• Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

• Walk in pairs or groups whenever possible, especially at night.

• When walking alone, walk with certainty & an awareness of your surroundings; keep valuable items close to your body & out of sight.

• Let someone know where you are planning on going.

• Avoid walking in unlit areas, such as in alleys.

• Avoid traveling alone in areas you are unfamiliar with.

• Store and lock valuables, such as your car and bike. Hide away anything in your car, such as phone chargers.

• Utilize a door camera (such as a Ring). These help police immensely when conducting an investigation.

• If you are in danger or see anything dangerous please call 911.

• Stay off your cell phone in public spaces. Avoid carrying it in plain sight.

• If someone asks you for the time, do not pull out your phone. This is a common tactic to steal cell phones.

• Password protect your phone and do not store confidential information (such as bank account information) on your cell phone.

• Use a GPS-tracking program (such as Find My iPhone) in the event your phone is lost or stolen.

• Never hand your phone to a stranger if they volunteer to help you with something.

• If your phone is stolen, do not pursue the thief. Contact 911 and your phone service provider.

• If you have to be sitting in your vehicle for extended periods of time, remember to lock your doors & windows and be aware of your surroundings.

• Keep at least one car length in front of you when stopped. This provides a buffer for maneuvering during an emergency.

• Hide away valuables in your glove box or trunk.

• Try to park in well-lit areas, when possible.

• Keep your home and vehicle keys separate.

• Do not leave your vehicle unlocked and unattended. This includes leaving it running to warm up in the winter.

• If a carjacker attempts to steal your car, give up the car and leave the scene as quickly as possible.

• If you have a child in the car, let the carjacker know.

• Call 911 as soon as possible.

• Remain calm and cooperate with the perpetrator. Your most valuable possession is your own life.

• Do not attempt to fight off or follow the perpetrator.

• Call 911

• If you have access to footage of the event you should also submit that to the police.

• You can find nearby CCTV locations using this map.

Police officers’ main concern is community safety. There are times when an officer may have to inquire about your name, address, business at a location, & even identification. It is always best to cooperate in these circumstances.

If you feel you have been a victim of racial discrimination or police misconduct, you may submit a complaint online. It will ask you to provide the date & location of the interaction, along with a detailed description & photos (if you have them).

When interacting with a police officer, they are required to:

• Provide their name and badge number upon request.

• If in plain clothes, identify themselves when taking action.

• Inform a person about the reason for being stopped or questioned as soon as possible.

• Ensure that the contact is no longer than reasonably necessary.

• Only use the amount of force necessary to effect the arrest of a suspect

If a police officer pulls you over for a traffic stop

• Safely pull over to a place out of traffic flow.

• Remain calm with your hands on the steering wheel.

• Officers may be alarmed by sudden movements or ducking in your seat.

• Inform the officer if you possess guns on your person or in the vehicle.

• If it is nighttime, turning the interior lights on in the car will allow the officer to safely scan the vehicle.

• Stay in your vehicle, unless otherwise instructed.

• You are entitled to ask for the officer’s identification

• Communicate your actions with the officer

• If requested, you must provide your license & registration. Tell the officer where they are before reaching for them.