Neighborhood Crime Watch Handbook - St. … and Citizens Stopping Crime Together St. Petersburg...

Police and Citizens Stopping Crime Together

St. Petersburg Police DepartmentCrime Prevention Unit

Neighborhood Crime Watch Handbook

Version July 2016

Table Of Contents

Neighborhood Crime Watch Handbook2

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

How Do We Start A Neighborhood Watch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Duties and Responsibilities of Key Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Participants’ Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

How To Maintain a Neighborhood Crime Watch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Citizens On Patrol Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Important Phone Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

District 1 Map with Crime Tracts (CTs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11



Suspicious Activity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

If A Crime Occurs - - REPORT IT! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Suspect Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Vehicle Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Know Your Neighborhood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Programs of Interest - Tip411 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Programs of Interest - RAIDS Onlie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Programs of Interest - NextDoor.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Programs of Interest - Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

We’re on the Web . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Officer Vaughn MurphyDistrict 1

Officer Reggie MitchellDistrict 2

Officer Mark WilliamsDistrict 3

Introduction


The Neighborhood Crime Watch program is one of the most effective means available for keeping crime out of our neighborhoods. It relies on the best crime fighting tool ever invented – a good neighbor. When neighbors work together with law enforcement, it creates one of the best crime fighting teams around.

Make your community safer from criminals by starting a Neighborhood Crime Watch. The St. Petersburg Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit has developed this guide to help you get started. It explains how to start and sustain an effective Neighborhood Crime Watch program.

It also has important information on what is suspicious activity and how to report a crime. Neighborhood Crime Watch can be the basis for an ongoing dialogue and cooperative relationship with law enforcement and other city departments. When you are ready to set up your first Neighborhood Crime Watch meeting, call the Crime Prevention Unit at (727) 893-7128.

Goals of the Neighborhood Crime Watch include:

• Developing strong neighbor relations whereby neighbors watch out for each other • Educating neighbors to recognize suspicious activity and take appropriate action• Implementing other crime deterrents such as basic home security measures• Contributing to the reduction of residential burglaries and other neighborhood crime through information

exchange that include crime prevention programs and literature

With your help Neighborhood Crime Watch will be successful in your neighborhood.

How Do We Start A Neighborhood Watch?


Step 1 - Contact the St. Petersburg Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit.

• Call the Crime Prevention Unit at (727) 893-7128 • Ask if a Neighborhood Crime Watch group is already active in your area. If not, explain that you would like to start a

Neighborhood Crime Watch and ask for help from your district Crime Prevention Officer.• Ask about obtaining crime information for your neighborhood.

Step 2 - Talk to your neighbors

• Canvas your neighborhood for interest• Discuss crime problems in your area, using the information you received from the Crime Prevention Officer• Ask about convenient times to schedule your first Neighborhood Crime Watch meeting

Be sure to mention that:

• Neighborhood Watch does not require frequent meetings• It does not ask that anyone take any personal risks to prevent crime• Law enforcement personnel will attend your meetings. They will answer questions about crime in your

neighborhood and provide valuable information on how a partnership with the police department will benefit the neighborhood

• Neighborhood Watch also serves as a vehicle to address other community concerns that impact the quality of life in neighborhoods.

• Neighborhood Watch leaves the responsibility for apprehending criminals where it belongs – with the police department.

Step 3 - Arrange a date, time and place for the first meeting

• Set the meeting date far enough in advance to give everyone adequate notice.• Select a time that is convenient for most neighbors and the Crime Prevention Officer.• The neighborhood is responsible for finding a meeting location. The location can be at a school, church, or other

facility. Meetings may be held in private residences, however allow adequate room for seating and ask neighbors to bring their own chairs if necessary.

• Work with the Crime Prevention Officer to develop a flyer announcing the meeting.• Recruit volunteers from the neighborhood to hand deliver flyers to every home in the area. Do not place any flyers

or invitations in mailboxes unless the appropriate postage is affixed. (It is a violation of federal law and rigidly enforced by postal inspectors!)

