The Santa Monica Police Department in cooperation with local elementary schools has tailored morning valet drop-off locations with Edison Language Academy and Grant Elementary.  Both schools were concerned about the amount and flow of traffic during the morning drop off hour.

Motor officers worked with the students who were selected by school administrators for their maturity and excellent role modeling behaviors.  After viewing a training video, students had a question and answer period with officers and then went outside to practice what they had learned.  Police personnel drove cars to the valet drop-off area and students practiced opening the doors, greeting the parent and escorting the student(s) out of the vehicle.

Grant Elementary said that their program has significantly reduced traffic congestion at their site.  Approximately 30 to 50 vehicles pass through their drop-off program each day.

The Edison site was a little more complicated and involved changing driving and pedestrian habits to insure student safety.  Police Department personnel worked closely with school administration, PTA, neighbors and Transportation Management to find the best and safest solutions. 

The Santa Monica Police Officer Association donated the funding to purchase safety vests for each school program.

We are very proud of all of the student and parent participants and look forward to showcasing these two schools as we implement similar programs at other school sites throughout Santa Monica.