Boys and Girls Club Seeks Training to Spot Child Predators

By Adrianna Iwasinski, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Boys and Girls Club of Oklahoma County is seeking additional training to look for predatory behavior after seeing a report on NEWS 9.

NEWS 9 talked with an undercover detective who helps train the Oklahoma City Parks and Recreations department on what to look for in predatory behavior.

"I saw the story last night that you aired and I wasn't even aware of it before that," said Doug Gibson, Boys and Girls Club executive director. "I said 'Shoot, we need some of that."

All volunteers and staffers already go through a stringent screening process including a pre-employment background check. They also go through an address check, drug test, and extensive interview process.

"Our absolute responsibility is to provide a safe environment," Gibson said.

The club also keeps a small child to staffer ratio and does things in groups. They also never allow children to go off on their own.

Shirley White brings her two grandchildren to the club. She already thought it was a great place to bring them. Now she's pleased to knowing the club is going the extra mile to keep her kids safe from child predators.

"That's a great deal because we have so much going on during the summertime, and this is a great place for them to learn and have fun at the same time," White said.

The Boys and Girls Club provides a safe place to play for children ages 6 to 17. They have both a summertime program and afterschool program.

More than 400 children already attend, but they still have room for more to join.