Henry County Police C.O.P.S Division Neighborhood Watch Program 770-288-8275 770-288-8255 770-288-8274 770-288-8200 Who is in cops and what does it mean? Sgt. Jason Duffey Officer Sam Cox Officer Andrew Craig Cops is an acronym that stands for Community Oriented Police Services jduffey@co.henry.ga.us 770-288-8275 scox@co.henry.ga.us 770-288-8255 pd3292@co.henry.ga.us 770-288-8472 Non-emergency number to 911:770-957-9121 Crime Mapping: www.co.henry.ga.us/police Cops conducts several meetings such as Neighborhood Watch programs, Women’s Self Defense classes, Citizens Police Academy, general safety classes to organizations, directive patrols on bicycles and career days at local schools Benefits of a Neighborhood Watch Program Creates a greater sense of security, wellbeing, and reduction of fear of crime because you know that you and your neighbors will “look out for each other” Reduces the risk of you being a victim of crime. Trains you on how to observe and report suspicious activities Benefits of a Neighborhood Watch Program Keeps you informed of crime trends, and access to criminal activity in your community. Prepares you to spot criminal activity in your neighborhood Neighborhood watch signs will be posted and will deter criminals How Neighborhood Watch works: Neighbors join together to provide information about their households to one another. Participants receive training in observation techniques & recognize suspicious activities. Immediately report suspicious activities or crimes to local Police Department What is Your Responsibility? Learn who your neighbors are Attend Neighborhood Watch meetings Implement security measures, such as security cameras, alarm systems, etc… Teach Children respect for the law and crime prevention techniques Report crimes, do not take them into your own hands*** GET INVOLVED! The Key to a Successful Neighborhood Watch Program Participants’ willingness to “Look Out for Each Other” and the ability of each individual participant to observe and recognize what is suspicious, then immediately reporting it. How to Start a Neighborhood Watch Program Elect a Neighborhood Watch Leader: They will be the main point of contact. Elect Block Captains: They will be the main point of contact for their area Make a information sheet for all participates Know Your Neighbors What is unusual and out of the ordinary for your neighbors? Begin to recognize cars, work hours, family members, etc. Be the attentive neighbor, it means “You look out for each other!” Observation & Recognition Skills You can observe from your home, vehicle or while taking walks around the neighborhood. Keep your eyes and ears open for anything or anyone that looks suspicious. Use your head to determine if what you are observing really suspicious. Observation & Recognition Skills Learn how to get a good description of the suspect. Identify the suspect: Clothing, hair color, height, etc…Perception is different to everyone! Identify their vehicle: Make, model, tag # Identify their activity: What were they doing that was suspicious? Hat / Hair Glasses Eye color Complexion Shirt Facial Hair Scars/Tattoos Weapon? Pants Carrying Items? Shoes Suspect Identification Sex / Race /Age Height/ Weight Vehicle Details Kind of vehicle Color Make Model Year Other Features Bumper stickers, dents, etc….. Observation & Recognition Skills Recognize that when your neighbor is away on vacation, someone should not be coming in and out of their house. Call the non-emergency number and advised 911 when you will be gone on vacation so extra patrol can be conducted. In any situation, use your head, and recognize what is routine and what is suspicious. Time is critical in apprehension. How To Observe Knowledge Know who belongs in each house Secrecy Observe as secretly as possible At Home Observe from your home On Foot Observe as you walk or jog through your neighborhood How To Observe Car or Bicycle Trust your Judgment Recognize and understand what you are observing. Notes Make notes to include dates and times. Practice what you learn. Recognizing Suspicious Activities People: Gathering for an extended time Behaving strangely With weapons Carrying, concealing or transporting anything unusual Looking into cars Creating any type of disturbance Going door to door around the house Loitering around playground areas Trust your instincts! Call Immediately!! Don’t Hesitate!! Recognizing Suspicious Sounds Screams for Help – call police immediately Gun shots Audible Alarms Glass breaking Loud music Dogs barking Recognizing Suspicious Activities Vehicles: Occupied and parked for along period of time Driving around your neighborhood repeatedly Loaded with valuables Parked with the engine running Leaving a location with the lights off Reckless driving Abandoned vehicles Reporting a Crime Call 9-1-1 for any crime, fire or serious medical problem in progress or suspected to be in progress. “REMEMBER” to call 911 first. How to Maintain a Neighborhood Watch Program Neighborhood Yard Sales Neighborhood Clean-up Walking / Exercise groups Holiday Dinners/Get-togethers Progressive Dinners Card or Game groups Discussion Groups Kid’s Parade Annual meetings**** A Guide to Home and Personal Security Three things a criminal must have in order to commit a crime. Desire Target Opportunity Avoiding Trouble The best crime prevention is observing crime avoidance. Don’t put yourself and your family in a situation where crime will most often occur. Avoiding Trouble Car Safety Change Locks Solid Doors Windows Crime Prevention Tips for Home Owners Safety Checks: Install proper locks on windows and doors Install outside lights Leave a light on inside while you are gone at night Make sure household items and valuables are fully insured Keep record of valuables, include photos and record serial numbers Do not leave keys in hiding places Henry County Ordinances to be Familiar With Solicitation: must have a county or city license. Not to solicit before 9am and after 7pm Parking and Storage of Commercial Vehicles Children Playing in Streets Curfew for Minors: 13 years and younger (9pm) if not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. 14 to 18 years (12am) if not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Includes driving on the roadway. Minors do have exceptions as follows: going to or coming from work, place of worship and school.