John:
I copied this information into the body of the e-mail
so I didn't need to send it as an attachment. This document
and a few others are available in PDF, MS Word and Power Point
format for anyone who is interested, just e-mail me off-list.
I gave this stuff to UCD months ago and have never heard
back from them.
S
WEST PHILADELPHIA NEIGHBORHOODS
SPRUCE HILL, CEDAR PARK, SQUIRRILL HILL, GARDEN COURT, WALNUT HILL
Neighbors Public Safety Guide 4/07
Neighbors Public Safety Mission
Public Safety encompasses many different ideas and strategies. The
unifying element is the need for neighbors to work both as individuals
and as a coordinated team.
1) The Broken Window Theory
The Broken Window Theory was made popular by the work of James Q. Wilson
and George Kelling. The theory essentially maintains that there is a
relationship between order/maintenance issues in geographic areas and
the level of crime that occurs in the same area. They believe that if a
neighborhood looks as though no one is caring for it, (i.e. there are
abandoned cars, broken windows, people panhandling), then it becomes a
magnet for increasing levels of anti-social behavior. The theory
suggests that as the order/maintenance problems increase, law-abiding
individuals become more fearful and retreat from the area. The fewer
law-abiding people involved in the area, the more attractive it becomes
to those inclined toward criminal behavior. Soon the balance of that
area tips to favor the criminal element rather than law-abiding
citizens. Neighborhoods that are cohesive and respond quickly to small
changes in their environment has a reduced risk of larger crime problems
developing.
2) The Coordinated Block Watch Concept
In an era where many people spend their waking hours working and
commuting, it is increasingly difficult to get to know your neighbors. A
sense of community does not just happen anymore. We have to work at
building it. Building a healthy community is well worth the effort;
crime is lower in areas where residents engage with each other as
neighbors. Safe, healthy neighborhoods provide many settings and ways
for people to interact in positive ways with each other. Two of the
easiest and most effective ways to do this is through Community
Development Projects and Coordinated Block Watch.
Coordinated Block Watch does not mean being the neighborhood "know it
all" which often undermines trust between neighbors. It does not commit
you to extra responsibilities. It means that you facilitate getting to
know the people who live around you, report suspicious activity to the
police; you may participate in community based improvement projects and
work cooperatively with a number of people when problems arise in your
neighborhood.
West Philadelphia Neighborhoods Public Safety Guide 4/07 page 2
3) Coordinated Block Watch is for Everyone!
Coordinated Block Watch is not restricted to private homes. Apartment
and condominium dwellers can also participate in the Coordinated Block
Watch. Families on a block form a communication chain aided by a block
map that lists names, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses and house
addresses of all those on the block. They watch out for each others'
homes and report suspicious activities to the police and each other to
reduce the likelihood of burglary and other crimes occurring on their
street.
4) Crime Prevention through Environmental Design
The physical design of your neighborhood, its layout, lighting, building
and maintenance, can affect the levels of crime and fear in your
neighborhood. The "Broken Windows" theory, describes how the quick
response to the small problems of broken windows, graffiti, trash, etc
can stop the escalation toward bigger crime problems occurring. Crime
Prevention through Environmental Design, takes this one step further by
looking at the entire neighborhood to identify areas or elements that
may have the potential to attract crime. Knowing simple design
principals can lead to solutions that can be undertaken to reduce fear
and prevent crime in these areas and can also help you plan ahead for
future development in your neighborhood.
5) Natural Surveillance
The ability to see what is going on in and around a property should be
your first priority. Perpetrators of crime are attracted to areas and
residences with low visibility. This can be counteracted in the
following ways:
*Lighting & Cameras
Street lights and home lights should be well spaced and in working
order. Alleys and parking areas should also be well lit. Motion-sensing
lights and cameras help perform the double duty of providing light when
needed and letting trespasser know that "they have been seen."
*Home Landscaping
Generally uniformly shaped sites are safer than irregularly shaped sites
because there are less hiding places. Plants should follow the 3-8 rule
of thumb; hedges no higher than 3 feet, and tree canopies starting no
lower than 8 feet. This should is especially important around entryways
and
windows.
