Waukee Safe House Program Another Tool in the Fight Against Child Predators

When two fourth-grade girls from Waukee , many parents gave their kids a refresher course on what to do when approached by strangers.

After Thursday's , that effort has intensified with Waukee schools, police and parents again reminding children of the dangers of strangers.

Today and all next week, Waukee school resource officers will reinforce those messages through that touch on what to do when a stranger approaches.

Part of that curriculum will include information on the Waukee Safe House program. Formerly Waukee's McGruff House program, Waukee Safe House is a safe haven for kids when a known, trusted adult isn't around.

Jeff Mellencamp, a school resource officer with the and , said the program is similar to the old Blue Star program where a participating household would display a blue star in the front window to let others know it was safe to go there in the event of an emergency.

With the Waukee Safe House, interested residents need only contact the Waukee Police Department and provide information for a criminal background check to be considered. If approved, residents can display a designated window cling to signal that their house is a safe house in the event that a child would need to find safety close by.

School resource officer Mackenzie Sposeto said more than 75 families have applied and been accepted to the Waukee Safe House program since July. In light of Thursday's incident in Waukee, she expects that number to increase as people become more aware and intent on keeping Waukee a safe place for kids.

"I think an incident like this really brings it back to reality that we have to do everything we can to keep kids safe," Sposeto said. "The Safe House is just another way we can do that. I don't think we could ever have too many Safe Houses."

For more information on the Waukee Safe House program or to apply, contact the Waukee Police Department at (515) 987-1073.