Gustine police wearing specialized patch to promote Halloween safety in Merced County

Gustine police officers will be wearing special Halloween patches on their uniform as a way to promote safety on the holiday, according to Gustine Police Department news release.

The patches will be worn on the shoulder of the uniform and the department is the first agency in California with the specialized “Happy Halloween” patches, according to Police Chief Ruben Chavez.

The Gustine Police Department wears a variety of patches throughout the year including patches to support cancer awareness and a special Veteran’s Day patch but until now, had never incorporated a Halloween patch, according to Chavez.

“We want to promote Halloween safety,” said Chavez.

The patch, which features the silhouette of a witch on a broom, a jack-o-lantern and the phrase “Happy Halloween,” was designed by Gustine Police Officer Jarrod Nunes.

According to Chavez, Nunes is a patch collector as well as a fan of the Halloween holiday. Chavez said no other agencies in California have a patch like the one Gustine officers will be wearing.

Chavez said the Salem Police Department patch also has a witch on it, but the one seen on the Gustine patch is different and in line with the spirit of Halloween.

The Gustine Police Department also offers some safety tips for children and parents while trick-or-treating this Halloween.

Safety tips

According to the release, children under the age of 12 should always be accompanied by and adult while trick-or-treating. Police also suggest carrying a cellphone and to stay together in a group, only going to houses with porch lights and staying away from candles and other flames.

Trick-or-treaters are advised to stay on sidewalks on lit streets and do not cross through alleyways or lawns. Walk from house to house and to always face traffic when walking on roads. According to the release, police advise to use crosswalks when crossing the street and to never assume vehicles will stop.

Giving children flashlights with fresh batteries and even wearing glow sticks as necklaces or bracelets is one way to help trick-or treaters stay safe. Police also advise limiting trick-or-treating to your neighborhood and homes of people that you know.

Motorists are advised to drive safely and watch for pedestrians. Police warn that Halloween can also be a time when motorists are out drinking and driving.

When returning home from trick-or-treating, parents are advised to check all treats to ensure they are sealed and to throw out any spoiled candy, candy with torn packages, holes in the package, and any homemade treats that weren’t prepared by someone you know.

Hard candy and gum can be a choking hazard for young children, police said.

This story was originally published October 29, 2021 at 12:05 PM.