency?
• Will they follow the rules set for them and use his time productively?

Self Care Options

As you begin to explore the idea of self care for your child, consider all options. For some families a combination of arrangements may be the best plan. You might enrol your child a couple of days in a local recreation or after school program. Many libraries, churches and community centres also offer various activities, classes and school vacation programs for children.

Sometimes exchanging care with another parent works well. You might be able to offer before school care to someone who can supervise your child in the afternoon. Or, you might be able to arrange for evening care in exchange for care after school.

As your child spends time alone at home, you may want to schedule an activity at least one day a week. For some children an afternoon of sports, a music lesson, club meeting or visit to a friend’s house is wonderful to look forward to and breaks the routine of being alone.

Where to Begin

There is no specific age when children are ready to stay home alone because children mature at different rates. It is most important to know if your child feels comfortable being home alone and has the levelheadedness to handle an emergency. Consider too the amount of support you can count on from neighbours, family and friends.

Some states have laws regulating the age at which a child may be left home alone. You can find out what the law is where you live by calling the agency that oversees services for children and families.

The best way to begin is to have a conversation with your child. Listen to her feelings and concerns. If your child is anxious, you will want to proceed carefully with your arrangements. Starting self care may not be a good idea during a period of increased stress such as a move to a new home, a divorce or death in the family.

Build up hours gradually by leaving your child briefly to run an errand or arranging to arrive home fifteen minutes later than usual from work. Ask your child if she felt comfortable and what she did with her time. Encourage her to tell you of any fears she may have no matter how trivial. With practice you will both be ready for her to spend longer periods of time alone and you can plan a regular schedule of self care.

Establishing House Rules and Routines

There are many important steps you can take to ease your worries and help protect your child while you’re not around. Sit down with her and go over the rules of your home including what to do if a stranger comes to the door or if friends want to come over. Decide together what kinds of snacks are allowed and how much, what things are “off limits” until a parent is home, and how the time alone will be spent.

Some working parents ask their child to check in by telephone. This is both a safety precaution and a way to hear a bit about your child’s day. Arrange a backup person at work when you can’t take the call. You and your child should agree on specific times when she can and cannot talk with friends on the phone.

For many families some kind of central check-in center at home is helpful. This can be a bulletin board or message area with magnets on the refrigerator door. You can post reminders for the day as well as important phone numbers.

Chores and projects can be a part of your child’s afternoon routine. You should decide on specific times for chores, homework and free time. Keep a weekly schedule and checklist for your child to use. This routine will help your child feel secure and responsible.

Putting it all Together

Making decisions for the care of your older child is a challenge for all parents. Take time to consider various ideas and options and resist making quick decisions. Every child is a unique individual and what works for one child may not necessarily work for yours.

Continually evaluate your arrangements and be flexible. Consider new ideas and change your choices if your plan doesn’t work. Add or change rules if necessary. Your workable plan may breakdown along the way as activities and sports start and finish, a dance lesson is unexpectedly cancelled or there is a weather emergency.

Talk often with your child and listen to her likes and dislikes, fears and frustrations, joys and triumphs. This is a time of increased responsibility and independence for her. Together you can build on her ability and confidence to care for herself.

Safety Tips

Prepare your child to be ready for emergency situations. Go over the following together:

• Their full name, address and phone number.
• Your full name and the address and phone number at your job.
• The name and phone number of your designated backup person.
• The phone number for emergency services.
• Not to enter your home if a door or window is open or broken.
• What to do if someone knocks on the door.
• The location of a flashlight in good working order if the power should fail.
• How to exit your home quickly in case of a fire.
• The safety rules and routines of your home.
• Review basic first aid procedures and put together a first aid kit.

For additional resources, visit Kidproof Safety.

Internet SMARTS

Internet Safety – Cyberproofed?

The internet has become a valuable communication, research, and entertainment tool for many people in our community. Along with the countless number of benefits that the internet offers to both youth and adults, there are also many dangers present in cyberspace. The Chatham-Kent Police Service is taking a proactive approach to the growing concern of internet safety and aims to make every citizen in Chatham-Kent CYBERPROOFED!

Internet safety is something that youth and adults need to be aware of because the dangers are not limited to just young or old. Internet predators and identity thieves are always on the lookout for personal information which could make someone their next victim. The Chatham-Kent Police Service’s “CYBERPROOFED” program helps to raise awareness about a wide variety of topics surrounding the internet. Internet Predators, Identity Theft, Cyberbullying, Social Networking Sites including chatrooms, instant messaging, and personal web spaces are some of the many topics that internet users of all ages need to be aware of in order to prevent become a victim of cybercrime.

The “CYBERPROOFED” program is available to all area schools in addition to parent and community groups who are looking to be one step ahead of cyber criminals and the dangers that exist on the internet. For more information or to arrange the “CYBERPROOFED” program for your class or group contact the Chatham-Kent Police Service Crime Prevention and Community Safety Section at 519-352-4650.

www.netlingo.com – on-line dictionary of all types on internet short forms often used in instant messaging.

www.netsmartz.org – contains a wide variety of interactive ways for kids, teens, parents and educators to learn and teach internet safety.