• Remind everyone of the meeting date as it approaches (two to three days before).• Remember, don’t be disappointed if everyone cannot attend. One hundred percent neighborhood participation is

How Do We Start A Neighborhood Crime Watch?


desirable but is not required for the program to work.

Step 4 - Hold the first meeting.

• The initial meeting is to provide information about Neighborhood Crime Watch. • Simple refreshments, such as coffee and cookies, create a relaxed atmosphere and encourages people to “get to

know each other.”• Distribute name tags, if possible.• Have a table set up at the entrance, and provide a sign-in sheet. It is important to obtain members’ electronic

mailing addresses (email address) to facilitate information sharing.• Introduce yourself and the Crime Prevention Officer who will present the program.• The program will generally last 45 minutes – 1 hour and will cover topics including, but not limited to:

An explanation of Neighborhood Crime WatchExplanation of the duties of the Neighborhood Watch Coordinator and Block CaptainsPolice department resourcesSpecific crime trends/occurrences within your areaEffective crime prevention techniques for your home (including garage burglary prevention)Vehicle burglary preventionNeighborhood safetySuspicious activity and how to report it

Select a Neighborhood Crime Watch Coordinator• This is the only position in Neighborhood Watch that receives a police ID and who is required to fill out a

coordinator application and pass a background check.

Select Block Captains for the neighborhood

Organizing a Neighborhood Watch Meeting ChecklistStep 1 - Contact the Crime Prevention Unit

Step 2 - Talk to your neighbors and friends

Step 3 - Plan the first meeting

Step 4 - Hold the initial meeting

Duties and Responsibilities of Key Positions


A Neighborhood Watch group cannot work without citizen volunteers in key positions. These are:

Crime Watch Coordinator

• Hold an organizational meeting with other concerned citizens to establish goals and develop a network of volunteers.

• Use a map of the area to define boundaries and identify areas with active block captains. (The Crime Prevention Officer can assist the coordinator in obtaining a map of the Neighborhood Crime Watch area).

• Coordinate the date(s) for program(s) with the Crime Prevention Officer.• Meet with Block Captains as needed to:

Review the group’s progress;Provide crime information for the area and pass on information provided by the police department;Establish good communication among all participants; andConduct general business.

• Plan at least one Neighborhood Crime Watch meeting each year to meet with new residents and discuss new topics.

• Consider publishing a newsletter or sharing information via electronic mail.• Recruit Block Captains when openings exist.• Keep a list of Block Captains with addresses and telephone numbers.• Maintain good communication among all participants.

Crime Watch Block Captain

• Prepare and maintain a block map with names, addresses, and phone numbers (home and office).• Distribute copies of map to all block residents. Meet with neighbors and get their help to organize the block.• Pass out meeting flyers (or locate someone to do so).• Immediately relay information on criminal activity in the area to neighbors and coordinators.• Meet with neighbors once every three months or as needed to:

Maintain the flow of informationPromote neighborhood cooperation and friendliness

• Serve as contact between neighbors and the Neighborhood Crime Watch Coordinator.

Participants’ Guidelines


One of the best ways to promote crime prevention is by participating in Neighborhood Crime Watch. When people become aware of what’s going on in the neighborhood, everyone will benefit.

Participation in a Neighborhood Watch Program does not require a lot of time. Through the program, neighbors will get to know each and will become more aware of suspicious cars, persons or circumstances that might be a danger and require calling the police.

The security of a home and the level of attentiveness of each resident is entirely up to them. The following guidelines have been successful in reducing the potential for crime:

• Get to know your neighbors by name and be able to identify them and their vehicles.• Make your home as burglar-resistant as possible, using techniques discussed by the Crime Prevention Officer.• Mark all property for identification by using the “Operation Identification” program.• Be observant of neighbors’ homes, especially when they are vacant or the owners are out of town.• Write down license plate numbers and descriptions of suspicious-looking persons and vehicles in the

neighborhood, and report them to the police. It is also a good idea to notify your Neighborhood Crime Watch Coordinator of the activity AFTER the police have been notified.

• Educate children in crime prevention techniques and teach them to respect the law and police officers.

