Saturday October 22 marks 22 years since 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling was abducted by a masked gunman from his quiet St. Joseph, Minnesota neighborhood. Jacob has not been found.
Here's what we learned from the Jacob Wetterling case. Mrs. Wetterling, Jacob's mother, is the first to admit that Jacob was never taught what to do when confronted by a gunman. Had he broke and run right away, it is very likely he would still be with us today. Although there are no guarantees, teach your children that if they are ever confronted by someone with a gun to "run and yell," two things that children do well.
The second area case with notoriety is the Jeanna North case in Fargo. Jeanna was last seen by her friend, in front of her own house. Kyle Bell, the person found guilty of her murder, knew Jeanna, and lived across the street.
What we learned from this case is that it isn't only a "stranger" who can pose a risk to your children. Teach your children never to go anywhere with anyone without asking permission first. This would include neighbors and friends.
Bad guys don't all look bad. If you ask a child to describe a "stranger", they'll describe a person who looks mean, scary or has bad teeth. You can't tell if a person is good or bad by the way they look, so children have to be careful around all people. Instead of trying to teach children what a stranger is, talk to them about "situations." Role play and ask "what would you do if..."
Adults shouldn't ask children for help. Adults should ask other adults for help. Children should be wary of adults asking them for help with things like finding a lost puppy, mailing a package, or finding an address.
Fake authority. Adults may pose as police officers, firemen or other authority figures. Not everyone who has a badge is for real. Teach your children that if they are not sure if the person is who they say they are, to ask another adult. A real police officer won't mind.
Fake emergency. "Quick, get in the car! You're dad's been in a bad accident and your mom sent me to pick you up!" Teach your children that you would never send someone they don't know to pick them up.
Gifts and favors. We've all heard "don't take candy from strangers." But what about pony rides, I-pods or Xbox games? Teach your children never to take anything from anyone without asking permission first.
Don't keep secrets. Teach children never to keep secrets. They should be made to feel that they can tell you anything; no matter how uncomfortable it makes them feel.
Use the buddy system. Young children should always be with an adult. Don't leave them alone in the car, even for a minute. Older children should go places with a friend. Never let a child go to a public restroom alone.
Know how to get help. Teach your children how to use 9-1-1, and that you don't need a coin to dial 9-1-1 from a pay phone. If they are lost in a store, train them to stay in the store and ask a clerk for help.
If all else fails. If a child is grabbed, she should yell "help, this isn't my dad" and make a scene. Kick, scream, bite, whatever the child has to do to get away.
Parents can't be with children and protect them everywhere. That's why education is so important. Teach them to be careful, not afraid.
For more information contact Sergeant Mark Buschena, 355-1874.