 Published by Officer D. Hinners
Patrol East Community Policing
350 S. Edgemoor, Wichita KS 67218
Last Updated September, 1st, 2009
If you have any questions or problems please call me at Patrol East (350-3420) or The Patrol East Community Police Office (688-9545) or e-mail me at dhinners@wichtia.gov.
35 Beat Team Members
1st Shift: Officers Lemons and Morris 07:00a.m.-5:00 p.m.
2nd Shift: Officer Boyd 11:00a.m.-09:00 p.m.
3rd Shift: Officers Cornwell and Cox 05:00 p.m. to 03:00 a.m.
4th Shift: Officers Klumpp and Marks 09:00 p.m. to 07:00 a.m.
School Resource Officer for Southeast High School:
Officer Rodgers, Monday-Friday 07:00a.m. to 03:00p.m.
SCAT Officer: Officer Maben - 05:00p.m. to 03:00a.m.
CITIZEN ADVISORY
The Wichita Police Department needs your help! Recently there have been several burglaries in your neighborhood. The Wichita Police Department has numerous officers working on the problem, however, these types of burglary could have been prevented.
► Open Garage Burglaries: These occur when the resident leaves their garage door open or partially open, even for a short period of time. These can occur even with the resident at home and often occur at all hours of the day and night. Some commonly stolen items are:
Tools Bike Sports Equipment Garage Openers Keys
► Burglaries to Vehicles: These occur when items of value are left unattended and in plain view inside the resident’s vehicle. These are the most common form of burglary. Some items commonly taken are:
Radar Detectors Stereo Equipment CDs Purses/Checkbooks
* Remember, if you have any packages after shopping, always lock them in your trunk*
► Residential Burglaries: These are typically a crime of opportunity. Some tips that may prevent you from becoming a victim are:
●Use a deadbolt on your doors and keep your windows locked
●Trim trees or shrubs to provide a clear view of your home
●Get to know your neighbors and who belongs in your neighborhood
► Suspicious Activity: If a person or vehicle looks out of place call 911 immediately.
*You are the eyes and ears of the Police Department, we can’t do it without your help
It is the mission of the Wichita Police Department to provide professional and ethical public safety services in partnership with citizens to identify, prevent and solve the problems of crime, fear of crime, social disorder and neighborhood decay, thereby improving the quality of life in our community.
New Crime Stoppers Neighborhood Initiative
The Crime Stopper Neighborhood Initiative is a project designed to encourage citizens to report crime and criminal activity around neighborhood drug houses. Citizens are also encouraged to report all suspicious activity regardless where it occurs.
The initiative is not meant to replace citizens reporting of criminal activity to their community police officer or City Hall neighborhood assistant. Rather, the project is designed to give citizens an anonymous alternative to report drug houses or other crimes in the neighborhood should they choose to do so.
Crime Stoppers encourages citizens to get to know therir beat and community police officers who can assist them in many ways. These officer have a broad perspective of activities taking place in the neighborhoods that patrol and can be a valuable resource.
In addition, Crime Stoppers encourages citizens to develop a working relationship with the neighborhood assistant in their city council district. These City employees can answer questions about many city services, and can assist citizens in many ways.
Crime Stoppers has expanded the way it now receives anonymous tips from citizens.
* Citizens can still report criminal activity anonymously by calling 267-2111
*Citizens living outside of Wichita can report criminal activity anonymously by
calling 1-800-222-TIPS.
*Citizens can report criminal activity anonymously by sending a text message on their cell phones to CRIMES(274637) and beginning their message with the word TIP217. It's a good idea to program thisnumber in to your cell phone address book so it will be handy when you need it.
*Citizens can also report criminal activity anonymously by going to the Crime Stoppers website, www.wsccs.com.
*If citizens choose to do so, they can report criminal activity by going to the Wichita Police Department website, www.wichitapolice.com, going to the Records Information link, and clicking on the link to Report Suspicious Activity in your Neighborhood.
* All tips received by Crime Stoppers are anonymous and no one will ever ask your name.
