The Montgomery County Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (MCCPTA), the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD), and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) are working jointly to promote the health, safety, and well-being of children in Montgomery County.

The MCCPTA, MCPD, and MCPS strongly encourage parents to attend after-school activities with their students. Strong and healthy parental involvement in a child's life is the best way to prevent youth violence, drug and alcohol abuse, gang involvement, and other threats to the safety of young people.

“Parents need to know when and where their children are at risk. We need the police and schools to work cooperatively with us to keep us informed and support our parenting, but it is ultimately our responsibility as parents to ensure our children's well being at all times. We encourage all parents to attend after-school activities with their students. While attending these activities parents should be diligent at all times and if they witness or hear of anything that threatens the safety of those around them, they should report what they have witnessed or heard to the police or school officials who are responsible for crowd control and safety at these events. We hope that parents will enjoy safe and memorable activities with their children and that the tragic events of the past two weekends will not be repeated,” said Cindy Kerr, president of the MCCPTA.

Several serious reports of crimes over the last two months, involving young people, most under the age of 18, have prompted these organizations to come together to renew and strengthen current efforts and to initiate new ones aimed at ensuring that young people avoid situations and actions that can put them in harm's way.

“Our community must come together to help our kids deal with issues of anger and aggression that can lead to violence. We need to make sure our kids know how to resolve disputes without resorting to violence and these lessons begin in the home,” said Dr. Jerry D. Weast, superintendent of schools.

Parent involvement with their child's activities not only enhances the relationship with their child, it also provides additional oversight that will promote a safe and healthy environment. Parents are often more aware of the signs of trouble, and can defuse them before a situation becomes worse.

“We are asking parents to help us to do our job, by being a parent who knows where your child is, who they are with, and what they are doing at all times. Your presence and your supervision can be the best way to keep your child safe,” said Police Chief J. Thomas Manger.

The police and schools strongly encourage parents and other responsible adults to accompany their children during after-school and non-school activities. We ask parents and young people to report threats to anyone's safety to authorities. There are several phone numbers to call to report unsafe activities in Montgomery County.

Anonymity Guaranteed:
· Safe Schools 24-hour Hotline: 301-517-5995
· Gang Tip Line: 240-773-GANG (4264)
· Drug Tip Line: 240-773-DRUG (3784)
· Crime Solvers: 1-866-411-TIPS (8477)

Anonymity optional:
· MCP Non-Emergency Number: 301-279-8000


For More Information:
MCP Media Services:
240-773-5030

MCCPTA:
301-460-0224

MCPS - Brian Edwards:
301-279-3391