MEMORANDUM FROM:

CHIEF PHILIP BANKS, III

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS BUREAU

September 2012

Memorandum to: Subject:

Precinct Community Council Meeting Attendees COMMUNITY AFFAIRS BUREAUS MONTHLY MESSAGE SEPTEMBER NYPD News

In an effort to educate New York Citys communities regarding methods and resources available to recognize and address youth-related concerns, the Community Affairs Bureau of the New York City Police Department is hosting an array of gang forums, youth summits, and resource fairs. These presentations describe the numerous programs, services, and resources available to parents and their children. For more information about upcoming programs and initiatives in your area, visit us online at www.nypdcommunityaffairs.org. NOTE: This month there will be a Youth Resource Fair on September 27, between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., at 209 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn (between Court and Adams Streets).

Tips of the Month

As children return to school this month, we remind parents that taking a few minutes to review a few safety tips with their children is time well-invested. Review the proper manner to exit a school bus with your child. Explain that running out of the bus door, past the front of the bus, and into the street is very dangerous. Direct your child to take notice of the flashing red lights when the bus is stopped, and explain that cars are not supposed to pass a school bus with flashing red lights, but that some drivers still violate the law. Tell your child to make eye contact with the bus driver, who will be checking his/her mirrors for on-coming traffic, and who may signal for the child to wait. The bus driver may signal your child when it is safe to cross the street. Additionally, it is also advisable to instruct your children how to check for on-coming traffic from the front of the bus themselves to ensure they cross the street safely.

 New York State law requires motorists to stop for school buses that are receiving/discharging passengers. This includes motorists that are approaching school buses from the opposite direction in on-coming traffic, and even school buses on the other side of a divided highway. Before a school bus stops to load or unload passengers, the driver will usually flash yellow warning lights. When driving, always take note of the yellow and red school bus lights and be prepared to stop. Program of the Month The Law Enforcement Explorers is a program designed to educate youths, aged 14 to 20, about the law enforcement profession. The program promotes careers in law enforcement but also emphasizes individual responsibility and life skills that will benefit participants regardless of the career path chosen. There are currently 109 NYPD Explorer posts. For more information visit www.nypdcommunityaffairs.org or www.nyexploring.org.

Philip Banks III Chief of Community Affairs Bureau PB: mjs