Wichita Smoking Ordinance
It affects everyone. Effective Sept. 4, 2008 smoking is prohibited in all places of business and within 10 feet of all building entrances.
Is the Smoking Ordinance ban comprehensive? No. Smoking is prohibited in places of business, but some businesses may obtain a permit to allow smoking.
What is regulated and who must comply? The ordinance regulates smoking inside any place of businesses and within 10 feet of any building entrance. A place of business is defined as any premises under the control of an employer where activities in furtherance of profit-making purposes are carried out, including, but not limited to, manufacturing activities, as well as the sale or delivery of goods or services to patrons or customers. This includes restaurants, retail stores, office buildings, medical facilities, daycares, theaters, banks, bars, manufacturing plants, vehicle repair shops, public areas of hotels and motels, wholesale business services, warehouses and home-based businesses – just about any enclosed building where the public may enter or where people work. Every place of business will be subject to signage requirements; the applicability of additional requirements will depend upon the "No Smoking", "Smoking Room" or "Smoker-Friendly" options selected by the business, as allowed by the ordinance. Nonprofit organizations are exempt.
Where is smoking allowed? Businesses with appropriate signage may permit smoking: In any unenclosed, outdoor area which is at least 10 feet from any building entrance; In a designated smoking room which is permitted and inspected by the City of Wichita and in which people under the age of 18 are prohibited; At smoker-friendly businesses which are permitted and inspected by the City of Wichita and which do not allow any people under the age of 18 to enter; In hotel rooms, motel rooms, apartment residences and rental dwellings.
What are the specific requirements for my business? Requirements vary. Businesses fall into four (4) general categories:
1. Businesses that prohibit smoking or limit smoking to designated outdoor smoking areas more than ten feet from any building entry door. Every place of business that does not qualify for an exception to the smoking prohibition is, by default, in this category. No annual permit is required for this business category, although there is an ongoing requirement for conspicuously posted signs clearly stating that smoking is prohibited at each entrance and within the building or buildings. Such "No Smoking" signs shall have bold lettering of not less than one (1) inch in height. The international "No Smoking" symbol may also be used (this symbol shows a burning cigarette inside a red circle with red bar across it). An image of this sign can be found at www.wichita.gov. Businesses are responsible for enforcing the no smoking rules.
2. Businesses that have installed a "smoking room" (or rooms) inside buildings per the "smoking room" design and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) requirements of the ordinance. Businesses with smoking rooms must obtain an annual permit from the City Express Office, with the following ongoing requirements:
ü conspicuously posted signs clearly stating that smoking is prohibited at each building entrance and within the building (or buildings). Such "No Smoking" signs shall have bold lettering of not less than one (1) inch in height. The international "No Smoking" symbol may also be used (this symbol shows a burning cigarette inside a red circle with red bar across it). It is also recommended that a "Smoking Room Available" signs be posted with or near "No Smoking" signs at each building entrance. Images of these signs can be found at www.wichita.gov.
The City of Wichita Web site (www.wichita.gov) contains the smoking ordinance, an informative brochure, Quick Facts, Frequently Asked Questions, Information for Businesses, printable signs, smoking permit applications and a secondhand smoke fact sheet.
Questions: about smoking rooms and signage: City of Wichita Office of Central Inspection: (316) 268-4479
Questions: about smoking room or smoker-friendly business permits: Express Office on the first floor of City Hall, 455 N. Main (316) 268-4553
To report: complaints as they are occurring: Wichita Police Department non-emergency line: (316) 268-4111
Other Questions: Environmental Services Department Food Protection and Tobacco Control Program: (316) 268-8351
IDENTITY THEFT
What are the steps I should take if I'm a victim of identity theft?
If you are a victim of identity theft, take the following four steps as soon as possible, and keep a record with the details of your conversations and copies of all correspondence.
1. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports, and review your credit reports.
