Police volunteers to look after suspects’ children

Columbia police volunteers who do clerical work at the police department, assist officers at sobriety check points and work annual events like the Show Me State Games now can add child care to their list of duties.

In April, the Columbia Police Department will launch the CARE program, which will put police volunteers in charge of children when their guardians are arrested, leaving them without supervision.

The idea for the program came up during a citizens’ academy conference, Columbia police Officer Jessie Haden, the volunteer coordinator, said.

“During one of the classes I attended, one idea presented was this program in another state,” Haden said. “I brought the idea back here.”

One of 20 trained volunteers will come to the police department when an officer needs someone to look after a child who is waiting to be taken under the care of the Division of Family Services.

Until now, when a child’s guardian has been arrested, police try to find a relative for the child to stay with, but it’s not always possible. The wait for a Division of Family Services worker — after a trip to the police department — can be traumatic for a child.

“I can’t guarantee the child will be 100 percent comfortable, but it will make the experience much less chaotic for the child involved,” Haden said.

It can also be chaotic for police, Haden said.

“We wanted to create another meaningful job for volunteers,” she said. “We also want to make the call-and-arrest procedure for officers faster and more efficient.”

The police department is creating an area for the children with toys, books, snacks and clothing to help the kids feel comfortable. Elks Lodge 594, the program’s first sponsor, is providing some of the funding, Haden said.

Police volunteer Robert Young, an Elks member, got the ball rolling.

“I discussed it with my wife, and we decided we really could do something to help children who are innocent victims and have no control over these situations,” Young said. “The lodge took a vote to donate money to get the program going.”

Young looks forward to occasionally helping some kids, he said.

“Being a grandparent, I wouldn’t want to see any of my children in that situation without a caring adult nearby to comfort them,” he said.

Volunteer training for the new program began Wednesday night. Police Detective Latisha Stroer talked about how to deal with children who may be victims of abuse or neglect.

Sarah Beck, who said her previous volunteering was limited because she works during the day, said she is looking forward to being part of a program that is likely to need her at night or on the weekends. “This way I can help,” she said.

Ernie Lee, also a volunteer, called the program a “good move” by the police department.

“It is a well thought-out program,” he said. “It will let the police do what they ought to be doing.”

Volunteers must be 21 years old, complete the Citizens’ Police Academy, submit to a background check and have their fingerprints taken before training, Haden said.

The program still needs more supplies, and the need will continue,

Haden said.

“If the child is given new clothes or if there’s a particular toy that a kiddo gets attached to, we want them to be able to take it with them,” Haden said.

The Community Services Unit of the police department is asking for donations of new, clean children’s clothing, new pillows, blankets, books, toys, stuffed animals, children’s DVDs, a TV and DVD player, baby wipes and diapers, and nutritious, non-perishable snacks and juice boxes. Anyone who wants to donate can call the unit at 874-7405.

Missourian reporter Jennifer Eng contributed to this report.

A portion of this report first aired Wednesday during “News At 10” on KMIZ/Channel 17 ABC, Columbia.