Westland provides training for school crossing guards
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| Crossing guards in Westland went 'back to school' recently to learn new safety techniques from members of the Westland Police Department as part of a new safety program in the community. |
The program is new and innovative, a police spokesman said. This remodeled approach includes a much broader and more expansive outlook on child safety, he added. The new school crossing guard program has a much more inclusive response to child safety including training in CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation) and first aid certification.
The new program also offers the crossing guards training in response to missing children and lockdown procedures. While the police will respond to those situations, the spokesman said, help from crossing guards dealing directly with children will help in any crisis situation.This year, some crossing guards will be assigned to work in school parking lots. Their duties are not only assist with traffic flow, but also to assure the safety of the children in the parking areas. Additionally, this year schools and crossing guards will be equipped with radios to facilitate quicker communication in the event of emergencies or any situation that may require a quick response.
The improvement of the school crossing guard program helps to put more responsible eyes and ears outside of the schools, the spokesman noted. “The department's goal is to provide children with a safer school experience and allow children to be comfortable and secure while walking to school,” he added.
Crossing guards recently attended workshop sessions to learn the new procedures involved in the new responsibilities.
“The Westland Police Department would like to sincerely thank our outstanding crossing guards who have embraced their newly expanded roles,” the spokesman continued. “We appreciate their willingness to learn and adapt to in order to improve safety for our children.”