Reporting Suspicious Activity

Anything that seems slightly “out of place” or is occurring at an unusual time of day could be criminal activity.

Report all suspicious activity. Do not worry about bothering the police or about being embarrassed if your suspicions prove to be unfounded. Think instead about what could happen if you don’t act.

Do not attempt to apprehend a person committing a crime or to investigate suspicious activity.

Call the police immediately - 893-7780.

Not every stranger in your neighborhood is a criminal. There are many door-to-door salesmen, repairmen, and servicemen. But, criminals take advantage of this by pretending to be legitimate workers.

Signs


Neighborhood Crime Watch is an organization with high standards. When a criminal sees a Neighborhood Crime Watch sign in a neighborhood, he or she should be assured that the people living in that area have made a commitment to look out for each other and keep their community safe. The crook should know that the neighborhood has banded together and taken steps to ensure that crime will not prosper in their neighborhood.

What does a Neighborhood Crime Watch sign mean in your neighborhood?

It means that you are secure. You have engraved your valuables with a number identifiable to the police. Your home doors and windows are locked and secure, and you have adequate outdoor lighting all night long.

It means that you are organized. You are watching out for each other. You communicate with each other using a phone tree and other means. You hold meetings; organize block parties, and other functions to bring the neighborhood together.

It means that you are trained. You know what is suspicious and how to be a good witness. You know what to report to police, how to report it, and are not afraid to report suspicious activities.

It means that you are committed. You will watch out for your neighbors. You will be a witness and work with the police department to solve crimes. You will work with each other in solving neighborhood problems. You will support the Neighborhood Crime Watch program, the program leaders, and keep the program active.

It means that you care about your community.

How do you get your signs?

After you have met the criteria and become a certified Neighborhood Crime Watch Program, the Crime Prevention Officer will provide you with the paperwork necessary to apply for Neighborhood Crime Watch signs for your neighborhood.

Citizens On Patrol Program

How To Maintain A Neighborhood Crime Watch


The Citizens On Patrol (COP) program is designed to be an additional component of the Neighborhood Crime Watch Program. A successful Neighborhood Crime Watch group may decide to get out of their homes and into their cars to patrol their neighborhoods. COP members are the “eyes and ears” of the police department, reporting suspicious activity and deterring any future crime.

COP participants actively patrol their own neighborhoods observing and reporting suspicious activity through the use of cellular telephones. COP members will not have to place themselves in dangerous situations and are trained to identify potentially harmful situations and learn how to stay safe.

Citizens On Patrol is considered an advanced observation program, not focusing on intervention or confrontation. Participants will not need to carry weapons, and are prohibited from doing so.

The police department will provide educational programs and materials designed to inform the COP participants in general topics of police functions, including legal issues, communications, property offenses, and patrol procedures.

Citizens that wish to start a COP group must already have an active Neighborhood Crime Watch group. The members will then complete a COP orientation session. This will provide for basics of the Citizens On Patrol program and will educate interested individuals to problems unique to your neighborhood and to assist in the development of the COP program.

It may be difficult to keep up the initial enthusiasm of the Neighborhood Watch group. As crime decreases in your area, residents may become less interested in attending meetings, while still remaining concerned about crime.

Strong leadership is essential to maintain active involvement of the community in the Neighborhood Crime Watch program. By getting everyone involved you will create a feeling of pride and the atmosphere of a small town – even if you live in a large city. The program coordinator and block captains, with their interest in neighborhood security, are decidedly an asset in motivating the group to remain active.

As crime decreases within the community, citizens may broaden their scope to maintain the functions of the group. Residents may concern themselves with the total quality of living of their neighborhood, i.e., home beautification, cleanliness of the neighborhood, parks and recreational development. Community pride may be a strong motivation in maintaining the program. At all times, however, crime prevention should remain the priority of the program. The continued value of citizen involvement in protecting their neighborhood is the primary concern.

Make participation in your Neighborhood Watch group enjoyable. Remember, people will most likely become involved and remain interested if the programs are fun as well as meaningful. Use your imagination. Schedule potluck dinners, organize clean-up campaigns or hold block parties.

