Strategies & Suggestions for a Safer Community
Virginia Beach Police Department : Operations Division
Community Engagement Unit
757-385-1006
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.
2NW
Define Crime Prevention
Identify The Goal Of Crime Prevention
Discuss What Agencies Are Involved In Making A Successful Neighborhood Watch (NW)Program
3
NW
Understand The Crime Prevention Triangle
Explain The Purpose Of A NW Program
Discover The Requirements To Establish A NW Program And The Roles Within
4
NW
The Most Widely Accepted Definition Of Crime Prevention Is:
5
NW
The Anticipation, Recognition And Appraisal Of A Crime Risk And The Initiation Of
Some Action To Remove Or Reduce It.
6
NW
To Provide For A Safer City By Preventing And/Or Reducing Crime Through Educating The Public And Forming Community Partnerships.
7
8
NW
The Stakeholders are:
The Virginia Beach Police Department
The Community – Each of You!!!!
NW is Designed to Enhance Neighborhood Security, Heighten The Community’s Power Of Observation, Encourage Mutual Assistance, and Communication Among Neighbors
9
NW
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.
10
NW
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.
11
NW
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 385-5000.
12
NW
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.
13
NW
9-1-1 FOR EMERGENCIES
OR
385-5000FOR NON-EMERGENCIES
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?
15
NW
Persons Loitering
Strange Cars
Strangers Entering Unoccupied House
Broken Doors & Windows
Juveniles Hanging Out
Persons In Distress
Any Suspicious Activity
16
NW
Strangers Going Door To Door
Forcing Entrance & Entering Home
Detaching Mechanical Parts From A Vehicle
Wooded Areas
Peeping Into Cars
17
NW
Static Watch –Observe and Report
Situational Awareness–
Walking Running Bicycling
18
NW
Action Driven Neighbors
Coordinator/Block Captains/Watchers
Training – Observation Skills And Crime Prevention
Communications –Telephone/Email Tree
Law Enforcement Support
19
NW
Coordinator
Block Captains
Block Watchers
20
NW
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.
21
NW
Coordinates NW Meetings –Suggest Once A Quarter
Coordinate Meeting Location (Home, Clubhouse, Rec Center, Etc.)
Liaison Between The Neighborhood & The VBPD Community Engagement Unit.
Distributes Literature.
22
NW
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
23
NW
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.
24
NW
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
25
NW
Inform New Residents Of The Program
Hold Quarterly Meetings
Encourage Neighbors To Participate
Maintain The Communication Tree
Plan Neighborhood Activities National Night Out Cookouts
26
NW
Act As Eyes And Ears For The Police
Be A Good Neighbor
Report Crime In Their Neighborhoods
SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING
27
NW
50% Of Total Households is Required To Begin Program.
15% Of Households Suggested To AttendTraining Sessions.
Training Will Be Provided Online and In Person As Needed. This Can Be Facilitated At Your Location.
28
NW
Once Requirements Are Met And The Completed Roster Has Been Turned In:
NW 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.
29
NW
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.
30
NW
NOT A Patrolling Vigilante Group
NOT A Citizen Police Department That Confronts Subjects
NOT a clique; the “Us 4 and No More” mentality
NOT the same as the Civic League or HOA.
MPO David J. Nieves
3rd Precinct Representative
757- 385-1338
31
MPO Bradley C. Detrich
1st Precinct Representative
757-385-1371
MPO Jim McElligott
2rd Precinct Representative
757-385-1330
MPO Shelly D. Bryant
4th Precinct Representative
757-385-1066
32
NW
Use A Telephone Or Email Tree
Include The Following Information:
Name Address Phone Number Email Address
33
NW
Keep Up With Criminal Activity In Your Community. Obtain Crime Analysis Information From Police
1. Go To Vbgov.Com2. Click On The Search Engine Icon On Top Right Of Page3. Type ePRO In Search Engine4. Click On ePRO Icon– Electronic Police Reports Online5. Click On The Report You Are Interested In:
Neighborhood, Incident, Or Traffic. 6. Click I Agree On The Bottom Of The Usage Agreement Page7. 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****
34
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
NW
VB Works App
36
Better Communication, Stronger Communities
VB Works is an app the City purchased to turn citizen complaints into productive workflow
- VB Works APP -NW
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
Better Communication = Stronger Communities
38
Text “VBTIP” to 274637
www.crimesolvers.com
39
NW
40
https://reportit.leadsonline.com
Serial # or OAN or Pictures
1st PrecinctMunicipal Center, Bldg. 192424 Courthouse Drive1st Tuesday at 7:00 PMExcept July and August
2nd Precinct2nd Police Precinct820 Virginia Beach Blvd2nd Wednesday at 7:00 PMExcept December
3rd PrecinctWilliams Farm Recreation Center5252 Learning Circle3rd Thursday at 7:00 PMExcept December
4th PrecinctGlenwood Community Center2097 Round Hill Road4th Thursday at 7:00 PMExcept November & December
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.
41NW
42
Data as of May 22, 2017
Total Number of Nextdoor Neighborhoods = 374Total Number of Nextdoor Subscribers = 66,277
Total Number of Households in Virginia Beach = 192,559Claimed Number of Subscriber Households = 50,358Percentage of Total Number of Households = 26%
Population of Virginia Beach = 451,672 (465,000)Percentage of Subscribers by Population = 15%
1st Precinct 18,146 3rd Precinct 14,5652nd Precinct 16,944 4th Precinct 16,572
NW
Programs include:
43
• 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
NW
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
NW
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
NW
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
NW
47
http://sex-offender.vsp.virginia.gov/sor/
NW
The Community Engagement Unit consists of:
48
• 6 Police Officers
• 1 Supervisor
NW
Precinct Assigned Officers:
49
Each Precinct Has A Community Engagement Officer Assigned To It. These Officers Act As A Liaison With The NW 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.
NW
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
NW
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
NW
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.
NW
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.
NW
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.
NW
55
The Virginia Beach Youth Police Academy provides an excellent opportunity for residents, 14-18 years of age, to become familiar with the day-to-day operations of the police department.
NW
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.
57
This Program Offers Real-life 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. NW
58
This Program Challenges Students To Think About Drinking, Personal Safety, And The
Responsibility Of Making Mature Decisions When Lives Are Involved.
NW
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
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.
NW
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.NW
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.
NW
63
Explorers Volunteer For Numerous Community/Police Events
Participate In Ride-along And Other Police-related Functions
Attend Meetings On The 2nd And 4th Thursdays Each Month
In 2017, The Explorers Volunteered 1271 Hours Of Community Service In A 12-month Span
NW
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.
NW
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.
NW
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.
NW
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
NW
68
C.rime P.revention T.hroughE.nvironmentalD.esign
NW
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.
NW
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.
NW
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 Emailed To Many Others..
NW
72
NW
Please go on to the next page
to complete registration.