Sheriff Bouchard Launches Cops-n-Cribs to Save Infants Lives (vide0)
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Oct. 14, 2015)
Two recent infant deaths in Pontiac have prompted Sheriff Mike Bouchard to accelerate the launch of a program that had been in the works to help new parents in need have a proper crib in the home.
Cops-n-Cribs is a program of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department in conjunction with Oakland County Health and Human Services, McLaren Foundation and Genisys Credit Union.  The program gives officers the chance to connect a family with a crib if they notice a need while in the course of their work.
They are also hoping to educate the public about the danger of co-sleeping with babies.  Since taking over community policing for the City of Pontiac in 2011 there have been nine co-sleeping baby deaths, 7 were from compression asphyxiation and 2 caused by the baby’s position.
“It’s very understandable how you want to pull them right in and have them right there, but it’s not safe,” Sheriff Bouchard said.  Literature created for the program is direct.  In bold letters information says “Babies should always sleep in a crib on their backs.”  Above that it says “Myth: Baby is more comfortable sleeping with me.  Fact:  Baby could suffocate and die.  It’s not worth the risk.”
Another issue they want to raise awareness of is the risk of having blankets, bumper pads, or toys in the crib with the baby.  While such items can seem comforting, they could be a hazard.  As long as the baby is clothed well it does not need additional coverage, said George Miller, Director of Oakland County Health and Human Services.
As deputies come across situations where they think a baby is lacking a safe sleeping space, the officer can connect the parent or guardian with the nurse on call hotline for Oakland County Health Division (800-848-5533).  Creation of the program began months ago, with Sheriff Bouchard’s team taking care to come up with appropriate policies and procedures for deputies to follow in the field.
The program is live and ready to go, but there are only 12 cribs available to start.  Many more are needed. The program does not accept donations of used cribs because of the liability involved.
Individuals wishing to support Cops-N-Cribs can donate by making checks payable to Cops-N-Cribs and sending to Sheriff’s Office, 1200 North Telegraph Road, Building 38 East Pontiac, Michigan, USA, 48341-1044.  Every $50 raised means another baby has an up to date, new crib to sleep in.