West Philadelphia Neighborhoods Public Safety Guide 4/07 page 3
*Home Fencing
Fences should allow people to see in. Even if the fences are built for
privacy, they should be of a design that is not too tall and has some
visibility.
*Home Windows
Windows that look out on streets and alleys are good natural
surveillance, especially bay windows. These should not be blocked.
Retirees, stay at home parents, and people working from home offices can
provide good surveillance for the neighborhood during the day.
*Natural Access Control
Access Control refers to homes, businesses, parks and other public areas
having distinct and legitimate points for entry and exits. However, this
should also be balanced to avoid "user entrapment," or not allowing for
easy escape or police response to an area. Generally crime perpetrators
will avoid areas that only allow them with one way to enter and exit,
and that have high visibility and/or have a high volume of user traffic.
*Territoriality/Defensible Space
Much like the "Broken Window" theory advocates the quick attending to
nuisance crimes to show that a neighborhood is valued, territoriality
means showing that your community "owns" your neighborhood. While this
includes removing graffiti and keeping buildings and yards maintained,
it also refers to small personal touches. Creating flower gardens or
boxes, putting out seasonal decorations, or maintaining the plants in
traffic circles seems simple, but sends a clear message that people in
your neighborhood care and won't tolerate crime in their area. These
kinds of personal touches work in business communities as well. More
complex design efforts can also be undertaken for more dramatic changes.
6) Park Designs with Open Access
A good example is a park with transparent fencing around the perimeter,
and one large opening in the gate for entry. Putting vendors or shared
public facilities near this entrance create more traffic and more
surveillance. Businesses with one legitimate entrance. Avoid recessed
doorways.
A natural inclination is to place public restrooms away from centers of
activity, but they can become dangerous if placed in an uninhabited
area. Personal residences with front and back doors that are clearly
visible and well lit. Front porches and apartment balconies add to
street surveillance. Traffic plans that consider the size of the
neighborhood. People drive by "feel" more than speed limits, so a wide,
two-lane residential street can lead to speeding. Traffic circles, or
increasing the size of curbs can help to calm traffic. Institutional
architecture that respects the neighborhood identity and does not dwarf
the current scale of the neighborhood. Clear transitions between
private, semi-private and public area
West Philadelphia
Neighborhoods Public Safety Guide 4/07 page 4
7) There is Power in Neighbors
If your block is having chronic problems with nuisances such as noise
and speeding, or more serious problems with drug or gang activities, you
are not powerless to change the situation. The immediate role of the
police is to respond to individual situations, but when a situation is
part of a recurring problem, the help of active neighbors help
investigations and allow police to take further action.
8) What Can You Do?
*Start a Coordinated Block Watch
A Coordinated Block Watch may be the most important tool you have to
reclaim your neighborhood, or stop problems before they get too serious.
Coordinated Block Watch is a tool to inform your neighbors about an
activity they may not have noticed and get them to observe and report it
as well. Make sure you ask all new neighbors to join, as this sends a
clear message that your neighborhood is alert and will report criminal
activities.
*Report Crime
Don't assume that your neighbors have already reported the crime or that
the police already know. Report criminal or suspicious activity each and
every time it occurs. If the pattern changes, report that change. All
neighbors affected by the drug activity are encouraged to report.
*Keep a Log
Keeping records of where, when, and what kind of activity occurred will
help later if there is a criminal prosecution or need to establish a
pattern of behavior. A log should be kept of behaviors that are
suspicious in addition to those that are criminal. A log should include:
1) An address of where the activity occurred.
2) Date and time of activity.
3) Description of the problem: people, vehicles, and activities.
4) Describe both what you see and hear.
*Incident or event numbers: If you report activity to 911, ask for an
event number. If an officer comes out to take a report, ask for an
incident number. Keep both of these numbers in your log.
West Philadelphia Neighborhoods Public Safety Guide 4/07 page 5
9) Neighborhood Safety
*Suspicious Activity Involving Locations:
1) Continuous "Repair" operations at a non-business location.
2) Open or broken windows at closed businesses or residences whose
owners are temporarily absent.
3) Unusual noises such as gunshots, screaming, unusually barking dogs,
or any noise that is suggestive of foul play.
4) Unusual odors coming from location.
5) Continuous traffic that comes and goes to the same location, usually
staying for very short periods of time.
