Strategies & Suggestions for a Safer Community. Virginia Beach Police Department : Operations Division Community Engagement Unit

Transcription

1 Strategies & Suggestions for a Safer Community Virginia Beach Police Department : Operations Division Community Engagement Unit

2 Establishes A Sense Of Community Cohesiveness Unity Of Purpose Establishes Contact With The Police Department And Other Neighborhood Services. Good Neighbor Program, It Is Not Just About Crime. 2

3 Define Crime Prevention Identify The Goal Of Crime Prevention Discuss What Agencies Are Involved In Making A Successful Neighborhood Watch ()Program 3

4 Understand The Crime Prevention Triangle Explain The Purpose Of A Program Discover The Requirements To Establish A Program And The Roles Within 4

5 The Most Widely Accepted Definition Of Crime Prevention Is: The Anticipation, Recognition And Appraisal Of A Crime Risk And The Initiation Of Some Action To Remove Or Reduce It. 5

6 To Provide For A Safer City By Preventing And/Or Reducing Crime Through Educating The Public And Forming Community Partnerships. 6

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8 The Stakeholders are: The Virginia Beach Police Department The Community Each of You!!!! is Designed to Enhance Neighborhood Security, Heighten The Community s Power Of Observation, Encourage Mutual Assistance, and Communication Among Neighbors 8

9 1. Improve Neighborhood Cohesiveness. 2. Reduce Fear Of Crime In The Community. 3. Increase Awareness Of Crime Through Informational Programs. 4. Increase Natural Surveillance In The Community. 5. Reduce And Prevent Crime. 9

10 1. Make Recommendations To Help Make Your Property More Secure. 2. Have A Neighborhood Action Plan. - Watch Each Other s Property - Report Suspicious Activities 3. Encourage Citizens To Report Crime. 10

11 Know Your Neighbors Be Alert To Unfamiliar Faces And Their Activities. Make Note Of Suspicious Vehicles. Call In Suspicious Activity Immediately to Police via the Non-emergency Number

12 Burglaries Occur Frequently During Daylight Hours On Weekdays. Criminals Are Watching Your Patterns And Behavior. Each Concerned Citizen Is Another Pair Of Eyes. Close & Lock All Doors And Windows. 12

13 9-1-1 FOR EMERGENCIES OR FOR NON-EMERGENCIES 13

14 BUT their actions and their behaviors can be. What are they doing? What are they saying? What are they wearing? What are they carrying? 14

15 Persons Loitering Strange Cars Strangers Entering Unoccupied House Broken Doors & Windows Juveniles Hanging Out Persons In Distress Any Suspicious Activity 15

16 Strangers Going Door To Door Forcing Entrance & Entering Home Detaching Mechanical Parts From A Vehicle Wooded Areas Peeping Into Cars 16

17 Static Watch Observe and Report Situational Awareness Walking Running Bicycling 17

18 Action Driven Neighbors Coordinator/Block Captains/Watchers Training Observation Skills And Crime Prevention Communications Telephone/ Tree Law Enforcement Support 18

19 Coordinator Block Captains Block Watchers 19

20 Choose A Coordinator: Should Be A Motivator Should Be A Leader Or Perceived Leader Should Be Willing To Devote Their Time: Must Attend Monthly CAC Meeting Or Have A Designee Attend The Meeting. 20

21 Coordinates Meetings Suggest Once A Quarter Coordinate Meeting Location (Home, Clubhouse, Rec Center, Etc.) Liaison Between The Neighborhood & The VBPD Community Engagement Unit. Distributes Literature. 21

22 Forwards Info To Block Captains For The Watchers. Provide Yearly Update Information To The Community Engagement Officer. Organize The Communication Tree Coordinate 2-way Communication Between Police Liaison And Community 22

23 Determine And Arrange Block Meetings As Necessary. Liaison Between The Block Watchers And The Coordinator. Forward Messages To Block Watchers From The Coordinator. Sign-Up New Residents To Join The Program. 23

24 Recommend A Minimum Of 4 Per Year (Quarterly) First Meeting Get Acquainted, Provide Handouts, Statistics, Etc. Recommend Meeting Be No More Than An Hour Set A Date For The Next Meeting 24

25 Inform New Residents Of The Program Hold Quarterly Meetings Encourage Neighbors To Participate Maintain The Communication Tree Plan Neighborhood Activities National Night Out Cookouts 25

26 Act As Eyes And Ears For The Police Be A Good Neighbor Report Crime In Their Neighborhoods SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING 26

27 50% Of Total Households is Required To Begin Program. 15% Of Households Suggested To Attend Training Sessions. Training Will Be Provided Online and In Person As Needed. This Can Be Facilitated At Your Location. 27

28 Once Requirements Are Met And The Completed Roster Has Been Turned In: Stickers Can Be Requested Via The Designated Coordinator. One 2 X 2 Reflective Sign Will Be Placed In The Neighborhood By Traffic Engineering Based On Their Standards. The CE Unit Nor The Community Will Decide Where. 28

29 All Neighborhood Watch signs are the property of the City of Virginia Beach. If a neighborhood fails to comply with the expectations previously provided, all signs will be removed! Additional signs will be determined according to City protocol. 29

