Wednesday, November 13, 2024

JCCPD Works with the Community to Help Prevent Crime

Alan McDowell, JCC Police Programs Coordinator (Stephanie Sabin/WYDaily)

JAMES CITY COUNTY — Prevention is always better than waiting for something bad to happen. And, avoiding law offences and keeping citizens safe is the mission of the James City County (JCC) Police Crime Prevention Unit.

“People have this perception that police officers are just out there to write tickets and mess with people — that’s not true,” said Alan McDowell, JCC Crime Prevention Program Coordinator.

The Crime Prevention Unit in JCC includes various services and programs to educate the community, including home and business checks, security surveys, neighborhood watch, drug take-back programs, Citizen Police Academy, as well as firearm safety and self-defense classes.

“The vast majority of police work is reactive — responding to things that have already happened. We try very hard to be proactive and stop things from happening,” McDowell said.

Prevention can be simple and easy — if a citizen is vigilant.

Vehicle break-ins have been a county issue that McDowell believes citizens can assist in deterring.

“The easiest way to keep your car from getting broke into is windows up, lock your doors, don’t leave anything of value in plain view. That means, even a cup full of change. Stick it out of view. Because what people do is they look into cars and it’s risk versus reward. If I break a window, even if I put something over it — it’s going to make noise.” explained McDowell, “And, so, if there is no reward in the vehicle, why take the risk?”

“The problem with leaving a car unlocked is it is an invitation to come look. Nine times out of ten, a vehicle is broken into where the door was left unlocked.”

Some of these same basic principles apply to homes and businesses — Close and lock your doors and windows. Make sure good lighting is provided. Test your smoke alarms. Landscaping concerns. Take photos of your property.

(Stephanie Sabin/WYDaily)

JCCPD offers home and business security assessments, where an officer will come out and conduct a free, on-scene security survey, along with suggestions and information on how to keep your home or business safe.

McDowell said, “When I come to your home, I want to know what is the driving force behind why you want a security assessment. So, that I can learn your concerns or alleviate a fear.”

Many times, folks just need a little reminder and education on how things operate.

“When you ‘target-harden’ by making your home more secure, really what you are trying to do is make it less appealing for a burglar to break-in,” explained McDowell.

JCC citizens can also request house checks if they are going out of town for a specific period of time where patrol officers will increase patrols around your home.

Usage of the JCC Police to Citizen (P2C) webpage is another resource. This page allows you to search for public safety incidents and arrests, submit tips, obtain copies of crash reports and access other useful information.

Lastly, McDowell says the best prevention is to remain watchful and “if you see something, say something.” Making a call to dispatch if the neighborhood dog begins barking late at night or if you hear a strange noise can make a difference in your neighborhood.

The community should always utilize its police department by just calling the general department number, advises McDowell, “don’t ever hesitate to call if you have a question.”

“Everyone who becomes a police officer, doesn’t do it because we don’t want to do anything,” McDowell continued, “We have a desire to keep you safe. And to help you from becoming a victim of a crime.”

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