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Getting Started for Law Enforcement

Law enforcement agencies can work with engineers, teachers, health advocates and parents to improve student safety and encourage more physical activity. Ideally, Minnesota Safe Routes to School programs will involve a wide range of law enforcement officers, from Patrol Operations to School Resource Officers. Everyone can play a role!

Police officer interacting with children

Law enforcement in Safe Routes to School

Police officer interacting with children on bikes

Law enforcement agencies are a vital partner to Minnesota Safe Routes to School. By ensuring that traffic laws are obeyed in the vicinity of schools (this includes enforcement of speeds, yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks and proper walking and bicycling behaviors), enforcement increases awareness and reduces the frequency of traffic safety issues and even crime. Law enforcement offers can also contribute to educating the public about traffic laws and safety issues.

Get involved and Provide Support

Law enforcement officers can get involved with MnSRTS by assessing the potential risks children face when they walk or bike to school. For example, vehicle speeding around a school can discourage parents from letting their children walk and bike. Law enforcement officers familiar with the local community can provide support and help mitigate these issues. Here are other ways to help provide support:

  • Identify schools where speeding or other unlawful motorist behavior is a problem
  • Bring your concerns to the local public works department
  • Work with local school officials to organize Walk or Bike to School events
  • Give a talk on traffic safety in classrooms or at a school assembly
  • Focus enforcement activities within a two-mile zone around the school
  • Get publicity for your activities! This will help raise awareness about the issues community-wide

Tips and resources

Below are resources that were developed by the National Center for Safe Routes to School related to Law Enforcement:

Prepare for a Meeting

Knowledge Center

Other Resources

Police officer on motorcycle interacting with children on bikes