30 NOT A Patrolling Vigilante Group NOT A Citizen Police Department That Confronts Subjects NOT a clique NOT the same as the Civic League or HOA. 30

31 MPO Bradley C. Detrich 1 st Precinct Representative bdetrich@vbgov.com MPO Jim McElligott 2 rd Precinct Representative jmcellig@vbgov.com MPO David J. Nieves 3 rd Precinct Representative dnieves@vbgov.com MPO Shelly D. Bryant 4 th Precinct Representative sbryant@vbgov.com

32 Use A Telephone Or Tree Include The Following Information: Name Address Phone Number Address 32

33 Keep Up With Criminal Activity In Your Community. Obtain Crime Analysis Information From Police 1. Go To Vbgov.Com 2. Click On The Search Engine Icon On Top Right Of Page 3. Type epro In Search Engine 4. Click On epro Icon Electronic Police Reports Online 5. Click On The Report You Are Interested In: Neighborhood, Incident, Or Traffic. 6. Click I Agree On The Bottom Of The Usage Agreement Page 7. Crime Search Criteria Page. Fill In: Date, Crime, Scope (Street, Precinct, Neighborhood, Etc. ) 8. Submit ****You Will Just See The Hundred Block, Not The Exact Address**** 33

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35 Citizen Services: VB311 "311" is a simple, easy-to-remember telephone number that connects callers with a Citizen Services Call-Taker who can assist them with city information, services, news, and events. 35

36 VB Works App Better Communication, Stronger Communities VB Works is an app the City purchased to turn citizen complaints into productive workflow - VB Works APP - 36

37 Better Communication = Stronger Communities Examples of things that are reported via VB Works APP: Street lights that are out improve lighting Roadway issues such as street signs, traffic signals, etc. Poor roadway conditions potholes, drainage, etc. Graffiti existing on city owned or private property Maintenance needed on public owned property Deceased animals on or along roadways Illegal dumping of trash in neighborhoods Overgrown grass, bushes, trees, etc. Code enforcement issues existing on private property Anything that will enhance your community! 37

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39 Text VBTIP to

40 Serial # or OAN or Pictures 40

41 The CAC meetings include representatives from Police, Fire, Code Enforcement and Zoning Departments, Neighborhood Housing & Preservation, Conventions & Visitor Development, Public Works, Offices of the City and Commonwealth s Attorney, Parks & Recreation, Code Enforcement and Zoning Departments, etc. and all are available to answer the concerns of citizens. 1st Precinct Municipal Center, Bldg Courthouse Drive 1st Tuesday at 7:00 PM Except July and August 2nd Precinct 2nd Police Precinct 820 Virginia Beach Blvd 2nd Wednesday at 7:00 PM Except December 3rd Precinct Williams Farm Recreation Center 5252 Learning Circle 3rd Thursday at 7:00 PM Except December 4th Precinct Glenwood Community Center 2097 Round Hill Road 4th Thursday at 7:00 PM Except November & December 41

42 Data as of May 22, 2017 Total Number of Nextdoor Neighborhoods = 374 Total Number of Nextdoor Subscribers = 66,277 Total Number of Households in Virginia Beach = 192,559 Claimed Number of Subscriber Households = 50,358 Percentage of Total Number of Households = 26% Population of Virginia Beach = 451,672 (465,000) Percentage of Subscribers by Population = 15% 1 st Precinct 18,146 3 rd Precinct 14,565 2 nd Precinct 16,944 4 th Precinct 16,572 42

43 Programs include: Neighborhood Watch Business Watch Citizens Police Academies Every 15 Minutes Explorer Post 911 National Night Out Operation Lookout Expanded Project Lifesaver TRIAD Seniors and Law Enforcement Together Active Threat Citizens Defense course (A.T.C.D.) Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design McGruff the Crime Dog Home / Business Security Assessments 43

44 This program brings the Neighborhood Watch concept to businesses. The program provides businesses with: Security Assessments Crime Statistics Training for the Management and their Employees Link to information about existing crime 44

45 A hybrid of the Neighborhood and Business Watch programs but designed to meet the needs of apartment complexes Complex staff serve as coordinator Residents are given the option to join when they sign there lease Optional Security Assessment for the complex 45

46 WE stands for Witness Electronically Involves voluntary cooperation with VBPD Works in conjunction with Neighborhood Watch Apartment Watch Business Watch Provides Officers and Detectives with viable resources to investigate crime Can be viewed as an integral component of See Something, Say Something 46

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48 The Community Engagement Unit consists of: 6 Police Officers 1 Supervisor 48

49 Precinct Assigned Officers: Each Precinct Has A Community Engagement Officer Assigned To It. These Officers Act As A Liaison With The Coordinators, Business Owners, Civic Leagues And Many Other Groups Who Call Requesting Presentations On Crime Prevention Topics Or Personal Safety From A Given Precinct And The Community Engagement Unit. 49

50 The program helps houses of worship to provide improved security to protect their parishioners through best practices and training. Security Assessment Training for staff, lay leaders and congregants 50

