SALT LAKE CITY — Keeping kids safe as they return to school is the subject of the latest “Chief’s Message,” which is hosted by Deputy Chief Krista Dunn.

In the two-minute video, Chief Dunn talks about Operation Safe Passage with Detective Veronica Montoya, who manages the child safety program.

“Operation Safe Passage involves parents, neighbors, anyone who wants to help make sure our kids get to and from school safely,” said Montoya.

Once volunteers pass a background check, Montoya trains volunteers to spot and report suspicious behavior in a timely manner. Dressed in brightly-colored vests, they become a visible deterrent to bullying and other harmful behaviors children encounter walking to and from school.

A brochure, application and short video explaining Operation Safe Passage are posted online at www.police.slc.gov/operationsafepassage.

For parents and guardians wondering how to start a safety conversation with children, SLCPD provides other downloadable resources, including the Kid Safety Oath, found in the Department’s Activity Book for Kids, and Take 25, a one-page flier that walks families through a 25-minute conversation on safety. Both are available in English and Spanish.

About the “Chief’s Message”

Chief Burbank issues a monthly video message to help the public reduce its exposure to, or mitigate the effects of, crime. All “Chief’s Messages” are archived on the newsroom page of www.police.slc.gov and the “Chief’s Message” playlist of www.youtube.com/saltlakecitypolice. To recommend a topic to Chief Burbank, please send an email to: askthechief@slcgov.com.

Contact: Reporters seeking comment should contact the Public Information Officer at 801.799.NEWS (6397).

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