Local law enforcement serves as the first line of defense and the best resource for criminal identification, apprehension, prevention and disruption. Over the past decade, it has become an industry best practice to address crime and disorder among small units of geography with high rates of crime.
Even the safest communities are susceptible to crime. On December 9, the Police Department took a multifaceted approach with both high and low-visibility operations in the Main Street (between Reed Street and Cabrillo Avenue) and Mission Town (San Tomas Expressway to Deborah Drive and Monroe Street to the railroad tracks) areas of Santa Clara. The operation consisted of law enforcement personnel saturating the area, making field contacts, conducting numerous traffic stops, addressing abandoned vehicles and parking violations as well as conducted a neighborhood beautification project.
Community participation is one of the most important tools to combat crime. The basic philosophy of community crime-prevention is that social interaction and citizen familiarity can play an important role in preventing, detecting and reporting criminal behavior. The benefits of community policing derive from a strong focus on developing community partnerships, engaging in problem solving and implementing community policing organizational features.
Here are a few tips that can help your community work together to keep crime off your streets:
- Assist with the upkeep in your area
- Encourage communication among neighbors
- Use technology to help secure your home and property
- Reduce opportunities for crime
- Report suspicious activity as it is occurring
Report suspicious activity by calling Public Safety Dispatchers via the non-emergency phone line at (408) 615-5580. Dial 9-1-1 in an emergency. Describe specifically what you observed, including:
- Who or what you saw
- When you saw it
- Where it occurred
- Why it's suspicious
