City of Fairfax police, in conjunction with the Optimist Club of Fairfax, will be offering Safe Assured identification kits for children on Saturday, July 20, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at police headquarters at 3730 Old Lee Highway.

Parents will receive a full-color photo ID and a mini-CD containing digital fingerprints, a digital photo, video showing movement and mannerisms, a general physical description, vital personal information and a family code word. Private information is encrypted and accessible only by law-enforcement personnel.

Missing-persons posters can be created and printed directly from the CD in English, Spanish and French. The Safe Assured ID kits can also be used as a valuable aid for adults with special needs. The kits are free and an appointment is necessary. Call Sgt. Kyle Penman at 703-273-2889 for further information and to make appointments.

Pedestrian, Bicycle Safety Urged

Fairfax County police are urging drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians to be vigilant this July. The number of cyclists involved in crashes increased from 85 in 2011 to 106 in 2012. So far in 2013, there have been 45.

An 18-month study of reportable bicycle crashes shows that at least a quarter of the bicyclists weren’t wearing reflective clothing at the time of the crash; five bicyclists were reported to have been drinking alcohol and about 44 percent were doing something improper, such as riding on the wrong side of the road, failing to maintain proper control or disregarding a stop or yield sign. Police are working with private cycling groups around the region to increase public education efforts on bicycle safety issues.

Police also report an increase in pedestrians involved in crashes. There were 201 in 2012—up from 185 in 2011. So far this year, there have been 98. Police urge pedestrians to learn more about safety issues at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fcdot/pedestrian/pedsafety.htm.

Recycle During Electric Sunday

Residents may recycle old TVs, computers, peripheral electronic devices—such as keyboards, speakers, printers and scanners, as well as household hazardous wastes—including fluorescent light bulbs and tubes, for free, during Fairfax County’s “Electric Sunday” events. The next one is slated for Sunday, July 21, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at the I-66 Transfer Station, 4618 West Ox Road, Fairfax. For more information, call 703-324-5052.

Fairfax Police Citizens Academy

People wanting to participate in the fourth Citizens Police Academy offered by the City of Fairfax Police Department must submit applications no later than Thursday, Aug. 15. This session will run from Thursday, Sept. 5, through Thursday, Nov. 14. Classes are from 6:30-9 p.m.

The Citizens Police Academy offers a unique opportunity to learn about the role of police and their many functions, services and capabilities. Initiated in 2007 by Col. Richard Rappoport, chief of police, the goal is to produce informed citizens and avoid conflicts caused by a lack of understanding.

Applicants must be city residents or work in the City of Fairfax, be at least 18 and a U.S. citizen, and must pass a police background check. Download an application form at http://www.fairfaxva.gov/Police/Citizen Police Academy.asp. For more information, contact Sergeant Kyle Penman at 703-273-2889.