"What You Don't See" mobile training trailer is coming to Winneshiek County

The Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office in partnership with Helping Services for Youth and Families and Behavioral Health will be hosting "What You Don't See" from 4:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on April 24th at the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds, and on April 27th at Calmar City Hall from 10 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.  

"What You Don't See" is a mobile training trailer designed to simulate a "typical" teenager's bedroom, complete with all the paraphernalia and imagery one would expect to see but not to necessarily understand from today's younger culture. In the room, attendees will learn the meanings of signs, symbols & clothing, common hiding spots and other precursors that can be a tip to otherwise unsuspecting parents.

The program educates parents and teachers of youth, primarily pre-teen and teenage at-risk youth, on the warning signs to identify potentially dangerous behaviors and lifestyle choices as well as how to intervene for a more positive outcome on behalf of the young targets before their life choices become terminal decisions. Because drugs, violence and crime don't discriminate by gender, skin color, religion or affiliation, this public awareness campaign literally touches Iowans from all walks of life. Winneshiek County Sheriff Dan Marx says the mobile training trailer travels the state, and Winneshiek County is fortunate to be one of the first to use it.

At the conclusion of the experience, attendees will be provided with valuable resources such as pamphlets, contact information for local law enforcement agencies, substance abuse counselors, specific informational brochures, and much more.