Last Updated: June 26th , 2008
Published by Officer M.J. Lloyd
Patrol East Community Policing
350 S. Edgemoor, Wichita KS 67218
Work: 688-9300 / Community Policing Office 688-9545
E-mail: mlloyd@wichita.gov
National Night Out
Wichita residents are once again invited to join thousands of other communities across America in supporting a unique, coast-to coast crime prevention project on August 5th, 2008 to give neighborhood crime and drugs a "going away" party. On August 5th from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., residents city wide and across the nation, will be asked to turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside on their block.
Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness.
Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs.
Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.
Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
Generate support for starting Neighborhood watch groups.
National Night Out 2008 Schedule:
Thursday, July 31st 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Public Kick Off at "All Star Sports East"
FREE Admission
Reduced Ticket Prices
Media Sponsor: Power 93.9 (Entercom)
Friday, August 1st
KEYN Summer Concert Series in Old Town
Saturday, August 2nd 7:00 pm
Old Town Concert and Motorcycle Rally
(Motorcycle Rally Participants are by invitation only)
Sponsor: T-95 and 104.5 The Fox
Sunday, August 3rd 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Safe & Secure Day at the Sedgwick County Zoo
Half Price Admission
Sponsor: 101.3 KFDI
Monday, August 4th
Safe & Secure Day at Open Wichita Public Pools
(please check
here for schedules)
Tuesday, August 5th
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT BLOCK PARTY TIME
Register your block party online here.
Or call the WPD Community Affairs Section at 268-4101
(make sure if you want to block off your street you fill out the form below the "Register Button")
Have a pot luck dinner, a BBQ, an ice cream social or whatever your neighbors want to contribute. Discuss neighborhood issues over good food and good company.
Emergency services such as Police, Fire, and EMS will be provided a list of registered block parties so they can stop by to say, "Hello." Discuss issues you've seen in your neighborhood and help us help you improve the quality of life.
Tuesday, August 5th
Lawrence-Dumont Stadium
National Baseball Congress Block Party in the Bud Pavilion
Fireworks Display
PRE-National Night Out Activities
Safety Fair at Wichita Target Stores
Saturday, July 12th
21st/Greenwich 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
301 S. Armor 3:00 pm -7:00 pm
Sunday, July 13th
29th/Maize 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Maple/Ridge 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Thursday, July 17th
Seniors BINGO
Wichita Rec Center (TBA - Check here for updates)
Sponsor: Mental Health Association
Saturday, July 19th
Texas Hold 'Em Tournament with the Amateur Poker League
Proceeds benefit the Law Enforcement Memorial
(Limited slots, register via mtennyson@wichita.gov)
REGISTER YOUR BLOCK PARTY NOW
Help Wichita to become a
Crime Prevention Tip of the Month
July 2008
Home Security: A Look at Ways to Secure Doors Using Strike Plates and Key Control Doors
There are many sizes, shapes and types of exterior doors. The security of any door depends on its construction.
The Hollow Core Door is the most commonly used. It is also the least secure. It consists of a wood frame covered with a thin veneer; it is supported by cardboard arranged in a honeycomb fashion, to keep the veneer from collapsing. This type of door should be used as an interior door only.
The Solid Wood Door provides good security. It is constructed entirely of heavy wood. Some doors have decorative wooden panel inserts that greatly reduce its security.
The Solid Core Door provides good security. It is constructed much the same way as the hollow core door; however, the center is filled with compressed particle-type material that provides strength.
The Metal Door is becoming a favorite exterior door and it provides good security. It consists of a frame covered in a 16 to 20 gauge steel covering. The center of the door is filled with compressed hard foam.
Strike Plates
The weakest area of many doors and locking devices is the strike plate. High security strike plates mounted with three-inch screws will strengthen the doorframe where the throw of the dead bolt meets. The three-inch screws will extend through the doorframe and secure into the stud or existing frame structure of the home. With shorter screws, the strike plate is only secured into the doorframe, which is usually constructed of soft wood that splinters easily.
Deadbolt Locks
The Spring Latch, key in the knob lockset, offers zero security. Known as the "credit card" or "ten second" model, is found on many homes. On exterior doors, this lock set should be an addition to the deadbolt lock. Doors leading into the home from an attached garage or from the basement should be considered an exterior door.
A Single Cylinder Deadbolt lock functions with a key from the outside and thumb turn from the inside. Single cylinder deadbolts are intended to be used on solid doors with no glass within 40 inches of the lock.
A Double Cylinder Deadbolt lock functions with a key from the outside and inside. It is intended for use on doors with glass within 40 inches of the lock. The use of a double cylinder deadbolt lock presents a life safety hazard due to the need to have a key for exit. The 1997 Uniform Building Code states; Regardless of the occupant load served, exit doors shall be open-able from the inside without the use of a key or any special knowledge or effort.
What to look for when purchasing Deadbolt locks:
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Minimum ¼" interlocking bolts to hold the cylinder halves together.
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Tapered cylinder guard.
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Hardened steel bolt with a 1" throw and a saw-resistant feature.
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Bolt encased in single piece housing.
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Bolt constructed so as to limit internal movement or "play" when the bolt is fully extended.
