East Newsletter Format - Fort Worth Police Department

EAST DIVISION
CODE BLUE/CRIME WATCH
NEWSLETTER
June 2014
Code Blue/Crime Watch Newsletter
is published by the Fort Worth Police Department East Division Code Blue/Crime Prevention Unit
For more information please contact Shirlee Wilkinson at 817-392-4800 or [email protected]
Crime Watch Newsletter
June 2014
Page 2
The Paparazzi Catches Mayor Betsy Price
Riding Bicycle Through East Fort Worth
Mayor Betsy Price conducted a “Rolling Town
Hall” bike ride through the Meadowbrook
Neighborhood on Wednesday April 23rd. Several
citizen cyclists spent time with the city leader and
rode through several miles of residential streets.
Officers assigned to the East Division NPO Bike
Patrol Unit were in attendance. Officers Scott
McGraw and Chad Kingston joined in the bike
ride while Officers Paul Garcia and Allen Speed
assisted in vehicles by providing traffic control.
There was even a rare sighting of Sgt McGuire at
the beginning of the event. Mayor Price was able
to get fist hand knowledge of issues from citizen
and exchange information and ideas about the
progress of the community. Citizens had the opportunity to meet with the Mayor
while enjoying the neighborhood, getting in some good cardio exercise, and
mingling with their friendly NPO officers. A good time was had by all who
attended.
Crime Watch Newsletter
June 2014
Page 3
Tornado Safety for
Tarrant County Residents
From the Tarrant County News
Tornadoes can occur at any time of the year in Texas, but they happen most often in the spring and
summer. Storms are most likely to strike in the late afternoon and early evening hours. Tarrant
County residents should monitor local TV and radio stations for storm information, as well as
broadcasts on weather radios.
A tornado watch is issued when severe weather is expected along with large or multiple tornadoes.
It means WATCH the sky. A tornado warning means TAKE ACTION because a tornado is on the
ground. Seek shelter immediately. A tornado warning usually covers one county or a portion of a
county and generally last for an hour or less.
When a tornado is sighted, the most important rule is to get low and sty low.
• Seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor of the home,
such as a bathroom, closet or room without windows.
• In an office building, go to an interior room or hallway on the lowest
floor.
• Leave your mobile home and take shelter in a nearby building. If no
building is nearby, lie flat in a ditch or ravine.
• Never stay inside a car. Leave the car and lie flat in a ditch or a
ravine. If a building is nearby, take shelter inside. Never try to
outrun a tornado in your car.
• At school, follow plans and go to a designated shelter area, usually
interior hallways on the lowest floor. Avoid auditoriums, gyms and
areas with wide, free span roofs.
• Go to the interior rooms and halls on the lowest floor of a shopping
center. Do not leave the shopping center to get in your car.
• If you are in open country, take cover on low, protected ground.
• Avoid areas near exterior glass or doors, areas along exterior walls,
or rooms with wide expanse roofs-such as auditoriums, cafeterias
and gyms.
More weather related tips on the next page
Crime Watch Newsletter
June 2014
Page 4
10 Things to Know about Flood Safety
Flooding can occur as streams and rivers overflow their banks, when dams or levees break, with run-off from deep snow cover, or
any time there is rainfall with significant duration and intensity.
Keep these facts in mind to stay alive and dry.
1. Flash floods can come rapidly and unexpectedly. They can occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall, or when
a dam or levee fails and even a sudden release of water held by an ice or debris jam. Be cautious during storm seasons, or any
time that flooding is common in your area.
2. You may not have warning that a flash flood is approaching.
3. Do not drive unless absolutely necessary.
4. Do not drive through flooded areas. If you see a flooded-out road ahead, turn around. Find another route to your destination.
5. If there is no other route, get to higher ground and wait for the waters to subside.
6. Even if the water appears shallow enough to cross, don't try it. Water hides dips in the road. Worse yet,
there may be no road at all under the water. Flooding can scour away the entire road surface and a
significant amount of ground beneath.
7. If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
8. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control or possible
stalling.
