Newly-hired staff for the CD-REC Park & Lunch summer recreation program assembled at the Fall River Police Department headquarters on June 17, 2008, to view a presentation by Officer John Lapointe on the importance of maintaining a safe environment for children at each of the eight parks throughout the City where the program operates. Officer Kimball went over information about gangs and the City's drug traffic to alert staff for signs of activity and what to do if they encounter drug paraphernalia in the parks. The session also provided an opportunity to review procedures for handling emergencies and other situations that might require police intervention. Staff will be operating a daily recreation and lunch program for youth under 18 from June 23rd thru Aug 29th. Click here for additional photo of the staff training program. For more information about the event, contact organizer and Community Development Recreation Director Grace Gerling at 508-679-0922.
 

(Top row) Officer Lapointe begins the session with information about gangs and gang activity that staff might be aware of in their work location, including what to look for and how to report what they see to the police. (Middle row, left) Staff members Jacob Fitzgerald, Kendra Rossi, Kristopher Vaillancourt and Evan Fludder listen as Officer Lapointe responds to some of their questions. (Bottom row, left) Tyler Barboza and Myles Brilhante clarify reporting procedures. (Bottom row, center and right) Officer Lapointe hands out Fall River Police Department frisbees at the end of the session before the staff return to Bank Street for the rest of their training.