Reporting Tips  (Looking for the online form to report to police or parks department?  Please use the Report Form link on the left!)

Citizen Involvement and Education  

 

The main goal of a Park Watch Program is to report and prevent crime and vandalism through community involvement.  Similar to a Neighborhood Crime Watch Program, the Park Watch asks park users to be the extra eyes and ears for police and enforcement agencies.

The program relies on citizen participation and support. Awareness programs and materials will help educate users about what to report and how to do so.  Citizens will become empowered to feel that they can make a positive difference by keeping a watchful eye out for suspicious activities while they go about their usual business or recreation in the park.

Photo: Graffiti on bridge prior to being repainted

                                                                                                                                                                

Incidents to watch out for and report include;                  

• Defacement of Park equipment
• Destruction of natural resources
• Misuse of playground equipment                                                          
• Under age alcohol or substance abuse in the park
• Theft or witnessing any other crime
• Littering or garbage dumping
• Unauthorized fires
• Fighting or harassment
• Unauthorized group loitering or monopoly of park pavilions
• Arson or vandalism
• Plumbing emergencies
• Broken or unsafe equipment
• Violation of Park closing hours--call if you see or hear suspicious activities or noises after dark

NEVER PUT YOURSELF OR OTHERS AT RISK! 

DO NOT INTERCEDE!

CALL POLICE!

Please remember that homelessness is not a crime.  Drinking in our parks is not a crime.  Overnight camping and underage drinking are unlawful, but not 911 emergencies. 

Determining Priority:  When you call police dispatch or emergency, take your time and speak clearly and concisely.  The dispatcher will ask if you have a true emergency. If you are reporting a fire, a medical emergency, or a crime in progress, the answer is "yes".  If you are simply reporting a suspicious person or a vehicle that seems to be cruising the area and concerns you, the answer is "no". The dispatcher will do all they can to help get an officer on the scene when appropriate, but the priority will be determined by police based on other activity or calls received and available police in proximity to the location.  For a non-emergency call, do not expect prompt police attention.  They will handle it as opportunity allows them.  Thank you for doing your part!  Be sure to click the Report Forms link on the left hand side of this page to download a form that should be filled out and faxed to the Park Watch Captain at 874-9374.

On-site Park Watch signs and promotional material will help educate citizens to only use 911 in an emergency, 244-6400 in non-emergency police matters, and a parks phone number for park related maintenance items.

 

By being proactive and calling in the above types of incidents, the benefits of the program will be evident by:

  

        A reduction in negative incidents

        A reduction in repair and restoration costs for facilities

        Increased safety for children and park users

        Increase in community pride

 

     DO NOT BE AFRAID TO CALL!

      Stay on the line to answer questions from the dispatcher

       Get a description:

                                                                       Record the event if safely possible    (video, camera)