McGruff House is a very easy way to give children in your neighborhood a sense of security and safety. Anyone interested in having their home become a McGruff House may contact Officer Steve Footit at 262-284-2611 or by e-mail at sfootit@pwpd.org.

What is McGruff House?
McGruff House is a temporary place for children to go when they find themselves in a frightening or dangerous situation. Children are told that they can go to a house in the neighborhood that is displaying the McGruff House sign and feel safe there. Any time a child senses danger going to and from school or simply playing in the neighborhood, they can go to these homes for assistance.

Who Can Participate?
Any house, apartment, townhouse, mobile home or even local businesses can become a McGruff House safe place. It is also an easy process to become a McGruff House participant. Interested parties will be given a brief presentation of the program outlining what is expected if a child would approach their home for assistance. This is followed by an application that can be taken home to complete and returned to the Port Washington Police Department. A background check on all adults living in the home will be conducted. After that, the interested home will be advised if they have been accepted as a McGruff House or if they have been denied.


McGruff House Do's & Do Not's

• DO call the appropriate authorities if a child needs help or has a medical emergency.



• DO reassure the child if they are frightened.



• DO report crimes or suspicious activity.



• DO NOT provide first aid except in life-threatening situations.



• DO NOT administer medications.



• DO NOT enforce laws.