PICKERINGTON, Ohio (WCMH) — A park in Pickerington became a trouble spot on the last day of school last year and the Pickerington Police Department is taking steps to try and prevent a repeat this year.
Friday is the last day of school for students in Pickerington.
“We want them to have fun, we want them to celebrate the end of school, they need to do it responsibly and that starts with the parents at home," Pickerington Police Chief Tod Cheney said.
On the eve of the last day of school, he encouraged parents to talk with their children about what to do and not to do when classes get out.
“Unfortunately, the juvenile crime has picked up here, other places around Columbus that you see it,” Cheney said. “We have not been immune to it, either.”
Victory Park is close to one of the community's high schools and a middle school. On the last day of school last year, more than 200 students gathered at the park, according to Cheney. He said the students flipped over trash cans, climbed on the roof of the shelter house, and fought. He also said there was underage drinking.
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The department learned about talk of possible fights again this year, according to Cheney. He said there will be extra officers working overtime at the park.
“Speak to your child about these things, talk to them about the proper behavior, know where they are, tell them the police are going to have a high presence there and they’re going to have a zero tolerance policy," Cheney said.
The department shared the information on social media as well.
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Pickerington Schools shared the following response about the situation:
"We have sent communications to our families from our Interim Superintendent, Dr. Scott J. Hunt. The messaging encourages parents to talk with their children about responsible behavior and speak up if they see anything concerning. Safety is a shared responsibility, and as a community, we must work together to ensure a positive environment for our youth. While this is a broader community issue, we remain committed to supporting law enforcement and families in promoting safety and respect."
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