East Valley police departments conduct special patrols focused on youth safety

GILBERT, AZ – Several police departments in the East Valley place a high priority on youth safety.

Since the children are out of school all month for fall break, they are conducting special patrols specifically focused on their safety. Gilbert, Mesa and Queen Creek police are teaming up for the initiative.

Two teenagers were arrested for allegedly setting fire to a garage; Swarms became battles; and teenagers were arrested for car break-ins. All of these disturbing events of the last few months are deeply concerning for a woman who is a mother of four daughters and a community activist.

“I really want to hear from leadership that we will not tolerate this,” said Katey McPherson, Queen Creek.

When McPherson learned that East Valley police departments were teaming up for special patrols focused on child safety, she saw it as a step in the right direction.

“I think it’s a great preventative and proactive measure,” McPherson said. “Any way we can be preventative and be out there and tighten the curfew to make sure parents know where their children are, I think is a big step.”

Gilbert, Mesa and Queen Creek police are conducting the patrols while children are on fall break, but they will continue after the holidays.

Gilbert officers were looking for underage drinking, curfew violations and unruly parties Friday night. They inform children and parents alike about laws and regulations.

“We will take the same approach every weekend because we find it works. “First and foremost, educating the community,” said Officer Levi Leyba of the Gilbert Police Department.

In addition to the timing of the school holidays, the death of Preston Lord also played a role in this initiative, according to Officer Leyba. The 16-year-old died after being beaten at a Halloween party in Queen Creek nearly a year ago.

“Hopefully we’ll work with the community, interact with them and get feedback,” Officer Leyba said. “If you know, there are things that make them say, ‘You know what? How about you try that?’ We’re trying. We have an open ear.”

Looking for concrete action, McPherson tells East Valley leaders what message she wants to hear.

“I believe that leadership, whether in the city or within the police departments, really needs to be on the same page when it comes to proactive measures,” McPherson said. “I think the current frustration is over because these messages are over. And that’s not it.”