Important Phone Numbers


Agency Phone Number

EMERGENCY 911

Non-Emergency 893-7780

St. Petersburg Police - Crime Prevention Unit 893-7128

Neighborhood Crime Watch Officer - District 1 893-4891



Tip411 To submit an anonymous tip via text message to the St. Petersburg Police Department, text SPPD and your tip to 847411 (tip411).

Codes Compliance 893-7373

District I Community Service Officers 551-3181

District II Community Service Officers 551-3182

District III Community Service Officers 551-3183

Sanitation Department 893-7398

Housing Department 893-7247

Mayor’s Action Line 893-7171

Graffiti Removal 893-7394

Crime Stoppers 1-800-873-8477

Citizens Police Academy 893-7128

District 1 Map with Crime Tracts (CTs)


Suspicious Activity


Some of the items listed below appear more than once, since the same behavior can hint at different criminal activities .

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY -- PERSONS

Circumstances Possible Crime

Going door to door in a residential area, especially if one or more persons go to the rear of the residence.

Burglary suspects or trespassers.

Waiting or loitering in front of a house or business, if business is closed or house is unoccupied.

Burglary suspects.

Forcing entrance, or entering your neighbor’s house, when it is unoccupied.

Burglary, theft or trespassing.

Person running, especially if something of value is being carried. Suspect fleeing the scene of a crime.Person carrying property that is not wrapped, at an unusual hour. Suspect fleeing the scene of a burglary or robbery.Excessive foot traffic to and from a certain residence occurring on a daily or regular basis.

Vice, drug, or fence operation.

Person screaming. Rape, assault or domestic violence.Person loitering around cars or going car to car peering into them, especially in parking lots or on streets.

Car thief or car burglar.

Persons loitering around schools, parks, or secluded areas. Sex offenders.Persons offering items for sale at a very low price. Trying to sell stolen property.Strangers loitering or driving through a neighborhood several times.

Burglary suspects.

“Delivery Man” with a wrong address or one who asks is someone else lives there.

Burglary suspects.

Unusual noises such as gunshots, screaming, or dogs barking continuously.

Burglary, assault, rape, domestic violence, etc.

A person exhibiting unusual mental or physical symptoms. May be injured, under influence of drugs, or needs medical attention.

Suspicious Activity


SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY -- VEHICLES


Slow moving vehicle, without lights, or driving appears aimless; in any location including residential streets, schools, and playgrounds.

Burglar, drug pusher, or sex offender.

Parked or occupied vehicle with one or more persons, especially if observed at an unusual hour.

Lookouts for a burglary or robbery.

Vehicle being loaded with valuables if parked by a business or unoccupied residence.

Burglary or theft in progress.

Abandoned vehicle parked on block. Stolen car.Vehicle containing weapons. Robbery suspect or vehicle; selling stolen items or drugs.Someone being forced into a vehicle, especially females or juveniles.

Kidnapping, assault, or attempted rape.

Vehicle where a business transaction is being conducted, around school or parks.

Selling stolen items or drugs.

Person attempting to forcibly enter a locked vehicle, especially in a parking lot.

Theft of a car or its contents.

Persons removing mechanical parts or accessories from a vehicle.

Theft or vandalism.

Objects thrown from a vehicle. Disposal of contraband.SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY -- PROPERTY


Going door to door in a residential area, especially if one or more persons go to the rear of the residence.

Burglary suspects or trespassers.

Waiting or loitering in front of a house or business, if closed or unoccupied.

Burglary suspects.

Property in homes, garages, or storage areas if collection is large, or items are in good but unused condition.

Stolen property.

Property offered for sale at very low price. Stolen property.Property in vehicles not normally found, especially if observed at an unusual hour, such as TV sets, stereos, guns, or auto parts.

Stolen property.

Property carried by person on foot; especially at unusual hour or place. Very suspicious if running with unwrapped property.

Property lost or stolen in a burglary or robbery.

Property being removed from or loaded into a vehicle or building at unusual hours.

Burglary or theft in progress.

Continuous repair operations at a non-business location. Stolen property being altered.Open or broken doors and windows at a closed business or unoccupied residence.