Fraud alerts can help prevent an identity thief from opening any more accounts in your name. Contact the toll-free fraud number of any of the three consumer reporting companies below to place a fraud alert on your credit report. You only need to contact one of the three companies to place an alert. The company you call is required to contact the other two, which will place an alert on their versions of your report, too. If you do not receive a confirmation from a company, you should contact that company directly to place a fraud alert. Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; www.equifax.com; P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742); www.experian.com; P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013
TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289; www.transunion.com; Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790Once you place the fraud alert in your file, you're entitled to order one free copy of your credit report from each of the three consumer reporting companies, and, if you ask, only the last four digits of your Social Security number will appear on your credit reports. Once you get your credit reports, review them carefully. Look for inquiries from companies you haven't contacted, accounts you didn't open, and debts on your accounts that you can't explain. Check that information, like your Social Security number, address(es), name or initials, and employers are correct. If you find fraudulent or inaccurate information, get it removed. See Correcting Fraudulent Information in Credit Reports to learn how. When you correct your credit report, use an Identity Theft Report with a cover letter explaining your request, to get the fastest and most complete results.
Continue to check your credit reports periodically, especially for the first year after you discover the identity theft, to make sure no new fraudulent activity has occurred.
2. Close the accounts that you know, or believe, have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.
Call and speak with someone in the security or fraud department of each company. Follow up in writing, and include copies (NOT originals) of supporting documents. It's important to notify credit card companies and banks in writing. Send your letters by certified mail, return receipt requested, so you can document what the company received and when. Keep a file of your correspondence and enclosures.
When you open new accounts, use new Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and passwords. Avoid using easily available information like your mother's maiden name, your birth date, the last four digits of your Social Security number or your phone number, or a series of consecutive numbers.
If the identity thief has made charges or debits on your accounts, or has fraudulently opened accounts, ask the company for the forms to dispute those transactions.
Once you have resolved your identity theft dispute with the company, ask for a letter stating that the company has closed the disputed accounts and has discharged the fraudulent debts. This letter is your best proof if errors relating to this account reappear on your credit report or you are contacted again about the fraudulent debt.
3. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
You can file a complaint with the FTC using the online complaint form; or call the FTC's Identity Theft Hotline, toll-free: 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338); TTY: 1-866-653-4261; or write Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580. Be sure to call the Hotline to update your complaint if you have any additional information or problems.
4. File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place.
Call your local police department and tell them that you want to file a report about your identity theft. Ask them if you can file the report in person. If you cannot, ask if you can file a report over the Internet or telephone. See below for information about Automated Reports.
If the police are reluctant to take your report, ask to file a "Miscellaneous Incident" report.
GANG AWARENESS
Do you know if your child is involved with gang activity?
Do you know what to look for to help identify gang membership or association?
What are gang colors and gang signs?
Colors refers to a gang member representing his/her membership by wearing a specific gang logo, particular colors of clothing, a specific brand name of clothing or clothing worn in a predefined manner. This may also include hairstyles, jewelry, or even the way a person stands, walks or folds arms and hands. Colors identify the gang member and show member pride and affiliation.
Hand signals and gang slang are a means of communication. Symbols formed and flashed with the fingers, hands, and body have very specific meaning to the gang. The same goes for buzz words or phrases. Remember all of these may be area or geographic region specific and meanings may vary.
Why do gangs use graffiti and what does it mean?
As gang activity increases so does their graffiti. Graffiti has been called the "newspaper of the streets." Each gang has its unique symbols and cryptic types of writing. Graffiti is not artwork; it is sophisticated communication that publicizes the gang's power, status, delineates territory, sends messages, and warns intruders. Graffiti upside down or crossed out is generally a 'put down' or threat to a rival gang or person. 'Death warrants' for police officers are known to have been posted with graffiti.
What are some typical pre-gang behaviors?
Gang involvement does not happen overnight. It is a gradual process and if you are alert you will see the signs.
• Poor progress or achievement in school.
• Truancy from school.
• Lack of hobbies or too much leisure time.
• Frequent contact with authority figures or police.
• Draws gang insignias/symbols.
• Problems at home.
• Lives in neighborhood where a gang exists.
• Friends are gang members or "dressing down" of “sagging and bagging" in gang attire.
