The Lake City Police Department has partnered with Shands Safe Kids to bring the Safe Kids Car Seat Program to Lake City.

LCPD is now offering regular Car Seat Installation classes on the last Wednesday of every month, at 9 a.m. These classes will be held at the Lake City Police Department at 225 N.W. Main Blvd in Lake City.

Crime Prevention Officer Mike Lee, a nationally certified Car Seat Technician, and other trained staff will be providing education to parents and caregivers in the community on the proper installation and use of car seats.

Additional classes may be offered, based on need, and any additional schedules will be available by calling LCPD Communications at (386) 752-4344 or visiting www.lcflapd.com. The next class will be Wednesday, June 27th.

The class, which lasts approximately two hours, will provide classroom education the different types of car seats available, their proper use and installation along with Florida laws related to child protection and restraint device usage.

“Four out of every five car seats in use on the roads right now are not being used correctly,” said Officer Mike Lee. “When we conduct checkpoints, it is fairly rare that anyone pulls in with a seat that is perfectly installed. Most often it is something minor and easily fixed, like the seat is too lose, but far too often the problem is much worse.”

Parents may bring their own car seat to have it inspected for use, or buy one at the class.

Car seats are provided by Shands Safe Kids at a cost of $45. Those who cannot afford the seat may qualify for a reduced cost of $20, but should be prepared to show documentation of participation in a program such as Medicare or WIC, if applicable.

Attendees should register for this class by calling (386) 758-5489 or email their Name, Phone Number, and the date of the class they wish to attend, at leem@lcflapd.com