Burglary in progress, completed burglary, or vandalism.

Sound of breaking glass. Burglary or vandalism.

If A Crime Occurs - - REPORT IT!


Sound easy? Unfortunately, only about half of all crimes are ever reported. Too bad, because law enforcement can’t do anything if they don’t know what happened. Eyewitness information is the key to solving many crimes. Remember these tips when reporting a crime:

• Call the police immediately.• Tell the call taker as much as you can. No fact is too trivial. In

many cases it is what victims and witnesses tell police about the criminal that results in an arrest. The police officers responding can use answers to as many of these questions as possible. Please remember that wrong information is worse than no information at all.

• What occurred?• When did this occur?• Where did this occur?• How many suspects were there?• What did they do?• What did they say?• What did they take?• Which way did they go?• Were there any other witnesses? What are their names,

addresses, or phone numbers?• Is there any other information which you feel is

important?• Can you describe the suspect(s)?• Can you describe their vehicle(s)?

• Sometimes, due to limited resources and personnel, officers may not be able to respond immediately. The police department prioritizes incoming calls based on apparent danger to human life. Don’t be discouraged. We will get to you as soon as possible.

• Even an anonymous tip is better than nothing. Don’t hesitate! Follow this rule:

If you see something suspicious, call the police— fast —so we can act — fast. The longer you wait, the harder it is to catch the criminal.

Dial 911Dial 911 when the situation is an emergency or a crime is in progress:

Any fire

If you see or hear a fight or a domestic dispute

If you see someone trying to force their way into a home or a car

If you hear screaming or calls for help

If you hear gunfire

If you see a child being forced or beckoned into a car or a home

If you hear an alarm or breaking glass

Any other emergency

Dial 893-7780Call the Communications Center directly any time the situation is not an emergency:

If you see suspicious behavior - such as some one walking in and out of yards or looking into cars

If you see a car driving around the neighborhood repeatedly with no apparent destination

If you see something that just looks out of place or unfamiliar and seems suspicious

If you see unknown people carrying property from a neighbors house or car

Any other non-emergency situation

Suspect Identification


As a Neighborhood Watch member, it is imperative that you become a good witness. Being able to provide police with an accurate description of a suspect is often times one of the most crucial things that a witness can do. A good suspect description will be invaluable information throughout any police investigation, helping police to capture the criminal initially to ultimately getting a conviction in court.

The most important features to identify are sex, race, height, weight, approximate age, hair color, eye color, clothing, and any scars, marks or tattoos. Work from top to bottom, making mental notes of all of the following items when viewing a suspect. Write down this information as soon as you can after an incident.

Height_____________

Sex___________

Hair_______________Color, length, style, wig, cap,

Color, glasses, anything unusual hat, markings on cap or hat, ski mask, baseball hat, how is it worn

Eyes____________Color, glasses, anything

unusual

Face_______________Nose, lips, teeth, ears,

mustache, beard, goatee, sideburns, scars, marks

Clothing___________Coat, jacket, shirt, pants,

dress, shorts, gloves, tie, scarf, vest, bandana

Race______________Complexion, nationality,

Ethnicity

Other______________Anything else unusual,

backpack or carrying anything, style of walk (gait or limp), any physical disabilities or scars, marks, or tattoos.

Voice_____________Language, accent,

lisp, loud, soft, other speech characteristics

Weapon_____________Gun (revolver, automatic,

pistol, rifle), knife, club, bat, crowbar

Weight_____________

Age______________

Shoes_____________Shoes, boots, style, color

Vehicle Identification


Being able to provide police with an accurate vehicle description could make the difference between a crook getting away or being apprehended. A description like, “They’re in a four door white car” just doesn’t provide police with enough information to find the bad guys. Familiarize yourself with these descriptive characteristics and use them when identifying a suspect vehicle to police. Practice identifying cars when you are out and about. Most cars have the make and model printed somewhere near the trunk area. While you are driving to and from work, learn the different types and body styles of the cars you see so that you can be an expert witness when it counts.

