Tempe Police Offer Safety Tips for All Ages to Ensure a Safe Halloween

Tempe Police Department wants people to enjoy a safe Halloween weekend – responsibly and lawfully.  This Halloween lands on a Saturday, which also is the day of ASU’s Homecoming Game.  We encourage those coming to the downtown district to take public transportation or to carpool.   For information about transit, go to http://www.tempe.gov/tim/.  For parking, link to: http://www.tempe.gov/parking/.

Those with younger children may consider alternatives to door-to-door “Trick or Treat,” such as school or community events.  The family event at Tempe’s Kiwanis Park is an annual favorite.  For more information, go to http://www.tempe.gov/events/halloween/

For common sense tips that can help you and your family stay safe, link to our Crime Prevention Unit at: www.tempe.gov/cpu/Oct08%20tips%202.pdf or the AZ Dept of Health Services at www.maricopa.gov/EnvSvc/BusinessServices/News/archive/Halloween.pdf.

  • Talk with your children about safety
  • Place reflective tape on costumes and provide flashlights for visibility
  • Remind children never to get in a car with a stranger or go into a strangers home
  • Plan to trick or treat at homes of friends or family
  • Adults should carefully check all treats before they are eaten
  • Consider placing wrapped treats outside for Trick or Treaters
  • Stick close to your children if they do Trick or Treat
  • Stay on the sidewalk – don’t jaywalk
  • Take a mobile phone

Patrol Units will be visible in neighborhoods and on City streets.  Our DUI task force will be deployed and the Party Patrol will be out in force.  Fights, disturbing the peace, underage drinking, assaults and sexual assaults are often a violent spillover from a party getting out of control.  We place emphasis on stopping loud parties before crimes occur, de-escalating conflict and aggressively targeting underage drinking and driving under the influence.

Similar common sense safety tips apply with young adults and adults:

  • No underage drinking
  • Designate a driver
  • Never leave your drink unattended – someone could drug you
  • Never get in a car with a stranger or go into a strangers home without friends
  • Travel in groups - avoid isolated areas
  • Let friends and family know where you are going and when you expect to return
  • It’s up to you not to let substances or peer pressure influence safe decision making

For more information, please call 480-858-6148

Tempe Police Department Non-Emergency Line:  480-350-8311

In case of Emergency:  Call 9-1-1

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