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Wells Fargo supports SDPD school safety program
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Dec. 2005 – In local elementary schools, children are learning about “stranger danger,” bullying, Internet safety
and the perils of drug use. It’s part of the literacy-based Elementary School Safety Program (ESSP) and their instructors are
San Diego police officers.
In keeping with the season, Police Chief William Lansdowne recently announced a gift of $25,000 from Wells Fargo through the San Diego Police Foundation, which will help fund the cost of program materials.
Wells Fargo is the newest participant in what could be described as an example of neighborhood policing at its finest. The ESSP is a community partnership in which police collaborate with educators, community leaders and parents to foster the healthy development of children. The program’s essence is safety through prevention. Prevention of drug use, gang affiliation, smoking, bullying, violence, and even pedestrian accidents.
Elementary school classrooms are the working environment for some 30 police officers who manage the program in 183 schools.
“More than 95,000 schoolchildren will get information that will help guide their personal-safety choices,” says Police Chief William Lansdowne.
And the results are impressive.
“In the 2004-2005 school year, SDPD received less than 50 calls for assistance from ESSP-program campuses for violence or weapons-related crime,” says Lansdowne. “That compares to several hundred calls in schools prior to program implementation.”
The police department also cites reductions in traffic, bicycle and pedestrian related injuries.
Unfortunately, the program met up with a funding shortfall this year.
“We needed funding assistance for materials and the San Diego Police Foundation was successful in bringing Wells Fargo into the partnership,” says police Acting Lieutenant Dawn Summers.
“This program is an outstanding example of community collaboration,” says Wells Fargo senior vice president and Director of Public Relations Chuck Lemoine. “Wells Fargo is proud to be part of an effort that delivers outstanding public safety benefits to our children and our communities.”
Teachers describe the program as a wonderful opportunity for students to discuss topics that they are concerned about with a professional, and then with each other.
"The credibility a police officer brings to a classroom when talking about drugs, internet safety or even the proper way to cross the street makes him or her a powerful teacher,” says Mirna Estrada, principal at Bayview Terrace Elementary School in Pacific Beach.
In some cases, the Police Department’s Juvenile Service Team officers provide instruction that kids might not be getting anywhere else. In the process, they help build self esteem.
Los Altos Elementary Principal Emma Sanchez
Los Altos Elementary School Principal Emma Sanchez says the officers create age-appropriate awareness and give children decision-making tools that make a difference. The difference is related to health and safety.
ESSP subjects are chosen by teachers and school administrators and cover the following subject areas as appropriate for the particular student age group.
• Bicycle safety
• Pedestrian safety
• Drug, alcohol and tobacco awareness
• Bullying awareness
• Firearm violence prevention
• Internet safety
• Conflict resolution
• Media influences
• Juvenile law
• Problem solving
• Treating people fairly
• Gang awareness
Wells Fargo is sponsoring grades 3-5 this year.
You can help too. Make a donation by contacting the San Diego Police Foundation at (858) 453-5060.