*Suspicious Situations Involving Property:
1) Property carried by persons on foot, especially questionable if the
person is running. May be significant if the property is not wrapped as
if just purchased.
2) Property being removed from or being placed into vehicles or
buildings if removed from closed residences whose owners are known to be
absent.
3) Someone offering to sell you something for significantly less than
the market value.
4) Items that accumulate in private garages, storage areas, or on
property especially if the items are in good condition but not in use.
*Suspicious Situations Involving People:
1) People going door-to-door in a residential area and one or more of
the subjects going into a back or side yard. More suspicious if another
person remains in front of the house when this occurs.
2) Someone waiting in front of a house or business when the owners are
absent, or if the business is closed.
3) Someone forcing entrance to or tampering with a residence, business,
vehicle, etc.
4) A person running especially if something of value is being carried.
West Philadelphia Neighborhoods Public Safety Guide 4/07 page 6
10) Recognizing Suspicious Activities
*Signs of Drug Activity
Like all major cities, Philadelphia faces a growing battle against
drugs. The police can't
solve this problem alone, success requires community involvement. Keep a
log of activities. It is often hard to be certain that what you are
seeing involves drugs, but some patterns may indicate drug activity:
1) An unusually large amount of traffic coming to a building - in cars,
taxis, or walking - often at strange hours. Visitors may sometimes pound
on doors or shout to be let in. This traffic is usually quick, with
people staying only a short time. Sometimes they don't go in at all;
instead, someone comes out to meet them.
2) Finding drugs or drug paraphernalia (syringes, pipes, etc.) in the
area.
3) Repeated, observable exchanges of items, especially where money is
visible.
4) Offers to sell you drugs, or conversation about drugs that you
overhear.
5) Noxious odors from, or around, the building, such as "musty" smells.
6) Buildings where extreme security measures seem to be being taken.
7) Buildings where no owner or primary renter is apparent, and no home
activities, such as yard work, painting, or maintenance, seem to be
going on.
*Situations Involving Vehicles
1) Vehicles being loaded with valuables are suspicious if parked in
front of a closed business or untended residence, even if the vehicle is
a legitimate looking commercial unit possibly even bearing a sign
identifying it as a repair vehicle, moving van, etc.
2) Abandoned vehicles. Persons attempting forcibly to enter a locked
vehicle, especially at night
or in a parking lot.
3) Persons detaching mechanical parts or accessories from a vehicle
especially at night or in a parking lot.
4) Apparent business transactions conducted from a vehicle especially if
around schools or parks, and if juveniles are involved.
5) Persons being forced into vehicles, especially if juveniles or
females. Objects thrown from a vehicle, especially while traveling at a
high speed.
West Philadelphia Neighborhoods
Public Safety Guide 4/07 page 7
*Gang Activity
Gang activity is a common concern for many neighborhoods. Understanding
more about gangs and their activity will help address some of the root
causes. First is understanding why young people are attracted to gangs.
The most prevalent reason for joining gangs is the promise of wealth or
recognition. Other strong motivations for joining a gang are the
excitement of gang activity, peer pressure, attention, protection from
other gangs or hostile individuals, a lack of realization of the hazards
involved, and family tradition. Many gang members are seeking the
recognition and acceptance that they do not receive at home or in
school.
*Drug or Gang Activity in Progress
For drug or gang activity that is in progress that needs an immediate
police response, call 9-1-1.
If you would like to speak to the responding officer about the
situation, tell the 9-1-1 operators.
*On-going Drug or Gang Activity
On-going drug or gang activity, which police need to be aware of, but
doesn't require immediate response you can make a direct report to
Narcotics or Gang detectives. You may also want to consider keeping a
log of activates.
Note: You can report drug or gang activity anonymously, but it is more
helpful if you give your name and phone number in case additional
information is needed. You can ask that your name not be released to
anyone.
One of the cornerstones of the Block Watch is reporting suspicious
activity to police. Pinpointing what precisely constitutes 'suspicious'
behavior can be difficult, so it is important to distinguish between
true illegal activity and activities of people who just live their lives
differently than yours.
