Akwesasne Mohawk Territory Community Watch for a Safer Community

Akwesasne, October 27, 2009 - The Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department are releasing the following Halloween Safety Information for the benefit and safety of our children, elders and community.

Enforcement of our bylaws for All-Terrain Vehicle traffic will be occurring in all boundaries of the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory. We ask the parents of our children to assist us in ensuring that All-Terrain Traffic infractions for this special time of year is prevented. We will be continuing to impound All-Terrain Vehicles if identified in the breaking of our community laws.

Information is being gathered regarding vandalism which may include random fires, fireworks and paintball gun incidents. The property damage caused by these incidents will not be tolerated.

The Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department remind all community residents and land owners to please ensure that their properties are tidy and ditches are clean of debris. Please ensure that your buildings are secured, portable items are stored away, outside and motion detector lights are on, and your vehicles are locked.

TIPS:

Many people enjoy transforming their homes into eerie scenes. Be sure to keep the path leading up to your door free of obstacles for the little ones, especially those with masks who might have trouble seeing in dim light.

Keep pets indoors on Halloween to protect them from hazards and preventing them from being aggressive to visitors.

Before you light those candles in your pumpkin, consider using inexpensive safety glow sticks.

Costumes

It is important that when helping a child pick out a costume, safety should be the main concern.

• Wear a light-coloured or bright costume, reflective tape or arm bands to heighten visibility.

• Wear a costume that is properly fitted to reduce the chance of tripping.

• Select a costume that is constructed from flame -retardant materials.

• Make sure your vision is not restricted. Consider completing your costume with make-up rather than masks. Masks may require that the eye-holes be cut larger for the sake of good peripheral vision.

• Shoes should fit properly even if they do not go well with a costume.

• If a child’s costume requires the use of props, make sure the sharp tip is cut or filed round.

• Glow sticks are also an excellent method to increase a child’s visibility_ You might want to consider creating a fun necklace with string to ensure they will want to wear it as part of their costumes.

• Accessorize with a flashlight!

Before the children hit the streets, it is important that parents be aware of the route that their children plan to follow. If you are unable to take them out yourself, consider asking another parent, an older sibling or babysitter to do the honours for you. Ensuring your child is wearing a watch also allows you to establish an agreed upon curfew. Teach your children to recognize the places along his/her route where they can obtain help such as Police, Fire or any other well indicated public place.

Tampering of treats is rare; however remind children that they must have their candy inspected by their parents or guardian prior to eating them.

Together we are building a stronger Akwesasne Mohawk Territory. Together we will meet the Missions of our Community, Councils and Policing Agencies.

Jerry Swamp, Chief of Police

Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service

613-575-2340

Andy Thomas, Chief of Police

St. Regis Mohawk Tribal Police Department

518-358-9200