The Crime Prevention Unit has developed such programs as Neighborhood Watch, Operation Identification, Residential and Commercial Security Consultations to educate communities on deterrence and prevention. Additionally, group presentations are available Free of charge on a wide variety of public safety topics.

The success of crime prevention programs depends on you.  With active participation from residents the programs offered in this Crime Prevention site can be very effective.

In an effort to increase awareness and encourage involvement, the Sheriff's Department offers several crime prevention programs. Available to both residents and business owners at no charge, they include:

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

Residents are the “eyes and ears” of every community!  Neighborhood Watch is not guard duty…  it’s just being aware of suspicious activity and reporting it.  Crime “awareness” is one of the most powerful deterrents to criminal activity.  Through the Neighborhood Watch program, neighbors can meet periodically with a Crime Prevention Specialist to discuss crime prevention methods and other concerns of the neighborhood.

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL SECURITY INSPECTIONS

Crime Prevention Specialist have been trained to evaluate your home, business, church, or school through the eyes of a burglar.  Their training allows them to provide practical, cost effective, security recommendations to strengthen areas vulnerable to crime.  Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is another tool used to enhance security by reviewing lighting, landscaping, access points, and the natural surveillance that exists on properties and around businesses.

PRESENTATIONS

Crime Prevention Specialists are experts on such topics as personal safety, identification theft, Internet safety, residential, commercial, and vehicle burglary, vehicle theft, and crime prevention for seniors.  Among the children's programs that are available are the Talking Patrol Car, how to use the Internet safely, gun safety, railroad track safety and many others. Most presentations are also available in Spanish.

CRIME-FREE MULTI-HOUSING

The Crime-Free Multi-Housing (CFMH) is a voluntary, solution-oriented, training and certification program that is widely used to keep illegal activity out of rental property.

CFMH is comprised of a unique partnership with law enforcement agencies, rental property owners, managers, and tenants.

OPERATION IDENTIFICATION

Crime Prevention Specialists offer instruction on engraving valuables such as TVs, computers, and stereos with the owner’s driver license number as part of security inspections. They also supply window decal displaying the Sheriff’s star to identify residents as participating members of “Operation Identification.”  Ready identification of personal property will not only help deter theft, but aid law enforcement in the recovery of lost or stolen property.  In addition, group and businesses may obtain an owner Applied Number (OAN) issued by the Sheriff’s Department for identification of their equipment.

For more information about these and additional free services that the Crime Prevention Unit provides, please contact Crime Prevention Specialist at 619-498-2435.

CRIME PREVENTION SAFETY BROCHURES:

 Click here to report these non-emergency crimes online:

(Harassing Phone Calls, Lost property, Theft, Vandalism, Vehicle Burglary)