Child Safety Seat Checkpoint

The free child safety seat check-up event that was held at the Target store in Monroe, LA, on Saturday, June 23, 2012, was a great success! During the event over 30 child seats were inspected, made safe, and the parents and caregivers were educated.

Approximately 3 out of 4 child seats are not used correctly. This high misuse rate can be attributed to the great variety of child seats available, the great range of children’s weights and heights, and the vast array of vehicles in today’s market. These misuses span all races, educational levels, and socioeconomic status.

Parents and caregivers will be provided firsthand information by nationally certified child passenger safety technicians regarding the proper installation of their child’s safety seat. In addition, parents and caregivers will also be provided with life-saving information regarding the appropriate child safety seat for each child’s age, weight and height.

The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police, West Monroe Police Department and Monroe Police Department participated in the event.

The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office is now a Child Safety Seat Inspection Station with a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician. This certification was obtained by participation in a training course sponsored by the National Child Passenger Safety Board, the U.S. Department of Transportation and Safe Kids Worldwide. To contact the Child Passenger Safety Technician at OPSO for more information or to make an appointment, please call 318.324.2607