SCHERTZ POLICE DEPARTMENT



SCHERTZ POLICE DEPARTMENT

GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPMENT

OF A NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

PROGRAM

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Chief of Police

What is a neighborhood watch?

Neighborhood watch is program of involved citizens who in cooperation with the Schertz Police Department directly participate in the detection and prevention of crime. Citizens involved in Neighborhood Watch report suspicious activities to the police as they occur. By being involved in a Neighborhood Watch programs citizens keep other neighborhood residents informed of suspicious, criminal or activities that may be occurring and often times provide valuable information to law enforcement which can assist the apprehension of criminals.

This program also allows neighbors in getting to know each other, taking the time to care about each other and working together in a program of mutual assistance.

How Neighborhood Watch works.

Neighborhood Watch operates to educate participants in the principals of deterrence, delay and detection. The program depends on a communication network organized with three levels of participants: the residents block captains, and representatives from the Schertz Police Department. Reduction in burglary is likely because it is a well publicized program of prevention and target hardening coupled with citizens concern for the safety and security of the neighborhood.

How do I start a Neighborhood Watch Program?

Talk with your neighbors and friends. Explain that you would like to start a Neighborhood Watch group and ask them to participate to take the first steps in starting a program.

Discuss crime problems in your area. Crime Prevention Officers can assist you in determining the extent of the crime problem and provide you with information on specific crime statistics for your neighborhood.

Briefly explain the value of the Neighborhood Watch program and its potential impact on local crime.

Invite them to attend a neighborhood meeting to discuss starting a Neighborhood Watch. Be sure to mention that the program does not require that they attend frequent meetings, and it does not ask that anyone take any personal risk to prevent crime.

Contact the Schertz Police Department Special Projects Officer at 210-619-1253 for non-emergency questions.

Explain that you would like to start a Neighborhood Watch Program in your area and ask for assistance.

Be prepared to discuss the size and boundaries of the proposed program with the officer at that time.

Coordinate with the office a date and time for the first Neighborhood Watch orientation meeting.

Planning the first Neighborhood Watch meeting.

Make arrangements to use a convenient meeting place that will accommodate the number of people expected to attend. If the size of the group allows, meet at someone’s home to foster an informal, comfortable atmosphere.

Design a simple flyer to notify your neighborhood residents of the time and the place of the meeting. Place the flyers on community bulletin boards in the area to include swimming pools, community mail boxes, or community center and/or deliver them to every home in the area. Plan ahead to allow everyone plenty of notice.

Distribute name tags and ask the attendees to sign in as they arrive. Provide some refreshments such coffee, tea, and cookies. This all helps create a relaxed atmosphere and encourage people to get to know each other.

Remember don’t get disappointed if everyone cannot attend. 100% participation is desirable but is not required for the program to work!

Keeping the program alive.

Unless Neighborhood Watch organizations continue to pursue worthy goals they will eventually stagnate and die. Keeping neighbors united in a general effort to improve their common environment is the most effective and worthwhile way to avoid the onset of apathy. Remember that a neighborhood’s very appearance immediately signals to prospective intruders whether or not its residences are easy targets. Getting involved in other projects such as improving sidewalks, fences, landscaping, security lighting, and the appearance of homes and lots gives neighbors a sense of accomplishment and pride in their community. At the same time it sends a message to criminals that the citizens care about themselves and their homes. And expanding the groups purpose to included training in fire prevention, first aid, personal safety, and health is a productive way to keep it active.

Another important tool in keeping a program working is communication. Schedule monthly meetings to discuss crime issues in your neighborhood. Be sure and keep the meeting informal, on topic and short. People in general do not like to attend meetings. Hold the meeting in a relaxed atmosphere and again provide refreshments. Meetings should be interesting and informative, if not sometimes fun. If you group is large enough you may be able to arrange guest speakers each month. Be creative.

There are many interesting people in your community who would be willing to come speak to your group including: politicians, law enforcement officials, fire/EMS officials as well as HOA management groups.

Another way to keep communication flowing in your neighborhood is with a monthly newsletter/email. The newsletter does not have to have anything elaborate and can include information other than just local crime news.

Program Activities

Keeping a program active is dependant upon more than just communication. You must work at keeping the groups activities interesting which may include having a block parties, or a bar-b-que with outdoor activities to get neighbors new and old together. Fundraising activities can also be helpful in purchasing signs for the neighborhood announcing the Neighborhood Watch Program.

Program Participant Guidelines

As a member of Neighborhood Watch you should get to know your neighbors, their names, and be able to identify them and their vehicles by sight. Maintain a map of your neighborhood, along with names, address, and contact numbers of the residents. You should have daytime work numbers in case you need to contact a person during business hours in the event of an emergency, or the contact information of a relative.