West Philadelphia Neighborhoods Public Safety Guide 4/07 page 8
11) Graffiti
Graffiti is vandalism. Graffiti is created to be seen by others, so the
best thing you can do if it appears on your property is to paint it out
thoroughly and immediately. The best way to remove graffiti is to paint
the entire wall (or up to seven feet high), making a straight line
across the top with a color that matches the wall. This leaves no trace
of graffiti and does not draw the attention of the vandals. If that is
not possible, use a closely matched color blocked over the graffiti in
neat, square shapes.
12) Street Lighting
Property under one's possession cannot be knowingly cause, make or allow
unreasonable noise which disturbs another and to refuse or intentionally
fail to cease when ordered to do so by a police officer is in violation
of city noise pollution laws. "Unreasonable Noise" includes loud,
raucous, frequent, repetitive, or continuous sounds made by: animals,
horns or sirens other than emergency equipment, motor vehicles being
repaired, tested, etc., musical instruments or sound amplifiers, and
human voices, amplified or unamplified, between the hours of 10 PM and 7
AM
should be reported to the police.
Noise pollution limits the sound from motor vehicle sound system or
portable audio system to 75 feet from where it is originating. Noise
Pollution law allows specific public officials the authority to
terminate a public performance if the noise from that event is deemed a
"nuisance" by violating the legal decibel limit.
13) Noise Problems
In residential neighborhoods, fast moving traffic can be noisy, endanger
pedestrians and playing children, and can be very unpleasant for
residents. Surprisingly, most speeding drivers are actually residents of
the neighborhood in which they speed. Fortunately there are several City
programs available to assist residents with speeding problems so that
the solution can fit the neighborhood.
14) Set a Good Example
The first step you can take to help end speeding and traffic problems is
to drive the way you would like others to drive in your neighborhood. By
driving carefully and at proper speeds, you can make sure that you are
not part of the problem, and set a good example. Your driving helps
demonstrate to others what is and is not acceptable in your
neighborhood.
15) Neighborhood Speed Watch
Neighbors can be designated to monitor bad intersections and frequent
speeders by log, time, location, and car description and if possible
license plates.
West Philadelphia
Neighborhoods Public Safety Guide 4/07 page 9
16) Leaving For Vacation
If you leave obvious signs that your house is unoccupied while you are
on vacation, it can be an invitation for burglars. While you are gone,
your neighbors are a great resource to watch your house. A trusted
neighbor should be:
1) Informed of your vacation plans; when you are leaving and expected
return date.
2) Left with a key to your home so that the position of curtains, and/or
blinds can be changed.
3) Asked to pick up the newspapers, mail, and to place it in the house.
4) Inform neighbors on all four sides of when you'll be gone so that a
complete look-out is maintained. Be selective, however, in announcing
your plans to anyone else.
5) It is a good idea to ask a neighbor to park a car in your driveway or
to use your garbage container.
Working together with your neighbors and applying safe principles of
maintenance and lighting will heighten the security of your neighborhood
and your home.
West Philadelphia Neighborhoods
Public Safety Guide 4/07 page 10
17) Safeguarding Your Residence
*General Home Security Precautions
The first thing you should ask yourself about your home is "If I am
locked out of
my house, where could I get in without too much difficulty?" This should
lead
you to see potential problems with your current security. Please
remember though,
that while you do want to make it hard for a burglar to get in, you
don't want it to
be impossible for your household to get out in an emergency.
1) Exterior Doors - should be strong enough to withstand excessive
force, be secured with a deadbolt lock that has a minimum one-inch
throw, and all strike plates and frames should be anchored to the home's
main construction. Frames should be free of warping, cracks and in good
repair.
2) Peepholes - should be on the main entrance door, and should have a
door wide-angle (180 degree) view.
3) Sliding Glass Doors - and windows should be secure against forcing
the locks or from being lifted completely out of the frame.
4) High-Risk Windows - basement, garage, and ground level windows are
important to remember and secure.
5) Double-Hung Windows - should be secured with pins or extra locks to
discourage prying.
6) House Numbers - should be posted on your house and be clearly visible
from the street both night and day.