Two good free programs to keep your computer free from unwanted spyware and ad-ware:

• Spybot
• Ad-aware

View the nine basic rules for CYBERPROOFED.

For a a complete list of Internet Safety information go to:

• www.safecanada.ca
• www.cybertip.ca
• www.cyberbullying.ca

Internet Safety for Kids

• When using the Internet always use a pretend name or nickname that doesn’t reveal anything about you.
• Do not open e-mail, files, links, pictures or games from people that you don’t know or trust.
• Do not arrange to meet a friend that you have made on the Internet unless one of your parents has been informed and will be present .

Top Ten Tips

• Teach your kids to trust their instincts. If they feel nervous about anything they see or hear online, they should tell you about it.
• If your kids visit chat rooms, use Instant Messaging (IM) programs, online video games or other activities on the Internet that require logging in by name to identify themselves, help them choose a login name and make sure it doesn’t reveal any personal information about them.
• Insist that your kids never give out your family’s address, phone number or any personal information, including where they go to school.
• Teach your kids that the difference between right and wrong is the same on the Internet as it is in real life.
• Teach your kids how to respect others online. Make it clear that rules for good behaviour don’t change just because they’re on a computer.
• Insist that your kids respect the property of others online. Explain that making illegal copies of other people’s work — music, video games or other programs — is a form of theft, plain and simple.
• Tell your kids to never meet online “friends” in person. Those “friends” may not be who they say claim to be.
• Teach your kids that not everything they read or see online is true. Encourage them to ask you if they’re not sure about something they see or hear.
• Control your children’s online activity using advanced Internet software. Parental controls can help you filter out harmful content, monitor the sites your child visits and find out what they do there.

Internet Safety for Youth

It’s common for younger teens to experience periods of low self esteem, seek the approval of their friends, and be reluctant to accommodate their parents’ expectations. Older teenagers need both group identity and independence, and tend to reconcile their family and peer values. In late adolescence, kids also mature and are ready to interact with the world on an intellectual level. Generally, teens are open to new ideas but lack the life experience to judge their validity. It is important for parents to continue to guide older children’s use of the Internet.

Teens download music, use instant messaging (IM), e-mail, and play online games. They also actively use search engines to find information on the Internet. Most teens have visited chat rooms, and many have participated in adult or private chats. Boys in this age group are more likely to push the boundaries and look for gross humour, gore, gambling, or explicit adult sites. Girls might be more likely to chat online and therefore might be more susceptible to sexual solicitation online.

Here are some safety tips to consider as you guide your teens online:

• Create a list of Internet house rules with your teens. You should include the kinds of sites that are off limits, Internet hours, and guidelines for online communication, which includes chat room communication.
• Keep Internet-connected computers in an open area and out of your teens’ bedrooms.
• Talk to your kids about their online friends and activities just as you would about their other friends and activities. Talk to your teens about their instant messaging list, and make sure they don’t talk to strangers.
• Know which chat rooms or message boards your teens visit, and who they talk to online. Encourage them to use monitored chat rooms, and insist they stay in public chat room areas.
• Insist that they never agree to meet an online friend in person.
• Teach your teens never to give out personal information without your permission when they use e-mail, chat rooms, or instant messaging, fill out registration forms and personal profiles, and enter online contests.
• Teach your kids not to download programs, music, or files without your permission. If they share files or take text, images, or artwork from the Web, it might violate copyright laws and can be illegal.
• Encourage your teens to tell you if something or someone online makes them feel uncomfortable or threatened. Stay calm and remind your kids they are not in trouble if they bring something to your attention. (It is important that your teen does not think that you’ll take away their computer privileges.)
• Talk to your teenagers about online adult content and pornography, and direct them to positive sites about health and sexuality.
• Help protect them from spam. Tell your teens not to give out their e-mail address online, not to respond to junk mail, and to use e-mail filters.
• Be aware of the Web sites that your teens frequent. Make sure your kids don’t visit sites with offensive content, or post personal information or photos of themselves.
• Teach your kids responsible, ethical, online behaviour. They should not use the Internet to spread gossip, bully, or threaten others.
• Make sure your teens check with you before they make financial transactions online, which includes when they order, buy, or sell an item.
• Discuss online gambling and its potential risks with your teens. Remind them that it is illegal for them to gamble online.

Internet Safety for Adults

1. Keep passwords private — even from best friends!
2. Don’t respond to mean or harassing e-mails. Just log off.
3. Be suspicious when someone offers you something for nothing, such as gifts or money.
4. Never agree to meet with someone face-to-face without telling your parent or guardian. If your parent or guardian agrees to the meeting, make sure to meet in a public place.
5. Remember that people online may not be who they seem.
6. Do not give out personal information (address, phone number, where you go to school or photographs) to someone that you only know through the Internet, unless you have permission from your parents or guardian.
7. Remember that anything you post, even if you delete it, may have been copied, forwarded or reposted.
8. Do not create a video that makes fun of another person. Always treat others as you’d like to be treated.
9. Make sure there are no identifying objects or pictures (school jersey, street names, licence plates) in your videos that could put you at risk.
10. Always respect privacy rights when it comes to the people in your video. You must get the permission of everyone who appears on camera, and if you take video of children, make sure you have permission from their parent or guardian.

