Heather Bell
RADFORD – A new program of the Radford City Police Department highlights the clues to dangerous behaviors that can be found in teenagers’ bedrooms.
The department uses a mock bedroom set-up to show parents and other adults who interact with children and teens the dangerous trends that can affect young people. At a recent Radford City Council meeting, Radford High School Resource Officer Thad Beasley gave an overview of the program and said he hopes it will help parents and others catch bad behaviors before they endanger a teen and “before it gets legal,” involving police response or criminal charges.
The Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS) program is “intended for parents and other adults who care for youth, including school professionals, coaches, nurses, physicians, and scout leaders,” Radford Police Chief Jeff Dodson said..
“The interactive exhibit provides participants an opportunity to explore a teen’s mock bedroom to explain various trends of teen substance use, signs, symptoms and lingo in an effort to raise awareness about substance use disorders and numerous other risky behaviors that teenagers could be involved in,” Chief Dodson said. “Some of these topics include internet safety, alcohol usage, dating violence, and suicide. The program also provides resources and tools for parents and community members to identify further prevention tips, treatment options, and recovery services that are available in Radford.”
“This is a wonderful program that we really want our community to take advantage of,” he said.
Dodson said the New River Valley Community Services and the Radford Youth Adult Partnership partnered with the police department to fund the program.
“The police department is handling the program, but it truly is a community presentation that includes our various community resources,” he said.
Groups that are interested in having the department bring the HIPS program to them are encouraged to contact Sgt. Emily Hite at Emily.Hite@radfordva.gov.
