On Saturday, a free child seat checkpoint took place at Troop B headquarters on Minnisink Road. Twelve technicians adjusted 48 chairs in 38 vehicles during four hours. State troopers joined Wayne and Fairfield police in the endeavor, according to State Police Sgt. James Sisto, who heads Troop B’s child seat program.

The initiative was done in cooperation with the state Division of Highway Traffic Safety (DHTS) as part of National Child Seat Safety Day.

As each car proceeded to the garage, checklist-toting technicians looked over each child restraint. They explained to adults any discovered problems and corrected them. In some cases, free DHTS donated chairs were given out under special circumstances.

Sisto said the examinations were much warranted, adding that most devices required at least some modification.

"There’s usually something wrong, whether it’s a twisted shoulder harness, or the latch system was not put in properly."

That observation was mirrored by Fairfield Police Sgt. Paul Bowden.

"They estimate that 80 percent of all child seats are installed incorrectly."

Fellow Fairfield Officer Chris Niemiec said that the most common problem is the tightness of the seat itself.

"You want to make sure the seat doesn’t slide or lean forward. The next common error is the tightness of the harness system."

Niemiec added guardians should not use secondhand car seats, due to uncertain apparatus reliability.

"People should never buy a child restraint at a garage sale or flea market. You don’t know if it has been in an accident."

Bowden noted the device itself is not the only safety consideration. Parents purchasing new car seats need to mail the registration card to the manufacturer, in case of recalls. He added purchasers should note the product’s expiration date.

Troop B’s child seat checkpoint experienced activity in spurts on Saturday. The specialists on hand that day included Wayne Police Cpls. John Costabile, Nate Foulds, Jon Liebchen, and Zack Zaccardi.

Among those grateful for the technicians was Jaynie Porretta of Totowa. She came in a SUV with her boyfriend and daughter Cheyann, 3. Porretta said the officers did a good job straightening out her youngster rider restraint.

"It was loose, and now I feel safe. They were very nice. They give information you need to know. They don’t rush you at all. They’re nice to the kids and they explain everything," she said.

Sisto added that Troop B headquarters is planning to have a regular schedule child seat checks. Anyone wishing more information about the safety seat programs can call him at 973-785-9412, ext. 4215.