Children have the right to have peace and safety

As a Neighbourhood Police Officer with the Metro Vancouver Transit Police, I get to attend community events and give talks in the Tri-Cities. One of the best things about my job is meeting children and teaching them about transit safety.

~ Cst Jenny Chung

Most children love transit. Riding on the bus or SkyTrain is a treat; the SeaBus and West Coast Express can feel like an adventure. It’s important we help them feel safe and secure so that they can enjoy the ride. By encouraging them to adopt habits that protect their safety, they will be well prepared to start taking transit on their own.

Transit safety tips for children (and grown-ups, too)

• Wear reflective clothing to be seen by drivers as you walk to and from transit, and by the bus driver as you’re waiting at the bus stop. Try to stay in well-lit areas.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Move away from people who are acting in an unpredictable manner. Keep one earbud out of your ear when listening to music. Know where you are going and the transit schedule for your journey.
• Stop to greet Transit Police officers and other transit staff along your route, so that children can become comfortable approaching them if they’re ever separated from you.
• Keep valuables hidden. Keep your belongings close to you and not on the seat beside you.
• Sit in an aisle seat when traveling alone, so that you don’t get trapped if someone who makes you feel unsafe sits next to you.
• Point out safety features during your route so that your child knows how to call for help.
• Put Transit Police contact numbers – phone 604.515.8300 and text 87.77.77 – into your phone and your child’s phone when they are old enough to get one. Encourage them to call or text anytime that they don’t feel safe on transit. (Always call 911 in an emergency.)
• See something on transit? Transit Police encourages you to See Something, Say Something. Download the SeeSay Mobile App that connects all Transit Police channels into one, single mobile application.

Author: Constable Jenny Chung

Constable Jenny Chung worked as a Neighbourhood Police Officer for three years in the Northeast Service Area, which includes the Tri-Cities. She is back on the Transit Police patrol squad now. Follow Constable Jenny Chung on Twitter and Instagram.

If you’re interested in joining the Metro Vancouver Transit Police, whether as a police officer, or as support staff, visit their careers page to explore any opportunities.  You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

**This post originally appeared in the Tri-Cities Child Rights November newsletter**