9. One foot of water will float almost many vehicles.
10. Two feet of rushing water can sweep away most vehicles — including SUVs and pick-ups.
Severe Thunderstorms and Lightning and Hail Storms
Thunderstorms and Hail storms should be treated much the same way.
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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Tune in to your radio to stay informed of approaching storms.
If you see a tornado or hear a tornado warning, don't try to outrun it. See tornado tips on page 3.
Turn on your headlights (low beams) and slow down. Many states require the use of headlights during rain.
Allow extra distance for braking.
Do not drive unless necessary.
Pull safely onto the shoulder of the road away from any trees that could fall on the vehicle.
If at all possible, pull into a sturdy garage, parking garage, or under a shelter to minimize hail damage.
Stay in the car and turn on the emergency flashers until the heavy rains subside.
An automobile provides better insulation against lightning than being in the open.
Avoid contact with any metal conducting surfaces either inside your car or outside.
Avoid flooded roadways.
Avoid downed power lines.
Check your windshield wipers and tires regularly to insure that they are ready for severe weather.
Approach intersections with caution
Treat traffic lights at intersections as stop signs.
After the storm, thoroughly evaluate your vehicle for damage.
If you find glass damage, carefully remove any glass from the interior of your vehicle, and cover the
damaged area to prevent further water damage to your interior.
Source: FEMA.gov
Crime Watch Newsletter
June 2014
Page 5
East Division
Neighborhood Police Officer (NPO)
Here is another article in the continuing series of Getting to Know your
Neighborhood Police Officer (NPO).
Officer Paul Garcia
E43 Beat - Boundaries
North-East Lancaster, South-Wilbarger, East-Lake Arlington, West-Stalcup
Eugene McCray Park – Lake Arlington
The Eugene McCray Park is located on Fort Worth side of Lake Arlington. This park
boasts a two lane boat ramp to give fishermen and boaters access to the 2,200+ acre
lake. When the park was originally built it was designed for fishermen and people
enjoying water sports to access the waterway and provided parking for others who
wanted to walk the paved and natural trails around the lake in East Division. Later a small playground and
additional parking spaces were added to the south of the main parking lot where the boat ramp is located. The
main parking lot offered 30 parking spaces for regular sized vehicles with 11 oversized spots which appear to be
designed for trucks with boat trailers. The additional parking lots provided 20 more parking spaces, in the
middle and far south end of the park. The park has been designed with families in mind and provided a place
where Fort Worth residents can enjoy the amenities with a flare of the outdoors. Recently the newest member of
the East Division NPO office Officer Paul Garcia identified that the park was being used by many more people
than the original designers had in mind. On a normal weekend hundreds of vehicles would be observed at and
around the park. This created a major traffic flow problem as well as safety issues since the south side of the
park, which is a dead-end turn around, was virtually inaccessible. Officer Garcia, who has been a Fort Worth
Police officers since 2007, realized the inherent danger this posed due to the fact that in an emergency first
responders would not be able to access the middle and south end of the park in a timely manner. Officer Garcia
had been assigned to patrol in the South and East Divisions before moving to the East NPO unit. Since becoming
an NPO Officer Garcia has gone to the LEBA bike school and become bike certified. Officer Garcia is also a
Spanish speaking translator for the department and helps at the training academy teaching new recruits basic
Spanish. Unfortunately the only temporary solution to the problem was to close access to the park and turn away
cars until the crowd reduced. Although there were no major emergencies or criminal problems, Officer Garcia
recognized the need for expansion to the available parking to give
more people the opportunity to enjoy the facilities offered by the
City of Fort Worth and enjoy this relaxing wildlife area in a safe
manner. Officer Garcia, who has been an NPO for almost two
years, contacted city council member Gyna Bivens (District 5) in
an attempt to get the much needed changes to improve accessibility
to the park. Mrs. Gyna Bivens took time out of her busy schedule
and met with Officer Garcia to tour the park and discuss the issues
Officer Garcia had identified. Officer Garcia explained the problems he had observed on past weekends and identified areas of the
park and roadway that could be utilized to increase the overall
accessibility and functionality of the park. Mrs. Gyna Bivens stated
she understood Officer Garcia’s concerns and would work to
improve the conditions of the park so that more citizens could
benefit from what this location has to offer. Stayed tuned for
updates on the Eugene McCray Park renovation project.
