Hello Everyone,
To continue on the theme of prevention via cooperation and partnership – I would like to touch on the importance of reporting crime/incidents/suspicious activity to your police department.
- Only through reporting will the police get an accurate picture of where/when/how crime is occurring in the districts.
- Timely reporting of suspicious persons/vehicle/events will get officers to the right place at the right time.
o In 2010 the population for the Mount Vernon District was estimated at 95,581
o On average there are 14 officers (one patrol squad) covering the district (two squads overlap between 1:30pm – 4:30pm & 9:30pm – 12:30am)
o We rely on the public to get us to the right place at the right time – you are our eyes and ears!
- Timely reporting resulting in a police response will set expectations for criminals. We want them to know our communities are not the place to hang out or ply their trade.
- Reporting crimes can be done easily (some restrictions apply to CRS reporting)
o 911 – Emergency calls – crimes in progress for police response
o Calling the non-emergency number and having an officer respond to your location
o Calling the non-emergency number and request to use the CRS – Citizen Reporting Service (your information will be taken and an officer will call back within 48hrs.)
o Reporting Online – and easy quick effective method of reporting
§ No waiting – can be done from any computer
§ It is very important to include make, model and serial number when reporting stolen items.
§ There are some restrictions to online reporting – please see the website for more information
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/
- Reporting Suspicious Activity – Police Non-Emergency – 703-691-2131
o Very important aspect of community crime prevention and protection
o Provides a record which will be used in weekly crime analysis
o Gets patrol officers to the right areas –
§ while we may not always get there in time – doesn’t mean the bad actors don’t see the police cars
§ hopefully gives the police the best opportunity to catch perpetrators in the act, identify persons for the community calling, provide additional visible deterrent for the community
o Be as specific as possible about the activity and why it is suspicious….be specific as possible about your description of the suspect and any vehicle
o Do Not put yourself in danger to get a better description, just what you can from a safe distance
o The more detailed information the better chance we locate the individual(s) or vehicle if it leaves the area before our arrival
o Stay on the phone with the call taker until they have gathered all the information. If the suspect(s) leave the area, please give the call taker the best possible idea of their last direction of travel
o If you wish to be seen by the responding officers – please make this clear to the call taker
o If you Do Not wish to be seen by responding officers – please make this clear to the call taker
Opportunity Reduction and Prevention Starts With You – Help Us Make Mount Vernon a Safer Place to Live & Work
Tip of the day – Do not come to the police station to make a report…please use one of the above methods.
o Why is that, you may ask….well, most officers are on the street patrolling or an answering calls or working traffic enforcement. If there are officers at the station, chances are they are on an investigation, arrest or other assignment and will not be able to take your report. Waiting times for those who come to the station are often longer than if you called from your home.
OPERATION MEDICINE CABINET CLEANOUT
During the week on May 27 – June 1, 2013 citizen can bring expired or unused medicine to the Mount Vernon Governmental Center (2511 Parkers Lane Alexandria Va 22306) for disposal.
Pills and Liquids only – NO pressurized canisters or needles
Disposal is FREE, convenient and safe.
Resource – here is a link to the County webpage about the proper disposal of medications year round – “Don’t Flush”
Can’t make it to Mount Vernon….here are other participating locations:
|
Franconia District Station |
Reston District Station |
|
Mason District Station |
Sully District Station |
|
West Springfield District Station |
Be Safe,
Greg
MPO Greg Kottemann
Fairfax County Police Department
Mount Vernon District Station
Crime Prevention Unit
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