21
observationskillstokeepyourneighborhoodsafe.Practice
lookingatpicturesofpeopletoknowhowtodescribethem.
Clothingisimportant,butlookforthingsthatcannotbe
changed,likeskinoreyecolor,tattoos,scars,moles,height
and weight. Properly observing
vehicles is similar to observing
individuals. You always begin with
the basics, such as the make and
model of the vehicle. Identify the
vehicleasaFord,Chevrolet,Dodge,
Honda,Mercedes,Volvo,etc.Then
identifytheboththetypeofvehicle
(such an SUV, pickup truck, etc.),
as well as the specific model if
possible (such as Corolla, Accord,
Expedition, etc.) To remember
license plates: write it on paper, on your hand, or even
scratch itin the dirt! License numbers are useful only if
theyarecorrect.Neverhesitatetosay,“I’mnotsure.”With
a vehicle description, even a partial license plate can be
valuable.
What is Suspicious Activity?
All too often citizens are confused about what they
shouldreportandwhy,soitisimportanttotraincitizens
through a variety of reporting activities. After reviewing
this section, participants will be able to advise citizens
specifically on the appropriate who, what, when, where,
and how of reporting. Often citizens ask officers “Why
shouldIgetinvolved?”or“HowamIgoingtobenefitby
reporting suspicious activity?” Although the answers may
seem obvious, it must be clearly communicated to the
publicthattheyareanessentialcomponentinprotecting
our communities. Sometimes
ourcitizensreceivemixedsignals
regarding what to report and
when to report it. Other times
they simplydo notknowwhat is
expectedofthem.Itisimportant
to learn specific definitions
and details to provide Watch
volunteers with clear andconcise
information.Begin with defining
“suspicious activity.” Officers
should know the definition of
suspicious activity and be able to properly communicate
this definition to Watch members and other concerned
citizens.Suspiciousactivitycanrefertoanyincident,event,
individual oractivity thatseems unusualor outofplace.
Somecommonexamplesofsuspiciousactivitiesinclude:
• Astrangerloiteringinyourneighborhoodoravehicle
cruisingthestreetsrepeatedly.
• Someonepeeringintocarsorwindows.
• Ahighvolumeoftrafficgoingtoandcomingfroma
homeonadailybasis.
•Someoneloiteringaround
schools,parks,orsecludedareas.
•Strangeodorscomingfroma
house,building,orvehicle.
•Openorbrokendoorsand
windowsataclosedbusinessor
unoccupiedresidence.
•Someonetamperingwith
electrical,gas,orsewersystems
withoutanidentifiablecompany
vehicleoruniform.
•Persons arriving or leaving from
homesorbusinessesatunusualhours.
• Multiplepersonswhoappeartobeworkinginunison
andexhibitingsuspiciousbehaviors.
• Signs of forced entry or tampering with security or
safetysystems.
The effectiveness of the police and sheriffs’ offices
efforts is enhanced byactive participationonthepart of
citizens.Bycallingtoreportsuspiciouspersonsoractivity,
younotonlyaidthepolice,youmakeyourcommunitya
saferplace to live. Some peoplefail tocall because they
arenotawareofactivitiesthatmightbesuspicious.Others
maynoticesuspiciousactivity andhesitatetocallforfear
ofbeinglabeleda“nosyneighbor.”Stillotherstakeitfor
grantedthatsomeoneelsehasalreadycalled.Alwaysreport
suspiciousactivityandallcrimesbecausepolicedon’tknow
there’saproblemunlesstheyaretold.
Knowing What and
How to Report
There are four general
categories to consider when
determining what to report: 1)
suspiciousactivities,2)peopleand
vehicles; 3) illegal activities; and
4) unusual events or incidents,
dangeroussituations.
By reporting these types
of activities and situations, citizens can make their
communities safer and more secure, reduce violence,
minimize victimization, reduce crime, and improve the
overallqualityoflife.Communitymembersmustalsobe
instructedonhowtoreportsuspiciousactivity.To report
suspiciousactivities,crimesinprogress,orpossibleterrorist
activities,simply:
What is Suspicious
Activity?
Anythingthatfeels
uncomfortableorlooks
outofplace.
Report:
•Suspiciousactivities,people
watchingvehicles
•Illegalactivities
•Unusualeventsorincidents
•Dangeroussituations