These items are characteristic of gang involvement. However, some people who join or associate with gangs do not dress in the traditional attire and do not exhibit conspicuous behavior to show gang involvement. Parents must be aware of the behavior and activities of their children. Continual monitoring of behavior and positive verbal communication between parents and young people is a must for gang membership prevention.
How do you deal with gangs?
• Be decisive, firm, and fair. Lenient treatment is viewed as weakness and they will take advantage of you.
• Intimidation will not work; it will most likely lead to confrontation. Lectures do not work either. Gang members are looking for respect.
• Giving any public or media attention to a gang only feeds their egos and escalates gang activity.
• It is bad news to negotiate with terrorist or criminals so don't do it with gangs or their members. All it does is giving them more recognition and power.
• Remember the four “R’s” about graffiti: Read, Record, Report, and Remove.
• Prevent conflict whenever possible and look for common ground.
What can parents do?
• Know your children's friends.
• Know about who and what influences your kids.
• Know what your children are doing at all times.
• Become involved with them and occupy their time.
• Strive for good communication between you and your youngsters.
• Again, spend time with them.
• Do not allow gang dress or attire.
• Do not allow hanging in the streets or mall.
• Be very suspicious of gang writing, graffiti, or tattoos.
• Encourage anti-gang attitudes at home.
• Learn about gangs and drugs.
• Participate in your child's education and find out what's happening at school.
• Get involved in community affairs.
• Set the example for your kids, they will do what you do.
• Believe in your young kids.
What are some parental strategies to combat gangs?
• More recreational and leisure-time activities for youngsters.
• A crackdown and tougher law enforcement against gang activities in the community.
• Stepped up effort to dry up the chief source of gang money and DRUGS.
• Increased parental supervision of children, their activities, and their friends.
• Collaborative efforts between police, community residents, and young people.
What are some community anti-gang strategies?
• Build methods of disseminating advice/information on dealing with gangs to youths and parents.
• Enact ordinances for school board, city, and state that make it a felony for gangs to recruit in school or intimidate youngsters to join a gang.
• Support initiatives that provide for a rich assortment of extracurricular programs for kids and the incentives for them to participate in them.
• Organize/support workshops on street gangs to be taught to parents, grandparents, and guardians of school-age children.
• Provide public seminars on “street gangs” throughout the year.
• Run media series on street gangs, stripping them of their mystique and exposing them for what they are.
• Encourage service clubs and church groups to sponsor a battery of community speak-outs during the year on street gangs, with the help of the police departments, courts, youth services agencies, correctional institutions, and schools.
• Organize a citizen patrol to patrol through their community and erase gang graffiti whenever it appears.
Law Enforcement Memorial
Work is in progress to build a memorial to the Officers in Sedgwick County that have been killed in the line of duty. In fact, the groundbreaking for the memorial was held August 21, 2009. The Law Enforcement Memorial Committee of Sedgwick County, INC, has been working on creating a memorial to these Officers and has made considerable progress. The memorial will be built on the southwest corner of Central and Main in front of the City building. Local artist Constance Ernatt created the design, for the memorial. It will be in the shape of a shield symbolizing the protection Law Enforcement Officers provide. Each fallen Officer will have his name and badge number engraved in a granite panel. The centerpiece will be a bronze statue of two lions representing courage, strength, and integrity. One lion watches over the fallen Officers wile the other guards the community.
All costs of the memorial are being paid through private donations to the Law Enforcement Memorial.
FABRIQUE NEIGHBOORHOOD ASSOCIATION
The boundaries for the Fabrique Neighborhood are Edgemoor East to Woodlawn and Kellogg South to Harry. If you live in these boundaries you live in the Fabrique Neighborhood. This association needs more support from all the citizens living in the area to help keep the neighborhood clean, lower crime and advise the police of any drug activity.
Our Mission:
The Wichita Police department's mission is to provide professional and ethical public safety services in the partnership with citizens to identify, prevent, and solve problems of crime, fear of crime, social disorder, and neighborhood decay, thereby improving the quality of life in our community.
Wichita Police Web Site: www.Wichita police.com
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