Not all deadbolts are created equal. They appear similar on the exterior, but the internal components are critical to the overall integrity of the lock. Inquire whether the deadbolt meets or exceeds ANSI grade 2. All exterior doors should be equipped with a deadbolt lock.
Keys
Proper monitoring and control of keys can help prevent passkey burglary. The following are suggestions to better insure keys are properly controlled:
- When someone moves into previously occupied home, all exterior doors should be re-keyed.
- Avoid hiding a key outside. Burglars often know all the hiding places. Place a key in a secure key lock box outside for emergencies.
Crime Prevention Tip of the Month Brought to you by the Wichita Police Department Crime Prevention Unit
Call 268-4101 or go online to www.wichita.gov
MOTORIZED SCOOTERS
Now that warm weather is here, we see a significant increase in juveniles riding motorized scooters and skateboards on public streets. This can be a very dangerous activity since the majority of operators do not use safety equipment and the machines are not equipped with the correct safety lighting. There has been some confusion as to whether or not it is legal to operate motorized scooters and skateboards on public property. Motorized scooters and skateboards fall within the City and State definition of a motor vehicle. As per State Statute 8-142, 8-235 and City Ordinance 11.04.170 which state: "Motor vehicle" means every vehicle which is self-propelled"
These scooters, skateboards, go-carts and go-peds fall within the definition of a motor vehicle and therefore require safety equipment, lights, blinkers, appropriate braking systems and reflectors, as well as being tagged and registered if operated on a public street or public right-of-way. The driver must also have in their possession a valid drivers license. The Police Department receives numerous neighborhood complaints regarding these vehicles. Appropriate rules and regulations can be enforced since motorized scooters and skateboards are considered motor vehicles. Therefore, if a person age 14 or older is stopped for a violation, he or she can be issued a citation. If a person is under the age of 14, the parent or guardian is responsible and would likely be issued a citation for allowing an unlicensed person to operate a vehicle. These vehicles can be operated on private property with the property owners permission.
We also tend to see careless and reckless behavior in the operation of these vehicles both on public and private property. These vehicles are much less visible than a motorcycle on a street and could result in very serious injuries if involved in a crash. Parents need to realize that when they purchase any motorized vehicle, there are requirements and liability associated with their use. They need to be cognizant of the dangers because they are not toys. If you have any questions regarding the issues surrounding operation of these vehicles, please fee free to contact your nearest Police substation.
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 give them more recognition and power.
· Remember the four “R’s” about graffiti: Read, Record, Report, 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.
BARKING DOGS PROCEDURE
In accordance to Ordinance 6.04.040(d)(6), it is unlawful to: "Keep or harbor any animal which, by loud, frequent or habitual barking, howling, yelping or other noise or action, unreasonably disturbs any person or neighborhood thin the corporate limits of the city. To effect legal relief, persons so affected directly may sign a complaint at the Department of Environmental Services". To comply with the ordinance, the following information is needed to file a complaint at the Department of Environmental Services:
1. Name, date of birth, and address of the offending person who owns or harbors the dog/animal
2. Date and time when the offense (or incident) occurred
3. Location of the incident
If the citizen does not have the above information, they should call 911 and request that a police officer to come to their address to obtain the offender's information, they should call the Police Department Case Desk at 268-4216 to file a police incident report. The citizen should then allow three to five days for the incident to be entered into the computer system. After that time, the report should be available from the Police Department Central Records Bureau (268-4186). To file the complaint with the Department of Environmental Services:
1. Obtain a copy of the police incident case report by contacting the Police Record's Bureau at 268-4186.
2. Come to the Department of Environmental Services at 1900 E 9th to file the complaint.
3. Furnish a sworn affidavit for the incident. Environmental Services has notaries available for this purpose.
4. Sign a Universal Complaint Citation form (UCC) and have it notarized.
5. Furnish a list of witnesses to be subpoenaed and their current valid addresses. The list will always include the complainant and their current address, as well as any other witnesses, including the responding PD officer who made the incident report if applicable.
After the above steps, the complaint will be filed with the Municipal Court and entered as an unserved complaint, to be served by the Wichita Police Department Warrant Office and a court date will be assigned. Be advised that the citizen will be required to attend court on the dates subpoenaed. Failure to attend their court date(s) will result in dismissal of the complaint filed, and may result in the complaining citizen being charged with contempt of court.
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. 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.
Calendar of Events
DAB II meeting July 7th, 7:00 pm @ Rockwell Library.
District 2 Breakfest August 4th 8:00 am, @ 1151 N. Rock Road
Fraternal Order of Police General Meeting July 8th, 5:30 pm @ 245 N. Waco
Rockwood HOA Board Meeting July 8th, 7:00 pm @ Rockwood Pool
Forest Hills NA General Meeting July 28th, 7:00 pm @ Sequia Park
Juvenile Underage Drinking Group Education/Enforcement (JUDGE) Meeting July 16th, 2:00 pm @ 957 S. Glendale
National Night Out - Tuesday, August 5th, 2008
Wichita Police Department Mission Statement
The Wichita Police Department’s mission is 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.
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