Programs > Metro Volunteer Program > Opportunities > McGruff > Clark County McGruff's Truck Youth Watch Coalition

Parent Safety Tips:

What is the McGruff Truck Program?

The goal of the McGruff Truck Program is to improve neighborhood safety by providing a safe contact for youngsters on their way to and from school.  That contact is provided by drivers from participating public and utility agencies whose vehicles carry the McGruff logo.  Children are instructed to look for the logo when they encounter trouble.  The drivers are trained to assist the children and seek back-up help.  Their vehicles are equipped with two-way communication.

What are the responsibilities of a McGruff Truck driver?

When a child flags down a McGruff Truck driver for help, the driver will find out what the problem is and reassure the child.  The driver will call the appropriate authorities to report the situation and identify the help needed, stay with the child until help arrives, and file a McGruff Truck incident report.  A McGruff Truck driver does not administer first aid, except in extreme emergencies, medicine of any kind, provide transportation, or place the child in the truck.  The driver does not act as a law enforcement officer, or approach a child unless he or she is clearly in trouble.  The McGruff Truck program has built-in safeguards, including strict control of the distribution of McGruff Truck decals and mandated training for participating drivers.  The McGruff Truck program promotes cooperation among businesses, law enforcement, and schools.

How does someone get help from a McGruff Truck?

Children are instructed to wave both arms above their heads to indicate that help is needed.  If they simply want to wave "hello" to the driver, they are advised to hold one arm behind their backs and wave with the other arm.

Who is McGruff?

McGruff is a national symbol developed by the National Citizens' Crime Prevention Campaign, a coordinated effort to prevent crime and build safer, better communities.  McGruff, whose slogan is "Take a Bite out of Crime," has been educating children and adults about crime prevention since 1980.

How can parents help?

Parents can help to ensure the safety of their children by reviewing the following list of suggested safety precautions.  Please take the time to discuss these safety practices with your children.

1. Be sure your child knows his or her home telephone number and address, your work number, the number of another trusted adult, and how to use 911 for emergencies.
2. Plan a walking route to school or the bus stop.  Choose the most direct route with the fewest street crossings and use intersections with crossing guards.  Test the route with your child.  Tell him or her to stay away from parks, vacant lots, or desert areas.
3. Make sure your child walks to and from school with others - a friend, neighbor, brother, or sister.
4. Tell your child never to accept candy or gifts from a stranger or get into a car with a stranger.  Be sure to explain the dangers of being abducted.  If the stranger gets out of his/her vehicle and approaches, tell your child to run away immediately.
5. Explain the importance of noticing and remembering identifying characteristics of strangers such as their height, hair, eye color, voice quality, clothes, and unusual marks.  Also, stress the importance of remembering the vehicle description, such as color, size, and license plate number.
6. Could you give the police a complete description of your child - a description so specific that the child would be immediately recognizable?  Do you keep a current photograph of your child on hand?
7. Take time to listen carefully to your child's fears and feelings about people or places that scare them or make them feel uneasy.  Tell them to trust their instincts.  Take complaints about bullies and other concerns seriously.

Parents and educators are invited to join law enforcement agencies and the Clark County McGruff Truck YouthWatch Coalition to assist in keeping the neighborhoods of our community safe.