Stranger Alert Program

September 2015

Dear Parent:

The North Plainfield Public Schools and the North Plainfield Police Department have initiated a "Stranger Alert Program" in response to the growing need to vigorously monitor the safety of our students and to empower the community with information which will reinforce and encourage students and parents to assume responsibility for their personal safety.

A network of communication has been developed to promote personal safety. The network focuses on the following: a. Investigation by police of student, teacher, parent, community reports to determine threat level to community. b. Dissemination of information to parents regarding reported and investigated incidents of "stranger danger." This information is sent home after each confirmed report is received from the Police Department. c. Reinforcement of safe practice procedures by school personnel. d. Reinforcement of safe practice procedures by Crime Prevention Officer after these incidents. e. Continuation of educational programs which deal with awareness and instruction of safe practices.

Our "Stranger Alert Program" is the most effective way to make our community aware of reported incidents in a manner which does not cause undue anxiety or fear to our students and their families. Information will be sent home in a discreet manner which provides suggestions to parents for family discussion.

The "Stranger Alert Program" costs little to operate but requires the commitment and cooperation of the local police, educators, parents, and the community at large. Please review the reverse side of this letter to learn about the program. We feel that this coordination of effort not only provides an important service to our community, but fosters a positive relationship among the schools, the Police Department, and the community.

In North Plainfield, we believe that it takes an entire community to raise a child.

Very truly yours,

William Parenti James V. McLaughlin, Ed.D. Chief of Police Superintendent of Schools The North Plainfield Public School District and The North Plainfield Police Department

STRANGER ALERT PROCEDURES

1. The North Plainfield Police Department can be notified of incidents by a number of sources. They can be a parent, community member, school official, crossing guard, student, etc. A Police Report must be made in order for the incident to be investigated.

2. When notified, the Police investigate promptly and thoroughly and then consult with the Chief of Police or his designee to determine if the school community in North Plainfield should be notified.

3. The Chief of Police then notifies the Superintendent of Schools or designee and faxes the description of the potential stranger to her on a parent notification letter.

4. The Superintendent of Schools or designee then notifies all elementary school principals. The principals are directed to distribute to all students and to ensure they take home a "Stranger Alert Letter" to their parents. This "Stranger Alert Letter" is folded and stapled so that student anxiety is not raised.

5. The secondary school principal is also notified of the description/pertinent information and within his own staff, monitors the situation.