It's a simple idea, but a powerful one - homeland security begins with hometown security.
It's easy to take for granted the routine moments in our every day like going to work or school, running into the grocery store or stopping at the gas station. Your every day is different than your neighbor’s. It is filled with the moments that make it uniquely yours. If you see something that shouldn't be there, or someone's behavior doesn't seem quite right, say something. Only you know what’s supposed to be in your everyday.
Reporting suspicious activity has the potential to prevent a crime, reduce violence, minimize victimization, save a life and improve the overall quality of life. Suspicious activities can refer to incidents, events, individuals or circumstances that seem unusual or out of place, such as:
• A stranger loitering in your neighborhood
• A vehicle cruising the streets repeatedly
• Someone peering into cars or windows
• A high volume of traffic going to and coming from a residence on a daily basis
• Someone loitering around schools, parks or secluded areas
• Strange odors coming from a house or building
• Open or broken doors and windows at a closed business or unoccupied residence
• Someone tampering with electrical, gas or sewer systems without an identifiable company vehicle or uniform
• Sounds of breaking glass, gunshots, screaming or fighting
• Strangers removing license plates or loading valuables into vehicles from a residence
• A briefcase, suitcase, backpack, or package left behind
• Intruders in secure areas where they are not supposed to be
To report suspicious activity, contact the Communications Center with the following information:
• Who or what you saw
• Suspect and/or vehicle description
• When you saw it
• Where it occurred
• Why it's suspicious
Emergency - 9-1-1
Non-emergency - 408-615-5580
Do NOT report suspicious activity on social media; it is not monitored on an on-going basis. Whereas, Public Safety Dispatchers work 24/7, 365 and can deploy police, fire and medical resources by calling the emergency or non-emergency phone line.
