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Police community programs

Block Watch

Block Watch is a neighborhood based crime prevention program. It is designed to reduce crime and the fear of crime in residential areas. The Police Department promotes the program and will assist any community residents who want to start a Block Watch in their neighborhood. While the police department administers the program and helps it get started, the program is dependent on neighbors to be successful.

Why Start a Block Watch?

The program helps to build a sense of community, connect neighbors, and prevent crime. Block Watch is a three-part neighbors-helping-neighbors program, which takes very little time, and no money. Residents are trained to recognize and report suspicious activities around their own and their neighbors' homes.

Part One: Getting to Know Your Neighbors

At the Block Watch, a Captain and Co-Captains are elected by those attending the presentation from the neighborhood to serve as a liaison with the police. Captains are responsible for monitoring the property engraver program, sharing crime prevention information with their neighbors, as it becomes available, inviting new neighbors to join the program and for forwarding their names to us at the department. We encourage at least one neighborhood gathering per year. Plan an event such as a potluck picnic, or ice cream social to bring the neighbors together.

Part Two: Operation ID

Engrave/mark at least 5-8 items in your home with the engraver we lend you with your driver's license number. Mark items, which are likely to be stolen, such as stereos, computers, televisions or microwaves. The marking should be permanent and include the indication of "WA" for Washington, and "DL" for driver's license, e.g. WASMITHJP544LNDL. Be sure to keep an inventory sheet. When the engraving is done, residents are given Operation ID window stickers for their homes. Signs are also posted at the entrance of their block to deter would-be-criminals.

Part Three: Improving Physical Security of the Home

Block Watch members are provided information on home security and can improve the security of their homes as they see fit and can afford.

How do I get started?

  1. Ask your neighbors if they want to start a Block Watch.
  2. Decide how large your Block Watch neighborhood is? The decision is yours, 8 homes, 15 homes, 30 homes....
  3. Plan the initial meeting, choosing a time and place that is best for your neighbors to meet to learn about Block Watch techniques. We even provide the invitations for you!
  4. Call the Police Department's Crime Prevention Team at 253-288-3147 to schedule the first meeting. We will come to your location to present the principles of Block Watch, and crime watch techniques. We also do apartment and business Block Watches.

Community Policing

Community policing recognizes a shared responsibility between the police and Citizens in making Auburn a safer, more livable city. Officers are assigned to work in neighborhoods which allows them to become familiar with the people and concerns in their assigned areas. Additionally, officers may meet with neighborhood groups, community organizations or individuals to discuss mutual concerns and develop custom-made responses to a neighborhood's specific problems. The response is geared toward solving the underlying causes of crime in the neighborhood by involving the residents as well as the most appropriate agencies and resources.

Remember

All crime reports and emergencies are handled through calling 911.

Crime Prevention Programs

Crime-Free Multi-Housing

The Crime-Free Multi-Housing program is a three-step program for rental properties. The goal is for property managers/owners to participate in all three steps to reach certification. The first step is the Landlord Training Program, the second is "Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design" (CPTED) and the third step is starting a Block Watch program for your property. Call 253-931-3063 to find out how to get certified.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) can be achieved through better lighting, trimming overgrown bushes and shrubs, increased "natural surveillance" and an overall appearance of an "actively managed" property. An officer trained in CPTED principles will come to your property and conduct a CPTED survey. The dividends CPTED pay, for very little investment, are remarkable. A property that looks well cared for and maintained, in addition to the obvious benefit of being more valuable overall, is a natural draw to more desirable tenants. At the same time, it sends a clear message to criminals that the owners and residents take pride in the property. Call 253-931-3063 to set an appointment to have your property inspected.

Crime Prevention Resources and Events

A very important aspect of the department's Community Policing philosophy is the sharing of crime prevention information and resources with the Citizens it serves. Police Department volunteers can be found at many community events in Auburn where they share the many free resources the department has to offer. Call 253-804-3106, and press Option 1 or call 253-288-3147 and leave a message to invite volunteers to attend your event.

D.A.R.E. - Drug Abuse Resistance Education

D.A.R.E was started in 1983 by the Los Angeles, California Police Department and the Los Angeles Unified School District. The Auburn Police Department began the program in 1987 and has continued the tradition of a strong school partnership by having trained and certified police officers teach the program to fifth graders in all twelve elementary schools and three local area private schools. D.A.R.E. is a collaborative effort that unites certified law enforcement officers with students, educators, parents and the community to prevent or reduce drug abuse and violence among children and youth. At the end of the seventeen-week course, a graduation ceremony is held for students, and attended by parents, police and city officials. For more on D.A.R.E., please call 253-804-5004.

Police Explorer Post

The Explorer Post is designed for young people 14 through 20 years of age who have an interest in a law enforcement career. Through their involvement; members gain valuable training and develop qualities of team building, dedication, discipline, and leadership. Explorers are involved in community service projects and competitive activities with other Explorer Posts. For more information or an application, please call 253-931-3080.

Speaker's Bureau and Video Library

The Auburn Police Department shares its information through their speaker's bureau and video library. They have a wide variety of valuable presentation materials and videos. Topics include: Children & Internet Safety, Crimes Against the Elderly, Identity Theft, Sexual Abuse Prevention, Are You Safe?, and the National Crime Test. To access those resources please call the volunteer office at 253-804-3106, and then press Option 1 or call 253-288-3147 and leave a message.