School Safety Patrol Program
The school Safety Patrol was started in 1935 by the San Diego Police Department and began at just one school. Its purpose was to help elementary school children cross streets safely on their way to and from school and to reduce the number of pedestrian and bicycle collisions involving elementary-age students.
The School Safety Patrol is in nearly 90 schools throughout the city. There are nearly 2,000 fifth and sixth grade students serving as Patrol members. It is their job to cross children and adults safely at their school locations. They are selected, trained, and supervised on an ongoing basis by Juvenile Services Team Officers from eight area stations of the San Diego Police Department. Their jobs include:
- Control pedestrian traffic
- Control vehicle traffic
- Watch and report traffic violations
The Sandburg Safety Patrol provides our students safe crossing of Avenida Del Gato from 7:30-7:45 a.m. while they are coming to school and from 1:50-2:05 p.m. as they go home from school. The selected students show an honest effort in school and are positive role models for other students. They are selected on the basis of academic performance, citizenship and maturity. They demonstrate the willingness to take responsibilities and give our children the safety they need.
Rewards
School Safety Patrol members are rewarded for their work monthly, either through promotions or weekend activities. These can include:
- Free holiday carnival
- Outings to sporting events
- Movies
- Free 4-day camp at Palomar Mountain during the summer
Join the Patrol
If you're in fourth or fifth grade and would like to become a member of the School Safety Patrol, ask your teacher.