Lawrence police officer Jay Bialek walked all around Woodlawn School Wednesday afternoon, searching for safety concerns.
Throughout the month of October, he’s teaming up with the Boys and Girls Club and Lawrence schools to make sure children are not in danger of being kidnapped or even approached by an unknown adult.
Bialek is visiting 10 schools in the district, each of which host Boys and Girls Club’s before- and after-school programs. The safety audit follows two separate incidents last month at two elementary schools, in which an unknown man made contact with children on playgrounds at Pinckney and Schwegler schools. No one was injured in either incident. One suspect has been arrested, but another remains on the loose.
“The police department in Lawrence works diligently to ensure the safety of everybody in the community, and we want to work really closely with them to make sure our facilities and staffing are as safe as it can possibly be,” said Janet Murphy, of the Boys and Girls Club.
In an effort to ensure that these incidents don’t happen again, Bialek is inspecting the schools, looking at everything from unlocked doors to where security cameras are pointed on the property.
“Part of that involves visiting with staff, reminding them and explaining how to be a little bit extra vigilant while having kids outside on the playground,” Bialek said.
The inspections began last week and are expected to continue through next week.
Comments
Nikki May 3 years, 5 months ago
If they are protecting everyone, why not visit those last 5 schools? Which are they? Wakarusa Valley, Prairie Park, then what? Also, I heard that there was an incident at Deerfield as well as the two listed above.
somebodynew 3 years, 5 months ago
LG40 - I always knew you were a bit off, but to suggest the LJW and LPD have too close a relationship is hilarious !!!!! Shows you haven't been around here, or haven't followed those two that closely.
Thanks for starting my day (and the editors at LJW) off with a chuckle.
Chris Ogle 3 years, 5 months ago
Bialek is visiting 10 schools in the district, each of which host Boys and Girls Club’s before- and after-school programs.
Maybe they (LPD) know something that connects Boys and Girls club with the schools.... At the very least LPD is paying attention, and attempting to be proactive.
Nikki May 3 years, 5 months ago
Maybe it is a connection with Boys and Girls club that is attracting these nutjobs? Could be, I guess they just have more kids hanging out in bigger groups. I know that B and G club IS a feel good organization. But I still don't understand only looking at 2/3 of the schools. I know some of the other schools have after school programs with other groups.
Ok, I just looked it up. It's only 9 elementary schools and Central Jr High that has B and G. So, that's 6 elementary schools that will not be looked at. Hope their teachers and aftercare staff are diligent. (I'm sure they are).
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