MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON,Calif. -- In an effort to provide Camp Pendleton’s community with a safe Halloween, Base Safety and the Provost Marshal's Office will activate operation Base Reign Over Our Munchkins, Oct. 31.
Operation BROOM includes an increase to PMO’s manpower by 10 percent, in order to boost patrols and man designated safety checkpoints.
At each safety checkpoint, personnel will issue Halloween safety tip pamphlets, assist lost children and help trick-or-treaters check their candy for foreign objects. Safety checkpoints will be located at, San Onofre School, Stuart Mesa Community Center, De Luz Housing Office, PMO Bldg. 1523, Abbey Reinke Center, Santa Margarita Elementary School and Wire Mountain 2 Community Center.
“Our goal is to provide a safe Halloween environment and promote a positive community relationship between the military police and the community,” said SSgt. Terrick Miller, security chief, PMO, Camp Pendleton
The Provost Marshal's Office would like to emphasize that parents should be especially watchful for vehicles. Motorists should also make an effort to limit driving during the hours of 5:30 to 8 p.m., which are the designated hours for trick-or-treating on base.
While many families on base would like to bring their animals along with them, PMO suggests that pets stay at home to ensure the safety of children as some costumes may startle unsuspecting animals.
If families decide to take their pets trick-or-treating, insure they are on a leash and keep in mind they will also be around other animals as well, Miller explained.
Although Halloween is full of treats, malicious tricks can ruin the fun.
No one should be discouraged from having a good time, but vandalism will not be tolerated, said Miller
Activities such as, smashing pumpkins, spray painting walls and covering property with shaving cream are illegal activities.
Halloween is also a time for children to dress as their favorite cartoon characters, childhood heroes and spooky ghouls, but parents should be aware of safety issues when choosing outfits.
Costumes should be bright and contain reflective material. Avoid outfits that cover a child’s head that may prevent them from seeing a vehicle or other hazards.
For almost a decade, PMO has implemented Operation BROOM, and can assure residents they will do everything to keep Halloween safe and fun.
If residents have any questions or concerns, call (760) 763-2077/2076 or contact Crime Prevention at (760) 725-9452.