Community service officers from the Sierra Vista Police Department told KWCD listeners they run a weekly, no-cost car-seat check and installation service on Wednesdays, and urged parents to use the program to confirm correct installation and that seats are not expired or recalled.

"Every Wednesday, we have our free car seat checks and installations," said Community Service Officer Faith Evening Red. The checks cover recall status, expiration dates and proper installation; officers also demonstrate correct harness use so caregivers can replicate the installation later.

Officers said many caregivers install seats incorrectly, including misuse of anchors and tethers or improper harnessing of the child. Officer Amber Lering noted that most car seats have an "8 to 10 year lifespan," making secondhand seats potentially unsafe if the purchase history is unknown. They added that manufacturers commonly recommend replacing seats involved in crashes above roughly 10 to 15 miles per hour.

The Sierra Vista Police Department schedules the free checks Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the department's address on North Coronado Drive. Officers encouraged parents and caregivers to bring their seats for inspection and said the service is available to help people who have never installed a seat before.