The Turlock Associated Police Officers is embarking on a public safety campaign with the goal of keeping citizens safe while they engage in the summertime fun.

The organization, which represents the members of the Turlock Police Department, is starting a “Summer of Safety” campaign by sharing information sheets with safety tips and recommendations and launching a safety social media campaign that they will continue through Labor Day.

“Our TAPO officers are dedicated to serving Turlock and committed to helping make the community a safe place to live,” said Russell Holeman, President of TAPO and a 15-year veteran of the Turlock Police Department. “We think one of the best ways we can do that is by providing resources to the community we serve. We are taking personal time to develop and disseminate safety worksheets.”

The first batch of safety tips released by TAPO focuses on water and bike safety and preventing and reporting drunk driving.

In a news release, TAPO stated they chose these three safety concerns for the first round of information sheets because, annually,  1,000 children die from drowning in the United States, there are 26,000 bicycle-related traumatic brain injuries to children and adolescents, and 10,322 people died in drunk driving crashes annually.

“Turlock has a growing population and lots of new residents,” said Holeman. “Even though we are a small force and cutbacks have left us understaffed, we want to do everything possible to show the community that we support them and to introduce ourselves to new residents. We know that a strong safe community will lead to a strong police force.”

To download free copies of the Summer of Safety” information sheets, visit: http://turlockpolice.org/

To view the social media campaign, visit: https://www.facebook.com/turlockassociatedpolice