RCMP and Block Parent program renew window sign program to improve safety

Ottawa, Ontario — April 30, 2007 — The RCMP is asking residents in RCMP jurisdictions who currently display Block Parent window signs to return their signs
to RCMP detachments and apply for new signs directly with the Block Parent organization.

“The window signs are being recalled in RCMP jurisdictions to renew the window sign program and improve its overall safety,” says RCMP Chief Superintendent Mike Woods. “Our communities have changed since the program was launched 39 years ago, and the Block Parent Window Sign Program is simply being updated to reflect the realities of the 21st century.”

The RCMP works with its community partners to ensure the safety of children.

Some recent concerns have been raised regarding the tracking of Block Parent Program window signs and their retrieval, as well as the screening of the residents where a sign is displayed. The RCMP has worked with the Block Parent Program in the renewal of the signs in RCMP jurisdictions. For information on the new sign and its enhanced features, or to see a copy of what the new sign looks like, please visit www.blockparent.ca.

Youth has been an RCMP strategic priority since 1999. The RCMP has developed a number of proactive measures to support young people in becoming well-adjusted, law-abiding citizens and to keep them from committing crimes or becoming victims of crime. Participating in the Block Parent Window Sign Program is one of these initiatives.

For more information, please contact:
Block Parent
Linda Patterson, President
1-800-665-4900
www.blockparent.ca

Questions and Answers

Why are block Parent signs being recalled in RCMP Jurisdictions?

The RCMP is assisting with the collection of existing Block Parent signs in its jurisdictions in conjunction with the Block Parent organization. The program is being renewed to improve overall safety and bring the program into the 21st century.

The RCMP raised some concerns regarding the tracking of the Block Parent Program window signs and their retrieval, as well as the screening of the residents where a sign is displayed. These issues have been addressed and are reflected in the updated window sign program.

What should people do with existing Block Parent signs?

As a public service, RCMP detachments are accepting old Block Parent signs on behalf of the Block Parent organization.

Which RCMP detachments will be accepting old signs?

All detachments in RCMP jurisdictions will be pleased to collect old signs. The RCMP will be collecting your contact information for the Block Parent association to ensure all old signs are retrieved. Please contact your local RCMP detachment or Block Parent Program for additional information.

How can people apply for the new signs?

People interested in applying for a new window sign should do so directly through the Block Parent organization. Please visit: www.blockparent.ca for information and to see the new signs and their enhanced features.

Are other police forces doing the same?

Police forces across the country are also working with the Block Parent Program in the renewal of the Block Parent Window Sign Program. Please contact your local Block Parent association for more information about the renewal process outside RCMP jurisdiction.

Where can people obtain information on the new signs and the improvements made?

The public can see a copy of the new sign and its new safety features as well as get information on the overall program safety improvements on the Block Parent website www.blockparent.ca.

What is the RCMP's involvement in the Block Parent Program?

The RCMP has been a participant of the Block Parent Program in Canadian communities for nearly 30 years.

Where can the public get information on the Block Parent Program?

For information on the program, please visit www.blockparent.ca or call 1-800-665-4900.