Crime Watch Newsletter
June 2014
Page 6
Save the Date: Neighborhood U is August 9
Mark your calendar now—the next Neighborhood University is Saturday, Aug. 9, 8:30 a.m. to noon.
Neighborhood U is for all residents looking to improve their neighborhood and our city. Plan now to learn
something new, get great tips and tools, and meet City staff who can help.
Watch for registration forms in the July newsletter, along with detailed information about classes on
emergency preparedness, future development in Fort Worth, code issues and new laws affecting some
neighborhoods.
So, save the date—Saturday, Aug. 9—it’ll be a morning well spent! Held at the Hazel Harvey Peace
Center for Neighborhoods, where parking is free. Workshop cost is just $6 and includes breakfast and all
class materials.
If you have any questions call the
City of Fort Worth Neighborhood Education Office
817-392-6201
Did you know?
Household Chemicals need Proper Disposal
From Tarrant County News
Most Tarrant County residents, including those living in unincorporated areas,
have the option to dispose of household hazardous chemical waste at Fort
Worth Environmental Collection Center (ECC), located at 6400 Bridge Street
at the eastern junction of Interstate 30 and Loop 820.
Household chemical wastes are often disposed of improperly by people pouring them down the drain, onto
the ground , into storm sewers or into trash bags. Pouring waste onto the ground or into storm sewers is the
same as pouring it directly into a creek. A single quart of used motor oil can pollute up to 250,000 gallons
of water. Old paint, pesticides, automotive fluids, household cleaners, solvents, batteries and pesticides are
all examples of household chemicals that could be hazardous to the environment if disposed of improperly.
Forty-seven North Central Texas cities have contracted with Fort Worth to
allow their citizens to use the ECC to dispose of their household hazardous
waste. Before using the ECC, Tarrant County residents who live in the
unincorporated areas must obtain a free voucher from the County
Environmental Specialist at 817-884-2634.
Crime Watch Newsletter
June 2014
Page 7
East Division
Crime Prevention News
East Division
CRIME WATCH TRAINING SCHEDULE
2014
10:00am-11:30am or 6:30pm-8:00pm
Dates
June 24
July 22 August 26
September 23
November 18
October 28
December 16
All trainings will be held on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 1100 Nashville.
Except December’s which will be held on the 3rd Tuesday due to Christmas
Please call Michael Grigsby to confirm
so that you may be contacted in the event of a cancellation.
817-392-4834
Or
[email protected]
Michael Grigsby
East Division Crime Prevention Specialist
5650 E Lancaster Fort Worth, TX 76112
[email protected]
817-392-4834 office or 817-980-8441 cell
Crime Watch Newsletter
June 2014
Page 8
Third Annual Senior Toiletry Exchange
For the last two years BOMA (Building Owners and Managers Association) has won the friendly completion between FWPD and BOMA.
There will be boxes placed at each of the sectors between
May 1 and June 5th
Items Needed: Toilet paper, soap, razors (small/medium), toothpaste,
baby wipes, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, cotton ball, hand sanitizers,
and Q-tips, paper towels, and sanitary items (men and women)
Hotel sizes are always welcome
If you have any questions please contact Donna Eldridge at
(817) 851-2500
Let’s rally together and WIN
(It’s the seniors that win in the end)
Presented by
Crime Watch Newsletter
June 2014
Page 9
Buyers Beware of Craigslist Con with Fake Website
Craigslist.org can be a great place to find deals on used vehicles, electronics, appliances and other major items. But watch
out for a new, elaborate scam that's taking advantage of bargain hunters.
How the Scam Works:
You are browsing Craigslist for a used car, boat or other large ticket item. You see an ad for exactly what you want, and the
price is lower than you've seen elsewhere.
