Naperville Police Offer July 20 College Safety Presentation for Students and Parents

As many new college freshmen are getting ready for move-in day on college campuses across the nation, the Naperville Police Department wants to be sure that parents are sending off their young adults with the necessary knowledge and skills to keep themselves and their property safe.

Department personnel will present “Safety for the College-Bound Student” at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 20, at the 95th Street Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr. The seminar for college freshmen and their parents combines drug and alcohol education with critical personal safety information.

“This is a great opportunity to learn how to be safe while on campus and away from home,” said Mike Garofalo, a crime prevention specialist with the Naperville Police Department. “We live in a very safe community and because of that our children can develop a false sense of security. This class will help students learn strong crime prevention strategies and make them aware of some of the dangers of campus life and how to safeguard themselves.”

The presentation has two distinct areas of focus. The first part of the program will educate students and parents about drugs, alcohol and the law. Garofalo adds, “Students may be subjected to temptations and challenges that they haven’t yet been taught how to deal with. This class will talk frankly about making choices and understanding what the consequences may be: legally, personally, and academically.”

The second portion of the presentation will concentrate on personal safety. Garofalo said the Department wants students to start their college careers armed with the knowledge and skills needed to keep themselves and their property safe. “We want students to learn how to protect themselves and to know how to avoid becoming a victim of crime,” he said.

Questions about the presentation may be directed to Crime Prevention Specialist Mike Garofalo at (630) 420-6667.

About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 150,000 people. This vibrant, thriving city consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children and retire. The city is home to acclaimed public and parochial schools, the best public library system in the country, an array of healthcare options and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment options. The city’s diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us.