Police Department
School Programs
McGruff House
What is a McGruff House?
A McGruff House is a temporary haven for children who find themselves in emergency or frightening situations such as being bullied, followed, or injured while walking in a neighborhood.What do McGruff House participants do?
They provide emergency assistance for children as they go to and from school and/or playing in the area.
McGruff House participants do:
- Telephone appropriate authorities for help;
- Reassure and aid children who are frightened or lost;
- Assist children who have medical emergencies by getting appropriate attention;
- Assist those who are in immediate fear of becoming victims of personal crime or thefts, child abuse, gangs, or bullies; and
- Report crimes and suspicious activities to law enforcement officials and provide descriptions of vehicles and suspects where possible.
McGruff House participants do not:
- Personally provide first aid except in extreme emergency situations and then only if qualified;
- Act as a transport service;
- Assume the role of neighborhood supervisor;
- Enforce laws;
- Provide toilet facilities;
- Provide a place to "warm up" or "cool down";
- Provide food or beverages; or
- Guarantee safety.
Why McGruff House?
First, McGruff. McGruff, the Crime Dog, is recognized by 99% of America's children because they've seen him on television or because he has visited their school. One in five U. S. families moves yearly; using a symbol recognized nationwide makes sense.
Second, the McGruff House Program has built-in safeguards against abuses. While it is impossible to guarantee the safety of children in any program, reasonable precautions have been taken in designing the McGruff House Program. Adults who volunteer their homes agree to a law enforcement records check. The distribution of McGruff House signs is strictly controlled.
Third, McGruff House is a locally operated program. It is a service provided by the community for the wellbeing of children. It is a partnership of local law enforcement, a school or school system and a community organization.
Fourth, McGruff House is a nationwide program that represents a partnership among a national organization, state governments and local communities. This partnership enables communities to benefit from the visibility of the national effort and to join with other communities in implementing a program with consistent standards, guidelines, and safeguards.
If you would like to be a McGruff House participant, fill out the attached application and turn it in at the Papillion Police Department and the program manager will be happy to contact you.