You email the seller. He replies, saying the item is available, but you need to purchase it through a company called "Easy
Yard Sale." The writer claims his father recently died, and he inherited the boat or other item. He wants to sell it quickly,
so he is using this service to handle logistics. You search online for the company's name and find a website that looks
completely legitimate.
In his message, the seller says you need to wire the purchase price to Easy Yard Sale, and they will handle the rest. His email
reads: "They will ѕhіp thе boat tο уοuг аddгеѕѕ, will mаkе the tгаnѕfег οf thе pгοpгіеtу οntο уοuг nаmе (The documents are
аlгеаdу ѕіgnеd bу mе аnd nοtагіzеd, ѕο thеу аге еmpοwегеd tο dο thіѕ)."
But you guessed it! After you pay up, Easy Yard Sale and the seller both stop responding. You will never receive the item and
tracking down your money will be extremely difficult.
How to Avoid Scams on Craigslist: Follow our tips for shopping safely on Craigslist.org.
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Always meet the seller and see the item for sale before purchasing. Following this one rule will help you avoid
most scams on Craigslist. This is also true for housing rentals. If you can't tour the house or apartment before renting it,
it's likely not available.
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Avoid deals involving shipping or escrow services. The "Easy Yard Sale" scam is only one take on this trend. Avoid
them by purchasing directly from the seller.
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Never give out financial information
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Watch out for fake checks and money orders. Be aware that banks will initially accept checks, but will hold you
responsible if they are later discovered to be fake.
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Never wire funds or use a pre-paid debit card to transfer money to someone you don't know. With these types
of payment, once you send the money... it's gone.
For More Information
Check out our recent coverage on fake job postings for more tips on avoiding Craigslist scams. To find out more about
scams, check out BBB Scam Stopper.
Thank you to the Better Business Bureau of Central and Northern Alberta for their reporting on this scam.
Crime Watch Newsletter
June 2014
East Division
Crime Prevention News
Auto Etching
For
June, July & August
2014
JUNE – East Division - 817-980-8441
June 4
11 a.m.—3 p.m.
Lowes
1111 Eastchase Pkwy.
June 11
11 a.m.—3 p.m.
Eugene McCray Community Center
4932 Wilbarger Street
June 28
11 a.m.—3 p.m.
Target
8550 E. Freeway
JULY - No Etching Due to Extreme Weather
AUGUST– West Division—817-991-8476
August 13
10 a.m.—3 p.m.
Fort Worth Police Department
3525 Marquita Drive
August 16
10 a.m.—3 p.m.
Fort Worth Police Department
3525 Marquita Drive
August 27
10 a.m.—3 p.m.
Fort Worth Police Department
3525 Marquita Drive
**NOTE**
If you have questions about any of the listed
dates, times or locations, call the telephone
number listed for that month
Page 10
Crime Watch Newsletter
June 2014
Page 11
East Division Code Blue
News
The Code Blue training class was very productive. 6 people completed the class on the 17th of
May. They are eager and ready to patrol their neighborhoods. .
East Division is having a few more home burglaries partly due to school kids being late for school. The
actual time the roll is called is at 10:00 so they can roam the streets until about 9:45. Plenty of time to
kick and grab and run, (Kick in the back door, grab what will fit in a backpack and run away). Thanks to
the neighbors who are at home and witness to this kind of destruction
School will be out soon and there will be more kids checking out the neighborhoods. To those of you
who are stay at home people, please stay alert, watch out your windows more often, While walking your
dogs, know your surroundings, Know what street you are on so if you do see something going on you
can call 911 with good descriptions Encourage your neighbors to call 911. Don’t be intimidated by
talking to a person behind the 911 call. They want to help so the more information you can give the
better. It is no different than telling a waiter in a restaurant what you want.
Please keep Code Blue training in mind and talk to your friends about joining Code Blue. The more
cars on the streets representing Code Blue the better and safer our neighborhoods are. Although the
next class is not until August if we can get at least 6 people wanting to take the class we can hold a
training here in our own division. Think about it. There are some that might need a refresher class
because things change all the time.
