Police Beef Up Patrols, Enforcement For Back-to-School

The St. Louis County Police Department said student safety is the focus of the department's Back-to-School Enforcement Program.

Authorities are providing additional patrols around school buildings and bus stops. They will closely monitoring school speed zones and violations of school bus stop arm violations.

They also advise parents to find out if registered sex offenders live on their child's school route or near their bus stop.

The following details were provided by St. Louis County police in a news release.

"This program is designed to provide extra visibility and enforcement, especially in our neighborhoods and around school buildings," noted Chief of Police Tim Fitch. "Officers from both our Patrol and Special Operations Divisions will be out to ensure that speed limits are strictly enforced, school bus stop arms are obeyed and suspicious activity is identified."

The Enforcement Program consists of the following areas of concern: additional Patrols around and near school buildings; additional Patrols around school bus stops; strict enforcement of school speed zones; and strict enforcement of school bus stop arm violations.

"Remember, allow extra time for getting around on the roadways as school begins, especially in the morning and during afternoon rush," Chief Fitch added. 

Parents can also check the St. Louis County on-line Registered Sex Offender Registry and search by zip code to know if any offenders live near their child's school, bus stop or home. 

This information is available to help all parents make informed decisions about their child's activities, police stated.

Authorities also said children should carry identification and emergency contact information, plus parents should know the routes their children take. Students should always travel with others and avoid strangers and strange vehicles. 

For more safety tips, parents can also get a Back to School Safety Tips pamphlet at their neighborhood precinct station or visit stlouisco.com.