McGruff House Program

McGruff House in Action

Click here to view a silent video

showing the program in action.

The McGruff House Program is currently being piloted in North Las Vegas.  This means the program is only available at select schools.   The reason?  We’re trying to find out if our city is ready for this program.  Read more:

What is a McGruff House?

A McGruff House is a temporary haven for children who find themselves in frightening or dangerous situations.  The program was started in 1982 in Utah and has grown to include at least one program in 48 states!  The City of North Las Vegas is proud to offer the first McGruff House Program in the State of Nevada.

Why McGruff House?

• McGruff the Crime Dog is well known.  He is recognized by children as someone they can trust. 
• The McGruff House program has built-in safeguards to protect children. Volunteers are carefully screened by law enforcement.
• McGruff House is a local partnership.  Citizens joining together to protect children.  This partnership includes the City of North Las Vegas, participating schools, and members of community organizations.

Who else is involved with the McGruff House?

The National McGruff House Network operates the nationwide program, overseen by the National Crime Prevention Council and the U.S. Department of Justice.

What do McGruff House participants do?

A McGruff House participant agrees to help children as they go to and from school and play in the neighborhood, by:

• Notifying appropriate authorities if a child is lost or requires emergency assistance.
• Reassuring or assisting children who are lost or frightened.
• Reporting criminal and suspicious activities to the police department, providing as much information as possible.
• Pass an annual background check and attend annual training on how to be an effective particiapant.

McGruff House participants must not:

• Provide first aid or administer medications, except in extreme emergency situations
• Assume the role of neighborhood supervisor or enforce laws.
• Provide food, beverages, toilet facilities or a place to warm up or cool down.
• Guarantee safety.

How may I volunteer to be a McGruff House Participant?

The Community Services Division is accepting applications for McGruff House Volunteers who reside in the vicinity of our pilot program schools.  Contact Nicole Dennis to request an application for yourself and any other resident in your home, age 18 or older. In order to be established as a McGruff House, all residents in the home, 18 years or older, must pass an annual background check.