School offers escape lessons

Last week, several child abduction scenarios took place at St. James Institute in Albany.

They were part of a presentation by the Escape School, a national organization founded by Bob Stuber, a former police officer. Its purpose is to teach adults and children about the dangers of and ways to avoid being kidnapped. The program also teaches techniques to escape.

The presentation was organized by the principal, Brother Jason Lody, OFM, Conv., in an effort to help stem the number of kidnappings and abuse that he said are on the rise at the national level. (There have been no reports of attempted abductions at St. James.)

"The trainer presented a video to those at our meeting," Brother Jason said. "After that, we spent some time discussing certain risky situations that might not appear to be opportunities for an abduction to parents and children. He cited as examples being in a mall with your child and going to another department or leaving your child alone for even a few moments.

"Parents and some students were then asked to role-play some scenarios so people could learn certain techniques in avoiding abduction. The idea was to have the parents and students take home the information they have learned and practice it, talk about it."

Brother Jason said that information gathered at the meeting will be reinforced in the classroom through a series of presentations and visits by police officers.

(To learn more about Escape School, go to www.escapeschool.com or www.bobstuber.com. Brother Jason can be contacted at 465-1973.)

(02-06-03) [[In-content Ad]]