18) Emergency Preparedness
Experience shows that, prepared or not, neighbors naturally come
together to help each other out when a disaster occurs. Unfortunately,
unprepared neighborhoods are sometimes slower to respond because their
first efforts are spent in getting organized. Being prepared allows
neighborhoods to respond immediately in order to reduce the severity of
injuries, lessen property damage, and possibly save lives. A well-planed
block or group of neighbors should be in touch with local government and
devise a plan for natural disasters, power outages, or government
related security events.
West Philadelphia Neighborhoods Public Safety Guide 4/07 page 11
18) Home Security Assessment
ENTRANCES:
1. Are the doors metal or solid wood construction?
............................................Y N
2. Are door hinges protected from removal from outside?
....................................Y N
3. Are there windows in the door or within 40" of the lock?
.................................Y N
4. Are there auxiliary locks on the
doors?........................................................Y N
5. Are there strikes and strike plates fastened securely:
.......................................Y N
6. If there are no windows in the door, is there a wide angle viewer or
voice intercom
device?.................................................................
.......................................Y N
7. Can the lock mechanism be reached through a mail slot, delivery port,
or pet entrance at the doorway?
........................................................................
...............Y N
8. Is there a screen or storm door with an adequate
lock?.....................................Y N
9. Are all exterior entrances adequately
lighted?................................................Y N
10. Can entrances be observed from the street or public areas?
.............................Y N
11. Does the porch or landscaping offer concealment from the street?
..................Y N
12. If door is sliding glass door, is sliding panel secured from being
lifted out of the tacks? ....Y N
13. Is a "Charlie bar" or other adequate locks used to secure slider?
........................Y N
14. Is sliding door mounted on the inside of the stationary panel?
............................Y N
ENTRANCES FROM GARAGE AND BASEMENT
15. Are all entrances to living quarters from garage and/or basement of
metal or solid
wood construction?
........................................................................
.......Y N
16. Do doors from garage to living quarters have locks for exterior
entrances?......Y N
17. Do doors from basement to living quarters have locks from living
quarter side? Y N
West Philadelphia
Neighborhoods Public Safety Guide 4/07 page 12
GROUND FLOOR WINDOWS
18. Do all windows have adequate locks or a method of pinning in
addition to a regular lock? Y N
19. Do all windows have screens or storm windows that
lock?...........................Y N
20. Are exterior areas of windows free from concealing structures or
landscape? .Y N
UPPER FLOOR WINDOWS
21. Do any upper floor windows open onto a porch or roof?
............................Y N
22. Are they secured as if they were at ground level?
......................................Y N
23. Are trees and shrubbery trimmed away to prevent access to upper
levels? Y N
24. Are ladders kept outside house where accessible?
...................................Y N
25. Are tools (hammers, shovels, etc) left outside?
........................................Y N
BASEMENT DOORS AND WINDOWS
26. Is door from outside to the basement adequately secured?
..........................Y N
27. Is it adequately lighted?
...................................................................Y
N
28. Is it concealed from view from street or neighbors?
........................................Y N
29. Are all windows secured against entry?
.......................................................Y N
GARAGE DOORS AND WINDOWS
30. Is overhead door secured with locking device?
..............................................Y N
31. Is garage door kept closed and locked at all times?
.........................................Y N
32. Are windows adequately secured?
..............................................................Y
N
33. If there is a walk-in door, is it adequately secured?
.........................................Y N
34. Are all garage doors lighted on the
outside?..................................................Y N
West Philadelphia
Neighborhoods Public Safety Guide 4/07 page 13
VALUABLE PROPERTY
35. Do you have valuables properly marked with driver's license
number?...........Y N
36 Do you have current/complete inventory records of
valuables?.................Y N
We hope you find this guide helpful in your pursuit to improve the
quality of life on your block or in your particular neighborhood.
West Philadelphia Neighborhoods Public Safety Guide 4/07 page 14
-----Original Message-----
From: John Ellingsworth [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Sent: Sunday, April 29, 2007 9:03 PM
To: S. Sharrieff Ali
Cc: 'B Andersen'; [email protected]
Subject: Re: [UC] plethora of smashed car windows this morning
I am interested - could you send it to the list so everyone can learn
from it?
Regards,
John Ellingsworth
> So yes, Bruce. It is time for safety related organizing. I have a
bunch
> of
> good information to start with if anyone is interested.
>
> S
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