Uniform Response to Child Abuse

You’ll soon be noticing something new on the uniforms of officials from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and Fire Authority.

In addition to their badges and name plates, deputies and firefighters will be wearing blue ribbons in an effort to raise awareness about child abuse.

Anti-child abuse stickers will soon appear on many patrol cars and fire engines.

It’s part of a new alliance between the agencies and Prevent Child Abuse Orange County, a nonprofit group.

Both agencies will also get involved in child abuse prevention education while working in the field.

Officials hope the blue ribbons and bumper stickers will send a clear message that authorities take abuse seriously and are available to help prevent it.

“We’re committed to make Orange County a place where it doesn’t hurt to be a child,” Sheriff Mike Carona said.

“Child abuse is one of the few crimes out there that is preventable.”

Barbara Oliver, executive director of PCAOC, said firefighters and deputies are in a perfect position to get the message out to the community.

“Often in their work they come into contact with troubled families and abused children,” she said.

Abused children are more likely to be arrested as juveniles and more likely to commit violent crime as adults, Oliver said.

Each week more than 500 children are abused in Orange County, she said.