Freddie Holcomb
East Division Code Blue Coordinator
5650 E Lancaster Ave, Fort Worth Texas 76112
[email protected]
817-392-4846
Code Blue Captains Meeting with
Captain Barclay
The next meeting will be
June 30, 2014
6:00 p.m.
Handley-Meadowbrook
Community Center
6201 Beaty St
Fort Worth, TX 76112
All Code Blue Members are invited to attend
Crime Watch Newsletter
June 2014
Page 12
Fort Worth Police Department
Police Training Center
1000 Calvert
Fort Worth, TX. 76102
Citizens On Patrol Training Schedule for 2014
All COP training sessions are on
Saturdays
August 16, 2014
November 15, 2014
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
FWPD Police Training Center
1000 Calvert
Crime Watch Newsletter
June 2014
Page 13
FORT WORTH POLICE DEPARTMENT
CITIZENS ON PATROL APPLICATION Spanish
Las personas que quieran participar en el programa “Citizen On Patrol” (COP) deberán de cumplir con lo siguiente:
1. Mayor de 18 años.
2. Entregar esta solicitud antes de tomar el curso de entrenamiento COP de 8 horas.
3. Revisión de historial criminal.
4. Asistir y terminar el curso de COP de 8 horas.
5. Asistir mínimo de 1 hora al centro de Comunicaciones con recepcionistas de 911 y despachadoras de emergencia.
6. Tomar un paseo de trabajo con un oficial de policía de FTW, turno completo de 10 horas (2 turnos de 5 horas)
7. Tomar un paseo con un voluntario con experiencia del grupo COP.
Fecha:
- Favor de usar letra de molde Nombre:
Sexo:
Fecha de Nacimiento:
# de licencia (disponible):
Dirección de casa:
Ciudad / Código:
Dirección de trabajo:
Ciudad / Código:
Telefono/casa:
Celular:
Teléfono/Trabajo:
Email :
Alguna vez a sido arrestado por un crimen? (circular)
SI
NO
(si contesto “SI” explique)
Favor de proveer nombres, direcciones y número de teléfonos de 2 personas que lo conozcan/referencias:
1.
2.
Talla de Camisa
(circule una)
X
Small
Medium
Large
XL
Firma del Solicitante
2XL
3XL
4XL
5XL
======================
FOR DIVISION USE ONLY
Division:
=====================
NPO:
COP Group:
10-29 check:
SCRAM check:
Criminal history check (circle one):
Attached
None
Officer who conducted 10-29, SCRAM and Criminal history check:
Date:
(Signature of Division Commander or Supervisor approving application)
Revised 10/ 11
Crime Watch Newsletter
June 2014
Page 14
FORT WORTH POLICE DEPARTMENT
CITIZENS ON PATROL APPLICATION
Persons wanting to become a member of the Citizen On Patrol (COP) program must meet the following criteria;
1. Be at least 18 years of age.
2. Submit a COP application prior to the 8 hour COP training course.
3. Pass a background check.
4. Attend and complete the 8 hour COP training course.
5. Sit with a FWPD Communications call-taker and dispatcher (one hour each).
6. Ride in with a FWPD Patrol Officer for a total of a full patrol shift (one 10 hour shift or two 5 hour shifts).
7. Ride in with an experienced COP member.
Date:
- Please print the following information Name:
Race:
Date of Birth:
Driver’s License Number:
Work address:
City / ZIP:
Home address:
City / ZIP:
Home phone:
Sex:
Cell phone:
Work phone:
Email Address:
Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a crime? (circle one)
Yes
(If “Yes” explain below)
No
Provide the names, addresses and phone numbers of two references:
1.
2.
Shirt Size
(circle size needed)
X
Small
Medium
Large
XL
Applicant’s Signature
2XL
3XL
4XL
5XL
======================
FOR DIVISION USE ONLY
Division:
=====================
NPO:
COP Group:
10-29 check:
SCRAM check:
Criminal history check (circle one):
Attached
None
Officer who conducted 10-29, SCRAM and Criminal history check:
Date:
(Signature of Division Commander or Supervisor approving application)
Revised 10/ 11