South Traffic Division (STD) officers assigned to the Community Traffic Safety Unit (CTSU) are assisting numerous elementary schools within Operations-South Bureau (OSB) with implementing "School Valet Programs." Officers work in conjunction with the school faculty and volunteers to establish a specific drop-off and pick-up points that are adjacent to the involved school. Officers conduct background checks and training for each volunteer. The training provides pedestrian safety measures for parents and children with a goal to reduce vehicle versus pedestrian accidents in the vicinity of schools.
Additionally, parents are trained on the proper placement of cone patterns that direct vehicles to the exact drop-off and pick-up locations. This program has been successful, and officers have received positive feedback from school administrators, parents and the community. Newly trained schools include McKinley elementary, Wadsworth elementary, Weems elementary and 96th St elementary.