>> Teens in the Driver's Seat (08/2008)

Behind the Badge: A Message from Sheriff Ted Mink

Back-to-school time is exciting for teens.  New classes, new friends and new experiences will enrich their high school years and lay the groundwork for their lives as adults.  As they continue on the path to adulthood, we urge Jeffco students to remember that they are in control of the decisions they make.  They are in the driver's seat.

Behind the Wheel
For many teens, back-to-school means more time behind the wheel.  And as Spiderman's uncle said, with great power comes great responsibility.  The first year for a new driver is statistically the most dangerous, with more than one in five involved in crashes.  It is a time for teens to focus on developing safe driving habits.

The Sheriff's Office is working to educate teens and reinforce good driving habits.  In the spring, school resource officers (SROs) partnered with Chick-Fil-A to give free sandwich coupons to students "caught" wearing their seat belts as they drove away from campus.  Deputies issued warnings to students not wearing belts.  SROs also teach Alive at 25 classes to help young people and navigate the perilous first years at the wheel.

On September 13 and 14, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office will host the Sheriff's Safety Fair at the Summerset Festival at Clement Park in south Jeffco.  The fair will feature a "Driver Safety Zone" where visitors can learn about safe driving, including simulating drunkenness with DUI goggles.  We invite you to join us for this interactive and exciting event!

It?s a Whole New World
Making safe choices behind the wheel can help protect students physically.  But they must also protect themselves in other ways. Today, there is a whole new class of problems associated with teens and "tweens."  These issues revolve around the misuse of instant communication tools like text messaging, camera phones and the Internet.

Perhaps the most troublesome new problem involves children taking and then sending nude photos of themselves to their friends or boyfriends/girlfriends.  This trend has made national news and has occurred in Jefferson County repeatedly.  It's an act that can't be undone, and can result in a teen's nude photo being posted online or passed around at school.  It can also pose problems for those who receive and redistribute the photos, who may suddenly find themselves facing charges for distribution of child pornography.  Talk to your child about the long-term consequences of these impulsive actions. 

School Resource Officers
SROs are not just responsible for law enforcement and campus security.  SROs are also part-time educators, and often teach classes on topics such as drugs, diversity and the Safe2Tell program.  Additionally, SROs function as counselors for students who are making bad choices, committing crimes or exhibiting unsafe behavior.

We hope that students will remember that they can approach their SROs if they need help.  Each SRO has years of experience with issues particular to youth, and they can help troubled students or parents with advice or referrals.

Safe2Tell
Safe2Tell, part of Colorado Crime Stoppers, provides a safe and easy way for students to report information about anything that is a concern to school or community safety.  Kids know long before adults what?s going on in their schools; this program can aid school staff and law enforcement officers in preventing crime and getting help for students who need it.  The Safe2Tell program allows students the option of anonymity.  To use Safe2Tell, dial the toll-free hotline:
1-877-542-7233, any time of day or night.

Learn more about Safe2Tell, Alive at 25, the Sheriff?s Safety Fair and the SROs at www.jeffcosheriff.com.

Behind the Badge Archive

Last Modified: May 20, 2009 04:45 PM