Albany, N.Y. – In a bid to reduce teen violence and keep families safe during Halloween, Mayor Dorcey Applyrs announced a new community‑safety initiative on Tuesday. The city will distribute flyers featuring the well‑known public‑service announcement from the late 1960s: “It’s 10 p.m. Do you know where your kids are?”
Classic Message, Modern Goal
The slogan, which aired on television from 1967 through the 1980s, is being repurposed to remind parents to stay actively involved in their children’s whereabouts on October 31. “The message is very simple. We all care about our young people,” said Charles Gresham, chair of the Violence Prevention Task Force. “This is an invitation to use practical means to get that message across.”
Mayor’s Call for Parental Involvement
Mayor Applyrs emphasized the importance of parental vigilance. “We want our parents to be actively involved in their children’s lives and their whereabouts. Asking who they’re with and when they’ll be home are critical questions,” she said. “This initiative pushes to encourage parents to ask those questions.”
Enhanced Police Presence
In addition to the outreach campaign, Albany Police Chief John Miller announced that extra patrols will be deployed throughout the city on Halloween night. The increased presence is intended to deter potential trouble and provide rapid response if incidents arise.
Community Response
Local parents and community leaders have welcomed the effort. “It’s a reminder that we all share responsibility for keeping our neighborhoods safe,” said Susan Harper, president of the Albany Parents Association. “When we know where our kids are, we can prevent many problems before they start.”
How to Get Involved
Flyers will be handed out at schools, community centers, and neighborhood events throughout the week leading up to Halloween. Residents are encouraged to share the message with neighbors and to use the city’s online portal to report any safety concerns on October 31.
Looking Ahead
The Halloween safety drive is part of a broader violence‑prevention strategy that the mayor’s office launched earlier this year, which includes youth mentorship programs and after‑school activities aimed at reducing delinquency. Officials hope that the combination of parental engagement and visible police patrols will set a positive tone for the holiday and beyond.
For more information about the initiative or to download the flyer, visit the City of Albany’s official website.
Original reporting: CBS 6 WRGB Albany (local) — read the source article.
