UW Police invite kids to be Badger Watch Buddies

The UW Police Department’s award-winning Badger Watch crime prevention program, which will celebrate its tenth anniversary this coming academic year, has added a new program for children ages 5-12 called Badger Watch Buddies.

The department is planning this first-time event for Saturday, Aug. 11, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at its headquarters, 1429 Monroe St. The maximum capacity is 60, and so far 45 children have been registered.

Central Campus Police Officer Kristin Radtke says the department’s community officers thought it would be nice to expand the Badger Watch program to include kids and educate them about key safety topics related to their age.

“This will be a structured event, with the first hour covering topics such as bike safety, 911, neighborhood safety and identifying people they trust. The second hour will include tours of the department’s headquarters, a meet-and-greet with police service animals, such as the K9s and horses, and the opportunity to check out UWPD’s vehicles, such as a squad car and police bikes,” says Radtke.

“We are looking forward to a successful event and reaching out to children of campus staff members. Kids participating could be your kids, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, godchildren, neighbor kids, etc.,” says Radtke, coordinator of the Badger Watch program. 

Registration is required ahead of time and space is limited. To register, contact Radtke at keradtke@wisc.edu and provide your name, email address, and the names and ages of the children you would like to sign up for the program.

In 2010, Badger Watch was honored as the National Sheriffs’ Association Neighborhood Watch Program of the Year.