Neighbourhood Watch

Neighbourhood Watch is a program aimed at reducing crime in the community. It involves getting to know one’s neighbours and introducing them to the concept of Neighbourhood Watch – that is, good neighbours working together, alert to the potential of crime and willing to look out for one another’s interests.

Neighbours working together through Neighbourhood Watch can combat crime in their area the most effective way – before it starts. Through the active participation of citizens in crime prevention, Neighbourhood Watch provides a means of reducing the opportunity for crime to occur. Citizens are taught how to make their home less inviting as a target for thieves; how to participate in Operation Identification, making their personal property less desirable to burglars; and, how to be alert to suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods.

Very few people are in a position to protect their homes and property all of the time. Vacation, business and shopping trips, or even an evening out will leave homes unattended and vulnerable to theft. The Neighbourhood Watch program provides a sense of security for individuals or families who leave their homes for any length of time. The program helps to coordinate the efforts of the police and the community in tracking down criminals. Strong community involvement is encouraged because neighbour unity can deter crime. Neighbours joined together do help correct situations that threaten their peace and safety.

Neighbourhood Watch groups have been active in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent for many years.

Liaison Officers attend the meetings to share recent crime trends and crime prevention information/presentations. If you are interested in joining a Neighbourhood Watch group or starting a Neighbourhood Watch in your area contact the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Section at 519-352-4650.

More information about Neighbourhood Watch can be found at: www.communitypolicing.ca.

District 1:

Grande Pointe	Mitchell's Bay	Tupperville
Jo-Anne Charron	Ray Trahan	Carol Foster
519-352-7837	519-354-4079	519-627-0267
	rtrahan@ciaccess.com	cfoster@kent.net
Diane Duphette
519-360-1562
classydi@hotmail.com

District 2:

Blenheim	Howard	Thamesville
Jane VanderSluis	Facebook: Howard Neighbourhood Watch	Brian Carther
blenheimneighbourhoodwatch@gmail.com		519-692-5097

District 3:

Raleigh Township	Tilbury
John Jordan	Gerald Moyahan
519-436-0839	519-682-2819
jfj7725@hotmail.com	geraldmoyahan@hotmail.com
	Randy Bacon
	519-682-3736
	firefighter19081@gmail.com

District 4:

East Side Pride	North Harwich	Taylor Avenue
Marjorie Crew	Jane LaBute	Frank Thibault
519-351-1269	519-351-7849	519-436-7402
mcrew@eastsidepride.ca	7labutes@xplornet.com	frank.thibault@primus.ca
www.eastsidepride.ca

Police Week

Police Week takes place every May and is dedicated to increasing community awareness and recognition of policing services while strengthening police-community ties. Police Week also encourages community involvement and initiation of activities through media awareness and community sponsored events.

Objectives

Police Week is governed by four specific objectives:

• To strengthen police ties with the community;
• To honour police officers for the public safety and security they provide to their communities;
• To promote the work police do in their communities;
• To inform the community about the police role in public safety and security.

School Programs

For information about the programs below please call at 519-352-4650.

 

Values, Influences and Peers (VIP)

V.I.P. is a program that was cooperatively developed by the Ontario Ministry of Education and the Ministry of the Solicitor General in 1982. This program is taught locally at the grade five level. The program has a tremendous impact in building a positive community – police relationship with students and their teachers.

The main focus is on mentoring students so that they have a positive self-image and can make good choices despite experiencing negative peer pressure. VIP is an awareness program, which is meant to be preventative and proactive in nature.

The 2022/2023 plaque and winning design t-shirt were presented to Amalie DeHann today from St. Ursula Council #9551, Knights of Columbus by Mr. Gerard Masse, Special Constable Brooks and Special Constable Koldyk of the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Section of Chatham-Kent Police Service.  Amalie’s t-shirt design will be worn by all of the V.I.P. graduates in the St. Clair District Catholic School Board in Chatham.

The 2022/2023 plaque and winning design t-shirt were presented to Jordyn Lafaive today by the Wheatley Optimist Club and Special Constable Koldyk of the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Section of Chatham-Kent Police Service.  Jordyn’s design will be worn by all of the V.I.P. graduates in the public schools within the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and all of the schools in Wallaceburg.

Every student who graduates from the VIP program in Chatham-Kent for the Lambton-Kent District School Board will receive a t-shirt with this winning design.

For information about the programs below please call at 519-352-4650. 

Other Presentations	Availability
CEPTED – Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design	Community Groups
Car Theft Prevention and Personal Safety	Community Groups
IMPACT (Impaired Minds Produced By Alcohol Causes Trauma)	Community Groups
Frauds and Scams Awareness	Community Groups
Helmet Awareness Program	Community Groups
Personal Safety	Community Groups