Prevention Tips to Avoid a Child Abduction  Last updated 2/18/2008

Young Children Should

Never say they are alone if they answer the phone: They can offer to take a message or say their parents will phone back. Never answer the door if they are alone. Do not invite anyone in the house without the permission of a parent or baby-sitter. Do not go into people's houses without letting anyone know where they are. Never get into anyone's car without permission. Do not take candy or other gifts from strangers or anyone else without asking a parent first. Never play in deserted buildings or isolated areas. Scream and yell fire and scatter books and belongings if they are forced toward a building or car. Move away from a car that pulls up beside them if they do not know the driver. Be taught that it's all right to say 'no' to an adult if the person wants them to do something you've thought them is wrong. Know that no one has the right to touch any part of their bodies that a bathing suit would cover. Tell, school authorities or a police officer about anyone who exposes private parts. Go to the nearest cashier if lost or separated from your parents in a store or mall. 

Older Children & Teens Should

Tell you where they are at all times or leave a written or recorded message at home. Never hitchhike. Avoid shortcuts through empty parks, fields or alleys. Run home or go to the nearest public place and yell for help if they are being followed. Learn to recognize suspicious behavior and remember a description of the person or vehicle to give you or the police. Write the plate number in the dirt or snow if nothing else is available. If attacked for money, jewelry or clothing give it up rather than risking injury. Feel that they can talk to you and call you to pick them up at any time, anyplace.

You Should

Avoid clothing and toys with your child's name on it. A child is less likely to fear someone who knows his or her name. Check all potential baby-sitters and older friends of your child. Never leave your child alone in a public place, stroller or car. Not even for a minute. Always accompany young children to the bathroom in a public place and advise them never to play in or around the area. Always accompany your child on door-to-door activities, i.e., Halloween, school fund-raising campaigns, etc.  Create an environment in which the child feels free to talk to you. Let him/her know that you are interested and sensitive to their fears. Teach them that the police are their friends and that they can rely on them if they are in trouble. Keep an up-to-date color photograph of your child, a medical and dental history, and have your child fingerprinted. 

If your child is abducted or missing, you should contact the St. Bernard Police Department immediately. Many parents wait too long to contact the Police. If we get notified immediately during an actual abduction, statistics show that we have a better chance of a recovery if we take action in the first hour. 

St. Bernard Police Will

The St. Bernard Police Department will fingerprint and photograph children at no charge. Just call and make an appointment during normal business hours 730 AM to 330 PM.

Our Department is prepared to implement the Hamilton County Child Abduction Plan in cases of confirmed abductions. This includes notifying local media etc.

Our Officers will work closely with you until your child is returned home safely. Please don't delay notifying the Police.