Implement home security measures to make your residence unattractive to a potential burglar. Mark all of your property if possible with an engraver, record the serial number, make, model and date of purchase of items and store them in a safe secure location. Photograph jewelry items for your records, this will assist law enforcement if these items are stolen and may assist with your insurance claim.

Be watchful over a neighbors home when they go out of town, or if you’re planning on an out of town trip contact a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your home during your absence. Have the newspaper and U.S. Mail held while you are away. The use of timers can be helpful deterrents by switching on lights, televisions, or radios at varied hours of the day and night. Request a neighbor park their vehicle in your driveway while you are gone.

If your asked to do the same for a be watchful of suspicious looking vehicles and persons. Write down the license plate number of the vehicle and report it to the police department as well the suspicious person immediately.

As Block Captain you should:

Be familiar with your assigned area and its members; keep residents informed of meetings, crime concerns in your area and of new residents.

Recruit new members as they move into your neighborhood and encourage participation for members that have lost interest. Attend quarterly Block Captain meetings.

As program coordinator you should:

Provide leadership and organization to the group, plan and schedule meetings, and quarterly Block Captain meetings.

Preside over meetings and supervise neighborhood newsletter/email

Provide leadership and organization to the group, plan and schedule meetings, and quarterly Block Captain meetings.

Preside over meetings and supervise neighborhood email/newsletters, work with the Block Captains to establish block boundaries and fill Block Captain vacancies as well as supervise the collection of funds for Neighborhood Watch signs. The Program Coordinator also serves as the liaison with the Schertz Police Department.

Suspicious Activities and situations:

What actually constitutes a suspicious person? Suspicious is actually a very broad term and could apply to a multitude of situations. However, we have compiled the follow situations which will help guide you in determining if a particular person or incident should be reported. These situations should serve as a guideline only. It is impossible to list every possible type of suspicious behavior, so be alert and use good judgment and common sense. If you are in doubt notify the Schertz Police Department anyway. It is always best to check it out, than to wait and wonder if you could have prevented a crime if you had reported it earlier.

Beware of the following:

SOMEONE GOING DOOR TO DOOR IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD:

Watch for a short time to be certain that the canvas is legitimate. Observe whether the person tries a door to see if it is unlocked, looks into the windows, or goes into the backyard etc.

All persons who are going door to door soliciting a product is required to have an original permit (reproduced copies are not valid) issued to them by the City of Schertz (the permit is bright pink in color) and be able to display this upon request of the homeowner and may only solicit Monday through Saturday during the hours of 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This is NO soliciting authorized on Sunday (refer to the City of Schertz for current city ordinances).

WAITING OR LOITERING IN FRONT OF A HOUSE OR BUSINESS:

Especially if the business is closed or the homeowner is away. The could be a burglar casing the premises.

SOMEONE FORCING OPEN A DOOR: This could just be someone who accidentlly locked themselves out, but it could also be someone attempting a burglary, theft, or vandalism.

A BROKEN WINDOW PANE: Or a door standing ajar to a business or residence could mean that it has been burglarized. Beware because the burglar may still be inside the residence or business.

A PERSON CARRYING UNUSUAL PROPERTY: Such as TV’s, stereos, guns, etc. especially at night. This could be a suspect fleeing the scene of a burglary or theft.

SOMEONE LOADING PROPERTY INTO A VEHICLE: In an unusual place or hour. This could be a burglary in progress.

VEHICLES REPEATEDLY DRIVING SLOWLY THROUGH THE NEIGHBORHOOD: With no apparent destination or with the headlights turned off. Burglars may be casing the neighborhood looking for easy targets.

PERSONS LOITERING AROUND CARS: Or going car to car looking into them. They may be looking for a car to steal or break into.

SOMEONE RUNNING OR TRYING TO HIDE: Especially if they appear panicked or are carrying property, or a gun. They could be a burglary or robbery suspect trying to elude law enforcement officers. Try to safely keep tabs on the person and immediately call the police. Provide physical features of the person, clothing description, and direction of travel and if you observe a weapon.

SOMEONE SELLING VALUABLE ITEMS: At a ridiculously low price. This probably someone attempting to sell stolen items and often times occurs in a parking lot of a gas station, or grocery store, large department store.

THE SOUND OF BREAKING GLASS OR GUNSHOTS: This may be a crime in progress such as a burglary, rape, robbery, or a murder.

A PERSON SCREAMING: This could be indicative of a crime in progress such as an assault, robbery, or rape.

SOMEONE BEING FORCED INTO A VEHICLE: Against their will, especially juveniles or women. This could be a serious crime such as a kidnapping or sexual assault.

A PERSON WITH BLOOD STAINED CLOTHING: This could either be a victim or suspect of a serious crime involving bodily injury.

SOMEONE EXHIBITING UNUSUAL MENTAL OR PHYSICAL BEHAVIOR: This could indicate a person who is injured, under the influence of drugs, or an emotionally disturbed person.

