SARA Model for Law Enforcement
...through the neighborhood. The most prominent times of activity are between the hours of 2200 and 0200. This is the most convenient time for these individuals to operate undetected and decrease their chance of Police interference. There are many different ways to deter and rid this type of activity. Many resources are available and most cost little if anything. In looking at the area of action, it can be determined that one of the largest problems would be the lighting and the maintenance of trees and bushes. If there is illumination in this area, the criminal element is more likely to take their business elsewhere. Low branches and high bushes just aid in the concealment of their activities and by trimming this area back; it leaves them with less of a comfort zone and a greater chance of detection. On the site assigned to CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) it states that “landscaping should not create blind spots or hiding spots” and that “pedestrian scale street lighting should be used in high pedestrian traffic areas”. It has been determined that there is an overall fear of “getting involved” but this does not have to be the case. There are many things that can be done to aid in the resolution of the problems such as anonymous calls to AACoPD, recording tag numbers, gaining descriptions of individuals, videotaping, or gaining info in any way possible. All of these things may be done in the comfort of your own house without the knowledge of the perpetrators. Only by sticking together will this project move with full force. Response Our deterrence and actions must be ones that do not help or appeal to the element that we are attempting to extinguish. These are going to be anything that aids in the detection, deterrence, and eventual elimination of these activities. There are programs such as Neighborhood Watch that provide individuals with training, deterrence aids and resources, confidence, and most importantly a closer bond in the neighborhood and with the local authorities. Just riding into an area with Neighborhood Watch signs posted gives the feeling of an alert and caring neighborhood. This in itself could be a great deterrence. The installation of lights should be a huge priority. Not only will it be easy to contact BGE for service, it will also not cost the association much to have them placed. Once these are in place and the area is in order, our next mission should be the removal of abandoned vehicles parked in the area. Along with the limbs, vehicles offer a great benefit to the persons looking to continue with business. These should be removed and the limbs should be trimmed to provide an open space for more illumination and observation. One suggestion that could also make a difference is the implementation of speed bumps in the high traffic area. This will not only slow the vehicles down, it will act as a nuisance to the owners of the suspicious car and hopefully prevent them from using this route. The overall objective is to make this environment less appealing to the criminal element and ensure that the neighborhood once again can be a safe place to walk around in the evening time. In order to do this it is going to take a great effort on all parts of the community. Assessment The first step in placing these deterrents has been implemented and set into motion. Our contact with the AACoPD has developed a scheduled patrol route through our area at least twice per shift. This has given Police presence and made it appear to be a more heavily patrolled spot. Along with this action, the topic of hiring an off duty officer to watch the area has been discussed and will be evaluated further at our next Homeowners Association meeting. The advantages are numerous but the cost still needs to be calculated. The second huge step in this process will be placed in the community after participation is evident. To implement a Neighborhood Watch program we must have at least 50% participation from the homeowners in the neighborhood. When all is in order, we will have me...