The Smithfield Police Department has several car seat technicians available to instruct residents on the proper installation of child restraint systems – at no cost. This is for Smithfield residents and done by appointment only.
What is a car seat clinic?
The car seat installation experience is an interactive one. As the caregiver, you should leave confident that your child’s seat is installed correctly and that you are comfortable reinstalling and using it correctly. Your appointment will be with a National Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician who will make sure that child rides as safe as possible in your vehicle.
What should I do to prepare for the clinic?
- If expecting, schedule an appointment at least 1 month prior to Mom’s due date. We require appointments for all clinics. Keep in mind that some moms deliver early and you should be prepared well in advance. All you need to do is call the police station and leave us a voicemail at 231-2500 ext. 202. We will call you back as soon as we can.
- If your child is already born, know your child’s weight and height.
- If your child is already born, bring your child with you. If possible, also bring another adult to help watch the child while you are learning.
- Using the Child Car Seat Instructions, install the seat into your vehicle prior to your appointment.
- Bring the Car Seat Instructions AND the Vehicle Owner’s Manual with you to your appointment!
- Be prepared to learn, not just watch the CPS Technician install the car seat. They’re trained to teach you, not install it for you.
What can I expect?
This one-on-one education typically takes 20-30 minutes, depending on the car seat and the vehicle. Please keep in mind that some installations can take up to 90 minutes depending on the car seat and the vehicle. The CPS Technician should take all the time necessary to ensure that you feel competent and confident in re-securing the car seat into the vehicle and re-buckling your child into the car seat on your own.
During the check up, a competent CPS Technician will:
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Fill out a checklist form (including car seat type, location in vehicle, misuse observations, if any, etc.).
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Review car seat selection appropriate for your child’s age, size, and review factors affecting proper use.
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Review the Car Seat Instructions and the Vehicle Owner’s Manual with the caregiver and ensure that both are being followed correctly.
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Ensure that an appropriate seating position in the vehicle is being used, especially when using LATCH.
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Check the car seat for recalls, visible damage and an expiration date.
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Have you install the car seat(s) correctly using either the seat belt or LATCH system. You are encouraged to ask to learn how to install the seat with either options or in different seating positions.
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Discuss the next steps for each child, such as when to move to the next type of car seat.
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Discuss the benefits of everyone riding properly restrained, including all adults.
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Discuss safety in and around the vehicle.
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Discuss your state laws and best practice recommendations for occupant safety.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Please call us at the Smithfield Police Department at (401) 231-2500, ext.202. You may stop in the police station, but remember that we will need to schedule you for an appointment. Occasionally, we may not be able to schedule you for an appointment, but we will be able to refer you another police department or agency that will make sure your child is safely riding in a motor vehicle.
Want to know more?
For additional information or questions about this program contact:
Officer Robert Squillante from the S.P.D. Community Policing Unit via email at rsquillante@smithfieldpd.com. He can also be reached by phone at (401) 231-2500, ext.230. Although emails and voicemails left during weekdays are checked daily, please allow at least 48 hours for responses to your inquiry.
Officer Gary Masterson from the S.P.D. Community Policing Unit via email at gmasterson@smithfieldpd.com. He can also be reached by phone at (401) 231-2500, ext.227. Although emails and voicemails left during weekdays are checked daily, please allow at least 48 hours for responses to your inquiry.
Officer Orlando Braxton from the S.P.D. Community Policing Unit via email at obraxton@smithfieldpd.com. He can also be reached by phone at (401) 231-2500, ext.238. Although emails and voicemails left during weekdays are checked daily, please allow at least 48 hours for responses to your inquiry.
Other Questions?
For general questions regarding any of our other community programs at the Smithfield Police Department check out the specific webpage dedicated to that program or contact us by phone at (401) 231-2500, ext.202 or via email at events@smithfieldpd.com.
How else can I stay informed?
Smithfield Police Community Newsletter
Do you want to be added to our Smithfield Police Community Newsletter? It’s easy. Simply send an email to newsletter@smithfieldpd.com with the word “Newsletter” in the subject field and you will be added to our mailing list. That’s it. To go to our Smithfield Police Community Newsletter page, where you can download the most current newsletter as well as previous ones, click here.
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