Lake in the Hills police to host teen safety program

Lake in the Hills police officials aim to educate youths in the community about the potential risks they face through a three-part Teen Safety Series next month.

The sessions, targeting teens 12 to 16, will address the effects of alcohol/drug abuse, safety on social media, and dealing with dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, bullying and peer pressure. They will run 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 6, 13, and 20 at the police department's Safety Education Center, 1109 Crystal Lake Road.

"We have D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) for younger kids, and Explorers for older kids and nothing for the middle group," said Sue Blechschmidt, Lake in the Hills police social worker.

Guest speakers include victims who will share their stories about surviving gang rape, bullying that led to a suicide attempt, and being involved in gang life and drug abuse. A portion of each session will be dedicated to learning defensive tactics taught by a police officer.

"We ended up with too many people (last year)," Blechschmidt said. "The kids really love the defensive tactics stuff."

This year's program is limited to 30 participants. On April 6, there also will be a parent meeting from 6 to 6:30 p.m. to educate parents about the dangers their children face.

To reserve a seat, email mfrake@lith.org or sfeely@lith.org. For more information, call the community relations division at (847) 658-5676.