February 1, 2006 - Community NEWSLETTER

Dear Community Friends;

Reporting Crime to the Police

Once again we want to cover the issue of crime reporting. There are
many concerns people have about calling 9-1-1 and we're hoping that this
newsletter will answer some questions, dispel some concerns, and debunk
some myths.

First, if you experience a situation requiring police response, call
9-1-1. Officers are dispatched through 9-1-1, not by the precinct. So,
do not call the precinct to have an officer respond.

Do not go to the Precinct to make the report. If you show up at the
precinct to make an incident report, the desk officer at the precinct
will most likely direct you to the phone in the lobby to call 9-1-1 to
have an officer dispatched to take the report. You'll save yourself
time effort and frustration by just calling 9-1-1 and letting the
operator direct you from there. Either an officer will be dispatched to
your location, or the report can be taken over the phone.

When To Call 9-1-1

What warrants a call to police? Some of the things we covered last
time:
* When you have a Police, Fire or Medical emergency.
* To report a crime that is in progress, or has just occurred.
* There is a situation that could, or does, pose a danger to life,
property, or both.
* There is suspicious activity involving a Person(s), or Vehicle, that
appears criminal in intent.
Pinpointing what precisely constitutes "suspicious" behavior can be
difficult, so it is important to distinguish between true illegal
activity and activities of people who just live their lives differently
than yours.

We define suspicious circumstances as those in which there is indication
that a criminal activity has occurred or is about to occur, but in which
the caller him/herself has not observed enough to factually verify. So,
how do you know what's suspicious? We'll cover that next time.

"Don't Tell 'Em I Told You"

Important things to remember about reporting crime or suspicious
activity to the police:
* You do not have to give your name.
* You can remain anonymous.
* You can request that your information not be disclosed
* You can request not to be contacted by an officer.

We prefer that you do give your name and contact information in the
event that officers or detectives need to contact you for follow-up
information. You can give your information and request that it not be
disclosed. In that regard, only law enforcement will see your contact
information.

So, unless you tell them, the suspects are not going to know it is you
who called on them (unless you're standing on the front stoop, phone in
hand, pointing at them). You've said to us "Do Not Disclose," "Do Not
Contact."

While you do not have to give your name and can request no contact, be
aware that the lack of witness or complainant information often inhibits
law enforcement's ability to properly follow-up and investigate an
incident.

Many people don't report crime because of fear of retaliation. In
truth, I've been in this business over 15 years and I've never seen
retaliation against someone who reported suspicious activity or a
property or drug crime to 9-1-1.

Next time - more on crime reporting.

Take Care and Stay Safe!
Mark Solomon, South Precinct Crime Prevention