Make _____________

Chevy, Ford, Mercury, Dodge,GM, Plymouth, Saturn, Buick,Oldsmobile, Chrysler, Cadillac

Honda, Kia, Nissan, Toyota,Isuzu, Mazda, Acura, Infiniti, LexusBMW, Volkswagen, Volvo, Saab,Mercedes

Foreign or Domestic

Kind ______________

Car - Two door or four door, sports car, hatchback, convertible

Truck - Small pickup, large pickup, flat bed, boxed cargo truck, extended or king cab, dual rear wheels, pulling a trailer, camper

Motorcycle - Bullet bike, street bike, off-road, small or large, domestic or foreign

SUV - Hard top or convertible, off-road, rear spare tire, two door or four door, top rack

Van - Panel van, Custom van, rear and side windows, company van (company logo or writing on side)

Other______________Any identifying bumper stickers,

dents, scratches, broken windows, etc.? Was it damaged in any way? Was it modified in any way?

Occupants__________________

Model ________________

Year______________________

State ________________

Plate #____________________

Color ________________


Know Your Neighborhood

House Behind Yours House Behind Yours House Behind YoursName Name Name

Address Address Address

Home Phone Home Phone Home Phone

Work Phone Work Phone Work Phone

Email Address Email Address Email Address

House Next Door

You Are Here!

House Next DoorName Name

Address Address

Home Phone Home Phone

Work Phone Work Phone

Email Address Email Address

House Across the Street House Across the Street House Across the StreetName Name Name

Address Address Address

Home Phone Home Phone Home Phone

Work Phone Work Phone Work Phone

Email Address Email Address Email Address

LexisNexis Online

To submit an anonymous tip via text message to the St . Petersburg Police Department, text SPPD and your tip to 847411 (tip411) .

Be sure to save/record your tip ID . You can use the ID to login to view feedback about your tip from the agency/group . Just enter the ID on the tip submit page and any feedback about your tip from the group will display . You

can then submit additional information to the group using the tip form .

LexisNexis’s public crime map, Community Crime Map, connects law enforcement with the community to reduce crime and improve public safety . Crime mapping helps the public get a better idea of the crime activity in their area so they can make more informed decisions about how to stay safe .

Community Crime Map goes beyond crime mapping by automatically alerting the public about recent crime activity and by improving communication between the public and law enforcement through anonymous tips .

http://commuitycrimemap .com or from the police department’s home page, police .stpete .org

Programs of Interest

Programs of Interest - Nextdoor

Programs of Interest - Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act

Nextdoor .com


What is the Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act?The law allows law enforcement to seize for the purpose of forfeiture any motor vehicle, cash, personal or real

property if there is probable cause to believe those assets have been used in the commission of a felony.

How could this benefit Neighborhood Crime Watch?A generous portion of the proceeds seized from felons is given back to the community to help promote public

safety.

What can these proceeds be used for?The funds can be used by community organizations that support crime prevention, neighborhood safety, drug

abuse education, drug prevention, or school resource officer programs.

Where can additional information be found?• The Mayor’s Action Center at City Hall or by calling the Action Center at 727-893-7171.• The St. Petersburg Police Department’s Information Desk• The City of St. Petersburg website at www.stpete.org• The St. Petersburg Police Department’s website at www.stpete.org/police/ and look for Forfeiture Grant Fund

in the “Get Involved” section of the main menu

When does the process begin?Annually in the Fall (August-September)

We’re on the Web

St. Petersburg Police Department

SPPD YouTube

police.stpete.org

youtube.com/SPPDVideo

www.stpete.org

facebook.com/StPetePD

City of St. Petersburg

Facebook

You can reach any of our web sites by visiting the St . Petersburg Police Department’s home page:police.stpete.org

ST. PETERSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENTCRIME PREVENTION UNIT

727-893-7128

Visit us on the web at:police.stpete.org

This publication can be made available upon request in alternative formats, such as, Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer disk . Requests can be made by calling 727-893-7345 (Voice) or 711

for the Florida Relay Service or email the ADA Coordinator at lendel .bright@stpete .org . Please allow 72 hours for your request to be processed .

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