Free wristbands keep kids safe at the Ekka
Published Tuesday, 07 August, 2012 at 08:20 AM
Minister for Police and Community Safety
The Honourable Jack Dempsey
Police Minister Jack Dempsey has urged parents to be vigilant and prepared when enjoying the Ekka with their children this year.
Mr Dempsey said the Queensland Police Service (QPS) provided free wristbands which had a space for parents to write their contact details before placing the band on a child’s wrist.
“It is every parent’s worst nightmare to lose sight of their child in crowds,” Mr Dempsey said.
“These wristbands will help police quickly reunite parents with their child if they do get separated.”
Mr Dempsey urged parents to ensure their child knew what to do if they did become separated.
“On arrival at the Ekka, speak to your child and organise a meeting point and point out where the police station is,” he said.
“Also make sure your child knows how to identify a police officer or someone in uniform if they do need help.”
The free wristbands will be available from the Exhibition Police Station off Gregory Terrace, opposite the Strawberry Sundae stall.
Inspector Ray Brownhill said it could be distressing for all involved if children and parents were separated.
“We strongly encourage the use of the wristbands. Parents and carers can avoid some of the distress by discussing with their children what to do should they become separated,” he said.
Parents and carers are encouraged to record their names and contact details on the underside of the wristband so they aren’t visible to the general public.
“Schools or community groups bringing large groups of children to the Ekka should attend the police station on arrival and provide contact details of the carers so they can be contacted should a child become separated from the group,” he said.
A separate Ekka police display is open from 9am to 7pm daily for the duration of the show.
[ENDS] 7 August 2012
Media Contact: Danny Donald – 0439 719 116 or Lea Emery – 0418 256 912
Mr Dempsey said the Queensland Police Service (QPS) provided free wristbands which had a space for parents to write their contact details before placing the band on a child’s wrist.
“It is every parent’s worst nightmare to lose sight of their child in crowds,” Mr Dempsey said.
“These wristbands will help police quickly reunite parents with their child if they do get separated.”
Mr Dempsey urged parents to ensure their child knew what to do if they did become separated.
“On arrival at the Ekka, speak to your child and organise a meeting point and point out where the police station is,” he said.
“Also make sure your child knows how to identify a police officer or someone in uniform if they do need help.”
The free wristbands will be available from the Exhibition Police Station off Gregory Terrace, opposite the Strawberry Sundae stall.
Inspector Ray Brownhill said it could be distressing for all involved if children and parents were separated.
“We strongly encourage the use of the wristbands. Parents and carers can avoid some of the distress by discussing with their children what to do should they become separated,” he said.
Parents and carers are encouraged to record their names and contact details on the underside of the wristband so they aren’t visible to the general public.
“Schools or community groups bringing large groups of children to the Ekka should attend the police station on arrival and provide contact details of the carers so they can be contacted should a child become separated from the group,” he said.
A separate Ekka police display is open from 9am to 7pm daily for the duration of the show.
[ENDS] 7 August 2012
Media Contact: Danny Donald – 0439 719 116 or Lea Emery – 0418 256 912