Local Police Departments Expand Child Passenger Safety Services

Farmington, Mo. (KFMO) - Two local police departments are expanding services aimed at keeping children safe on the road after officers recently completed specialized training in child passenger safety.

The Bonne Terre Police Department announced that Officer Matt Price has earned certification as a Child Passenger Safety (Car Seat) Technician. The certification allows Officer Price to inspect child safety seats, ensure they are properly installed, and help parents and caregivers understand how to safely secure children in their vehicles. Department officials say proper car seat use is critical in preventing serious injuries during crashes, and the additional training strengthens their ability to protect the community’s youngest residents.

Bonne Terre Police plan to share more information soon on how families can take advantage of car seat inspections and safety education.

Meanwhile, the Ste. Genevieve Police Department recognized Corporal Bradford for successfully completing the Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) certification course held in Farmington. With this new designation, the Ste. Genevieve Police Department will now serve as a Child Passenger Safety fitting station for child restraint systems.

As a certified CPST, Cpl. Bradford will be able to ensure child safety restraint systems are installed correctly, check car seats for expiration dates and recalls, and provide caregivers with important education and guidance to help protect children in the event of a motor vehicle crash.

Both departments say the new certifications represent another step forward in their ongoing commitment to protecting children and promoting safety throughout their communities.