EXCESSIVE PEDESTRAIN TRAFFIC: To and from a certain building or residences could indicate criminal activity such as: drug trafficking, prostitution, or a fencing operation for stolen property.

BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS FROM A CAR: Could indicate drug transactions especially if money charges hands you see a high volume of vehicle traffic in the area that arrives and departs quickly.

A PARKED OR OCCUPIED VEHICLE: Containing one or more individuals could be casing a home, or a lookout for a burglary or robbery attempt. Especially if at an unusual time of day/night.

AN ABANDONDED VEHCILE: Parked on the street or in a rural or obscured location could be a stolen vehicle that has been abandoned.

CONTINUOUS REPAIR OPERATIONS: At a non-business location could signal a “chop-shop” where stolen cars are stripped for their parts.

UNUSUAL CHEMICAL OR AMMONIA ODOR: While this may be indicative of a gas leak or chemical spill, many times it could be a sign of a drug lab where methamphetamine is being manufactured. Usually found in rural areas but labs have become more and more commonly found in vehicles (mobile meth labs), motel rooms, storage units, vacant homes or rented houses.

Reporting a Suspicious or Criminal Activity:

If a crime occurs report it!

Sounds easy? Unfortunately, not all crimes are ever reported. Law enforcement officers are unable to do anything about the crime if they don’t know about it, or if they are notified several days after the fact. Eyewitness information is the key to solving most crimes. If you witness a crime you need to report it. The purpose for reporting suspicious activity is to prevent a crime from occurring. Remember these for reporting criminal activity:

Notify the Schertz Police Department immediately by calling 911. You can also contact the Schertz Police Department directly by calling (210) 619-1200. (Remember that in an EMERGENCY if you do not call 911 your address and telephone number may not be immediately available to the operator).

Tell the 911 dispatcher as much information as you can about the incident and stay on the telephone line until your are directed to disconnect the call. This will assist the responding officers in attempting to locate the person(s) or location where the emergency is taking place. No fact is too trivial. In many cases it is what victims and witnesses tell law enforcement officers about the offender that result in the arrest of that person. But please remember that incorrect information is worse than no information at all and can sometimes hinder an investigation or search allowing the offenders to evade capture and arrest.

When calling it is sometimes important to provide the following information:

What occurred?

When did the incident occur?

Where did it happen?

How many suspects were there?

What did they say?

What did they do?

Did they take anything?

What direction did they leave?

Where they in a vehicle?

Were there any other witnesses?

Is there any other information which you feel is important?

Describe the suspects. Copy the form on the next page and keep it near the phone. Fill it out after the crime has occurred and give the information to the officer when you report the crime. You may then want to give the form to the first officer on scene.

Describe the suspect vehicle and the direction of travel. Again use the form provided on the next page.

Schertz Police Department procedure prohibits the public release of the identity of a witness. If you report a crime or suspicious activity you do not have to be contacted by an officer, and you may choose not to give your name. However, a valuable witness is one that we can contact later for more detailed information or even a statement.

Sometimes, depending on call volume a Schertz Police officer may not be able to respond immediately to your call. We must prioritize calls based on apparent danger to human life. Please be patient as we will respond as soon as possible to your call.

Operation Identification

Operation Identification is the name given to a nationwide program of marking personal property with a unique identifying number which acts as a means of discouraging a burglary and theft. Operation ID also permits positive identification of the items if lost or stolen. In communities where it has been properly implemented, the program has shown dramatic results in its ability to reduce burglaries and theft.

The greatest benefit is that it acts as a deterrent. Without identifying numbers, the stolen property can be sold to pawnshops, flea markets, fences, and even on the street to other criminals. It increases the burglar’s chances of discovery and ultimate apprehension. On the other hand, many law enforcement agencies have property rooms full of stolen property that they are unable to return to the rightful owner because there are no identifying numbers or the owner did not know the serial number of the item stolen and therefore it can not be traced or entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) computer database as a stolen item.

Here is how the program works. Operation ID is comprised of three parts.

Make a list: of all your valuables and keep a copy in a safe place. If you should ever become a victim of a burglary or theft you will be able to quickly describe the stolen property from the list. Be sure to include the BRAND NAME of the item, the MODEL NUMBER, and SERIAL NUMBER. This information is important so that the officer who takes the report can enter your stolen items into the NCIC computer database.

Property entered into the NCIC computer can be recovered as far away as Alaska if an officer in that state runs the serial number.

Engrave your driver’s license number on the item. DO NOT use your social security number! Engrave your drivers license number onto the item preceded by the two letter abbreviation for the state; i.e. Texas = TX. The eight digit number should then be followed by DL if have a drivers license or ID if you have an identification card issued to you by the State. When you are through your number should look like this:

TX 12345678 DL

Be sure to engrave the number somewhere where it cannot be altered or dismantled from the item if possible. It is a good idea to mark the item in two places. First, where it can be easily seen by looking at the item. Second, somewhere the burglar cannot see it. That way if the first number is somehow removed you will still be able to identify your property.

