Chief’s Corner

By Chief Steven J. Wojnar

Dudley Police Department

            I wanted to take advantage of this occasion to inform all parents in the Webster and Dudley area of an important safety program which will take place in January.  On line safety is a topic police officers receive questions about quite frequently.  Young people are exposed to computer dangers daily, and parents are seeking ways to protect their children from becoming victims of these on line predators. 

            Parents must be aware of their children’s activities on line.  Child molesters and other sexual deviants hide behind the anonymity of the computer seeking out victims.  Children chatting on line do not truly know who they are conversing with.  The person can be posing as a teenager when they may be someone completely different.  How can they be safe on line?   

Chief Bent and the Webster Police Department, along with us here at the Dudley Police Department, are sponsoring an internet safety awareness program for parents.  The event will take place on Thursday, January 25, 2007 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm at the Bartlett Jr. /Sr. High School Auditorium.  The main presenter of the evening is Detective Frank Dannahey of the Rocky Hill Connecticut Police Department.  Detective Dannahey has appeared on many shows, including Dateline NBC.  This program will address current internet dangers such as “My Space” and much more. 

Unfortunately, these programs are often poorly attended for a variety of reasons.  It is critical for parents to take advantage of a FREE program such as this.  Most adults are not as computer savvy as their children and require assistance in monitoring their child’s on line activities.  This program will offer parents some insight into the dangers of the computer world.

Chief Bent and I hope to see a large contingent of parents present for this event.  The Bartlett National Honor Society will offer free babysitting at the school on the night of the event for those parents with child care issues.  I thank Chief Bent and his staff for arranging this program and involving us as well.  This is a very important issue facing all parents today.  You cannot afford to pass on this type of education.  As the program states, “What you don’t know…may harm them.” 

On behalf of everyone at the Dudley Police Department, I wish you and yours a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season and best wishes for the New Year.

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