51 C.A.C.s Are Comprised Of Citizens Representing A Cross Section Of Neighborhoods And Businesses Within Each Of The 4 Police Precinct Boundaries. Meetings Provide A Formalized Process That Facilitates Citizen And Community Cooperation With The Police Department. 51

52 Classes Are Held Weekly in the Evening For 3 hours and Run 12 Weeks. The CPA Provides An Excellent Opportunity For Citizens In The City Of Virginia Beach To Become Familiar With The Day To Day Operations Of Their Police Department. 52

53 Participants Will Gain A Better Understanding Of The Procedures, Guidelines, Responsibilities, Demands, Personnel, Equipment, Policies And Laws That Guide The Department s Decision Making Process. 53

54 This Academy Is Similar To The Citizens Police Academy, But Held During The Daytime. It is an 8 week program 1 day per week for 3 hours. 54

55 The Virginia Beach Youth Police Academy provides an excellent opportunity for residents, years of age, to become familiar with the day-to-day operations of the police department. 55

56 This enables participants to gain a better understanding of the procedures, guidelines, responsibilities, demands, personnel, equipment, policies, and laws that guide the department's decisions. Participants hear the accounts and experiences of a wide variety of police personnel and will engage in hands-on activities. This class is intended to provide students who may be interested in a career in law enforcement the opportunity to learn more about police operations. 56

57 This Program Offers Reallife Experiences Without The Real-life Risks. Every 15 Minutes, Is An Event Designed To Dramatically Instill Teenagers With The Potentially Dangerous Consequences Of Operating A Motor Vehicle While Being Impaired or distracted. 57

58 This Program Challenges Students To Think About Drinking, Personal Safety, And The Responsibility Of Making Mature Decisions When Lives Are Involved. 58

59 The Concept Of This Program Conveys Someone Is Killed By An Impaired/Distracted Driver Every 15 Mins. The Two Day Program Is Hosted By A High School Each Year And A Fatal Crash Reenactment Is Performed By Students. It Involves: The Police Department The Fire Department General District Courts The Sheriff s Office VBGH Commonwealth Attorneys Office 59

60 A safe way to dispose of Rx and non-rx drugs as well as sharps. This is a safe and effective way to : Keep the drugs out of our water supply. Keep them off the illegal drug market. 60

61 The A.T.C.D. Workshop Is Designed For Citizens To Actively Learn And Train How To Survive During The Minutes It Will Take For Police Response To Neutralize The Threat. This Course Is Designed For Businesses, Schools, Churches, And Every Other Site That May Fall Victim To An Active Threat. 61

62 The Virginia Beach Police Department Charters The Law Enforcement Explorer Post. The Program Involves Students Between The Ages Of 14 And 21. These Young Men And Women Have An Interest In Law Enforcement As A Career. 62

63 Explorers Volunteer For Numerous Community/Police Events Participate In Ride-along And Other Police-related Functions Attend Meetings On The 2 nd And 4 th Thursdays Each Month In 2017, The Explorers Volunteered 1271 Hours Of Community Service In A 12-month Span 63

64 The Operation Lookout Expanded Program Is A Grant Which Provides Funds For The Purchase And Installation Of Large-view Peepholes. These Peepholes Are Free To All Citizens Age 50 Or Older. The Program Goal Is To Make Seniors In Our City Feel Safer In Their Homes. 64

65 Project Lifesaver Is A National, Proactive, Electronic Tracking Program Used To Assist In Locating People With Alzheimer s Disease, Dementia And Related Disorders, And Children With Down Syndrome Or Autism Spectrum Disorder Who Wander From Home And Become Lost. 65

66 TRIAD Is A National Association That Began In 1988 When The AARP, The International Assoc. Of Chiefs Of Police And The National Sheriffs' Assoc. All Signed A Cooperative Agreement To Work Together To Reduce Both Criminal Victimization And Unwarranted Fear Of Crime Affecting Older Persons. 66

67 -The Virginia Beach TRIAD Consists Of The Sheriff, The Chief Of Police, The AARP And Senior Or Retired Volunteers In The Community. These Representatives Meet Monthly. -Seniors And Law Enforcement Together 67

68 C.rime P.revention T.hrough E.nvironmental D.esign 68

69 The Concept Is That The Effective Planning And Design Of Our Environment Helps Us To Feel Safer And Reduces Opportunities For Criminal Acts To Occur. CPTED Principles Can Be Applied In Both Existing And New Developments. 69

70 - The CPTED Officer Reviews Construction Plans To Ensure That The Property Will Use Natural Surveillance, Natural Access Control And Territoriality To Create A Safer Environment For All. CPTED Can And Should Be Used In New Development And To Improve Existing Development. 70

71 Four Times A Year The Community Engagement Unit Puts Out A Crime Newsletter. These Newsletters Are Given To The Police Department, Every Neighborhood Watch Coordinator, The Public Libraries, Citizens Police Academy Graduates, And ed To Many Others.. 71

72 Please go on to the next page to complete registration. * 72

73 Please fill out and submit the Neighborhood Watch Training Registration form which can be found HERE. Form submission works using INTERNET EXPLORER ONLY.