The US Department of Justice reports that an average of 2,185 children are reported missing each day. Every year, more and more young children in Florida are victims of abduction, sexually battery and murder. Mayor Dyer and the Orlando Police Department (OPD) want to take a proactive approach in our community.

On May 25, in conjunction with National Missing Children’s Day, Mayor Buddy Dyer and the Orlando Police Department launched a child safety campaign titled “Buddy Up” that will run throughout the summer. The focus of this campaign is to increase awareness in the community regarding the abduction of children and the dangers children face today.

“Buddy Up” provides children with messages that will empower them to make safe decisions. The program also encourages parents to talk with their children about the risks of falling victim to child abduction.

• Stay Together – children should travel in groups of two or more

• Use Your Voice – children should say, “NO” when they feel uncomfortable or scared. Children should be taught to yell or scream when they are in danger

• Be Aware – children should be able to identify if a situation is dangerous

• Check In – children should call their parents to let them know they are on their way home or if their plan has changed

• Map It Out – children should have a clearly defined route home from school and should be able to identify landmarks and safe places that they can go for help

• Know Your Info – children should know their full name, address, home and parent’s work and cell phone numbers

Outstanding Cases

In 2010, there have been 13 cases involving abduction, attempted kidnapping, lewd and lascivious conduct, luring and other child related suspicious incidents in the City of Orlando. The “Buddy Up” campaign is also aimed at generating new leads in open cases. With the launch of the campaign, OPD will also re-release six composite sketches of suspects in the open cases. Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.

For more information visit the Orlando Police Department Buddy Up Program page.