Photograph each one of your valuables. Especially if the item is hard to describe or cannot be engraved, such as jewelry. Insurance companies encourage individuals to photograph or videotape all of their insured possessions. This makes filing a claim easier and quicker because you have proof of ownership. But even better is that law enforcement officers have a better chance of identifying your property.

OBTAIN DETAILS ABOUT THE SUSPECT

Name: if you hear the suspects name try to remember it. Also any other kinds of information about the suspect such as: nicknames, residence, where he or she lives or is know to “hang out” to include place of employment.

Sex: Although this would seem obvious, today there are many cases where a suspect disguises themselves to appear as the opposite sex.

Race: You should denote and remember the nationality or origin of the suspect if possible, by accent, dress, behavior or mannerism.

Height/weight: Try to approximate the height and weight of the suspect if possible. Try to use a door frame to estimate the height of the suspect and any type of obvious posture such as a limp.

Age: Determining the age of the suspect is hard to do with accuracy. Make the best GENERAL DETERMINATION you can such as: The suspect is a KID, TEENAGER, YOUNG ADULT, MIDDLE-AGED, SENIOR CITIZEN etc.

Hair: Observe and describe the following characteristics of the suspect hair. Is it long, short, hairstyle, hair color or if they are bald.

Eyes: If possible provide the eye color, or if they were wearing sunglasses, contacts, blood shot eyes or an injured eye.

Clothing: What is the color, type, style, condition (torn, bloodstained, old, new, etc.) of the suspect’s dress, shirt, pants, coat, and shoes. Was the suspect wearing double clothing or did he change clothes? Was the suspect wearing any jewelry or recognizable things?

Marks: Does the suspect have any marks such as tattoos, scars, deformities? And if so in what location?

Vehicle Description:

When you observe a the vehicle if it’s very important to obtain the BEST DESCRIPTION and LICENSE PLATE NUMBER.

What make is the vehicle?

What model?

Auto type? Truck, SUV, Sports car, Van

License plate #? What state?

Two door or four door?

Color?

Identifying marks? Broken tail light, dented bumper, stickers.

Year model? Is it newer or older?

SUSPECT DESCRIPTION FORM

Race:

Sex:

Approx age:

Hair color:

Name (if known):

Height:

Weight:

Glasses:

Complexion:

Facial hair:

Misc. info:

Scars, marks, tattoos:

Clothing (cap, hat, gloves, coat etc.):

Jewelry:

Weapon (handgun, knife, etc.):

SUSPECT DESCRIPTION FORM

Race:

Sex:

Approx age:

Hair color:

Name (if known):

Height:

Weight:

Glasses:

Complexion:

Facial hair:

Misc. info:

Scars, marks, tattoos:

Clothing (cap, hat, gloves, coat etc.):

Jewelry:

Weapon (handgun, knife, etc.):

SUSPECT DESCRIPTION FORM

Race:

Sex:

Approx age:

Hair color:

Name (if known):

Height:

Weight:

Glasses:

Complexion:

Facial hair:

Misc. info:

Scars, marks, tattoos:

Clothing (cap, hat, gloves, coat etc.):

Jewelry:

Weapon (handgun, knife, etc.):

SUSPECT DESCRIPTION FORM

Race:

Sex:

Approx age:

Hair color:

Name (if known):

Height:

Weight:

Glasses:

Complexion:

Facial hair:

Misc. info:

Scars, marks, tattoos:

Clothing (cap, hat, gloves, coat etc.):

Jewelry:

Weapon (handgun, knife, etc.):

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION FORM

Color of vehicle:

License Plate #:

State of license plate:

Year:

Make:

Model:

Body style:

Misc. info:

Identifying features (stickers, body damage, loud exhaust, etc.):

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION FORM

Color of vehicle:

License Plate #:

State of license plate:

Year:

Make:

Model:

Body style:

Misc. info:

Identifying features (stickers, body damage, loud exhaust, etc.):

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION FORM

Color of vehicle:

License Plate #:

State of license plate:

Year:

Make:

Model:

Body style:

Misc. info:

Identifying features (stickers, body damage, loud exhaust, etc.):

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION FORM

Color of vehicle:

License Plate #:

State of license plate:

Year:

Make:

Model:

Body style:

Misc. info:

Identifying features (stickers, body damage, loud exhaust, etc.):

PERSONAL PROPERTY INVENTORY

Description of items:

PERSONAL PROPERTY INVENTORY

Brand name/model #:

PERSONAL PROPERTY INVENTORY

Serial #/value:

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