10/23/2015 - Safety Academy Sets Graduation Tigard Police Department
Media Rellowease
• ' 13125 SW Hall Boulevard I Tigard, Oregon 97223 www.tigard-or.gov/police
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 22, 2015
Contact:
Jim Wolf, Public Information Officer
Tigard Police Department
Phone: 503-718-2561
Email: jim@tigard-or.gov
Second Successful WCPC Safety Academy To Graduate
Fifteen Adults
The Westside Crime Prevention Coalition (WCPC) will proudly graduate fifteen candidates on
Monday, October 26, 2015 at 6 p.m. The graduation will take place at the Hillsboro Police
Department's Main Precinct. This marks the successful completion of the coalition's second
program season since it began earlier this year. The Safety Academy,unlike any other program offered,
is a free and unique police awareness and personal safety program for adults with developmental
disabilities in Washington County. Based loosely upon the concept of the popular citizen police
academy program; the Safety Academy however is aimed at a different audience. Adults with
developmental disabilities can be vulnerable to crime and exploitation. The goal of the Safety
Academy is to help these adults better navigate through their day-to-day activities while being better
prepared to face challenges present in an urban environment.
The Safety Academy is an avenue for adults with developmental disabilities to interact with police in
a low-key and comfortable environment. The program serves to foster communication and enhance
the personal safety of each participant. All sessions are instructed by police personnel representing
the Beaverton, Hillsboro and Tigard Police Departments as well as the Washington County Sheriff's
Office. The curriculum presented is relevant and aimed to give attendees the knowledge and
confidence to carry out their day-to-day activities better aware of potential risks. Some of the topics
presented during the five-week program include various elements of crime prevention including how
to avoid scams and protecting personal information;getting help and interacting with police; traffic
and pedestrian safety;using public transportation and ways to enhance safety when at home.
The Westside Crime Prevention Coalition (WCPC) is a partnership of four Washington County Ian)enforcement
agencies. Particpating agencies include Beaverton, Hillsboro and Tigard Police Departments as well as the
Washington County Sheriffs Office.
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