Peace of Mind Patrol

When the Pickerington Police Department is driving around neighborhoods this summer on regular patrols, officers will also be keeping a watchful eye out for pre-teens and teens home alone and encouraging residents to report suspicious activity.

The police department has launched the new Children Home Alone Program (CHAP) in an effort to keep kids safe and prevent them from getting into trouble while their parents are at work.

To be a part of this unique summer program, parents should call the police department at 614575-6911 and place their home on a watch list. The police department will do random checks of the homes on the list, but will not be doing daily checks.

The patrols will report to the parents if they see strange vehicles in the driveway and a large group of children gathering at the home, says Police Cmdr. Matt Delp.

“We’re not going to take action, but we’re going to call the parent to make them aware of the activity,” Delp said.

The program is designed to give parents peace of mind while they are working and encourage children to stay out of trouble. “What we’re trying to avoid is the house that has a large number of children who are doing illegal things because that often leads to experimentation, drug use and possibly even death,” Delp said.

The police department is also encouraging anyone who witnesses criminal or suspicious activity to report it to the police department by phone, in person or by using the contact link on the police website, www.pickerington.net.

“We have an amazing line for tips on the website, and you don’t have to give your name if you’re worried about it,” Delp said.

If you want to keep your information confidential, the police department recommends that you tell the dispatcher or officer you are speaking with that you wish to remain anonymous so your information is not put over the police radio. However, it is helpful for the police to have your