Operation HeadStrong

What is it?

The Lynn Haven Police Department has received a grant of 200 bicycle helmets in various sizes from the Florida Department of Health. The Community And Neighborhood Services (CANS) unit has developed the program Operation HeadStrong in a continued effort to promote bicycle safety through the use of bicycle helmets. These helmets will be distributed to children under 16 years of age. The helmets will primarily be given out on a needs basis as determined by officers who observe children riding in and around Lynn Haven without helmets in violation of Florida statute 316.2065(3)(d,e). These children will be issued a department warning citation as seen below which is redeemable for a free helmet. It is requested that parents or guardians of the children issued the citation contact the CANS unit of the Lynn Haven Police Department, where the the child will receive a free properly fitted helmet.

Goal: To increase the safety of bicyclist under 16 years of age through the use of bicycle helmets.

Objectives:

1. Increase bicycle safety awareness to all.

2. Increase bicycle safety for children under the age of 16 through the use of bicycle helmets.

3. Promote a positive police / resident-citizen contact related to bicycle safety.

4.  Distribute 200 bicycle helmets to children under 16 years of age who do not have one.