Working together to protect Placer County's children

As both a supervisor and a resident, I take pride in Placer County's strong commitment to public safety. With the help of our incredible sheriff, district attorney and Health and Human Services offices, all working independently and collaboratively, Placer County ranks as one of the safest and most vibrant places to live and raise a family in California. One of the biggest challenges for those that work to protect us is the ability to identify and adjust to a changing safety landscape, making sure we're at the forefront of new ways Placer County residents may be at risk. There is no greater threat than that to our children. Keeping kids safe in their local communities and beyond should always be a primary concern. However, as technology and the way we communicate continue to change, so are the ways children are put at risk. The frequent use of the internet and various social media and gaming applications means our children are more accessible to those who wish to do them harm than ever before, often with parents having no knowledge of anything happening. We must continue to adapt to these new challenges while finding ways to both provide resources and educate parents with the goal of preventing predators from hurting those who are most vulnerable. Our District Attorney's Office plays a key role in this effort. One of its most important tools is the Multi-Disciplinary Interview Center (MDIC), a child-focused facility where trained forensic specialists conduct interviews in cases of suspected abuse. Working in coordination with Health and Human Services, the MDIC follows a careful, supportive process that reduces trauma, improves the accuracy of investigations and connects families with critical resources. This approach ensures children are protected while offenders are held accountable. The county has also expanded public education efforts. Earlier this year, the District Attorney's Office and MDIC launched the Guard Against the Groom(ing) campaign to help parents recognize and prevent grooming, a deliberate process where predators build trust with children before exploiting them. With grooming increasingly occurring through smartphones, apps and gaming platforms, the campaign provides practical tools and guidance for families. In late 2025, the District Attorney's Office introduced AppSafe following a local case involving online exploitation. This initiative educates parents about how predators use popular apps like Instagram and Snapchat to target minors, offering safety tips, security guidance and insight into online grooming tactics. Guard Against the Groom and #AppSafe are part of Placer PROMISE, a countywide commitment to protecting children through prevention, education and community partnership. By equipping families with real tools to recognize and stop online exploitation, these programs are helping turn awareness into action – and ensuring every child has the opportunity to grow up safe, supported and protected. Learn more about how our community is working with our DA's Office to keep kids safe at https://placerpromise.com/school-safety-youth-prevention/ In today's world, it can be hard to know as a parent what can and can't be trusted. Predators can look to exploit seemingly innocent games and apps through any number of different methods to gain access to children. But through efforts like our MDIC and the launch of campaigns designed to educate the public, we can look to combat risks before they arrive and help those who are desperately in need of it. With April being Child Abuse Prevention Month, Placer County will continue to participate through social media and community awareness campaigns along with our public safety officials providing the most comprehensive resources for those who need it most. Shanti Landon is the Placer County District 2 Supervisor.