Spokane C.O.P.S. Latent Fingerprint Program

Beginning Tuesday, November 15, 2011, Spokane C.O.P.S. trained volunteers will provide the Latent Fingerprinting service on prowled vehicles to the citizens of Spokane by appointment through our C.O.P.S. Shops.

See the details about Latent Fingerprinting

Hear what KREM-TV has to say about C.O.P.S. new fingerprinting program. 

Hear what KXLY-TV has to say about C.O.P.S. new fingerprinting program. 

We strive to assist the Spokane Police Department in this endeavor. Our goal is to increase the solvability of prowled vehicles by processing those vehicles for latent fingerprints left behind by the suspect(s).

Spokane C.O.P.S. volunteers are trained to lift latent fingerprints off vehicles at a citizen’s request. When a citizen reports to Crime Check at 456-2233 that their vehicle has been compromised by either prowling or vandalism, they will be asked if they would like to have a volunteer check for prints that may be left by the perpetrator.

For more information about the Latent Fingerprint Program, contact C.O.P.S. Logan at 625-3333 or C.O.P.S. Office at 835-4572.

The Spokane Police Department is still investigating property crimes, but have changed their approach to investigating those crimes to achieve the greatest impacts on public safety within the current budget constraints.

Chief Anne Kirkpatrick this week completed a short video on this topic.  It is available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7MeDt7–Hs

Click here for Property Crimes Investigation Details for the basic facts so you have the information.

• If you are the victim of a crime that is in progress or just occurred.
• If you are witnessing a crime that is in progress or just occurred.
• If you are the victim of a crime and the suspect is still in the area.
• If you have a need to immediate police response to a crime.
• If you need to report a fire.
• If there is a medical emergency.
• If you need the Fire Department for a rescue or if you are trapped.

When to call Crime Check? (456-2233)

• To file a police report over the phone for a crime that is no longer occurring.
• If you witnessed a crime that previously occurred.
• If you have information about a past crime.
• To add information on a previous crime report.
• If you are the victim of a crime that is not in progress.
• To report a crime after the fact which does not require a officer/deputy at the scene.

Dangerous Criminal Gang Activity and Violence is Getting Worse

Due to the growth of gang membership regionally and as a preventative measure, the Spokane Violent Crime Gang Enforcement Team and the Greater Spokane Substance Abuse Council (GSSAC), have created this website to educate the public about criminal gangs and to provide a way for residents to report tips to thwart the potential threat.    

Learn more…

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED to be MCGRUFF the CRIME DOG

Spokane C.O.P.S. has openings for McGruff the Crime Dog volunteers!

Back in 1980, a dog in a rumpled trench coat said, “You don’t know me yet. But you will.” Since then, McGruff the Crime Dog has taught millions of people that the police can’t fight crime alone – crime prevention is everybody’s business and everyone can help “Take A Bite Out Of Crime.”    

Spokane C.O.P.S. McGruff the Crime Dog and his “handler” makes appearances at a variety of community events, schools, National Night Out Against Crime, daycares, senior centers and many more venues.

• All applicants must be at least 18 years old and pass a background check
• A 1 hour training is mandatory
• The wearer should be 5’7″ to 6’3″ in height, should appear reasonably fit and of normal build, and should not appear obviously female when in costume.
• McGruff costume must be worn in its entirety, including coat, head, gloves, pants, and gum-soled shoes. No additional visible clothing or headgear may be worn.
• No one should be allowed to wear the costume for more than 20 minutes in temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit unless they are wearing the special “cool-down” vest
• McGruff must be portrayed at all times as someone who values and is respectful of good relations with law enforcement, community officials, teachers, parents, youth, senior citizens, businesses, and community organizations

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If you are interested in volunteering as McGruff the Crime Dog, please fill out the form below.

Contact Information

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Spokane COPS newsletter Jan-Feb 2011

Spokane C.O.P.S. would like to remind Spokane Citizens how to help protect themselves from becoming a burglary victim. Please help us help you – don’t become a victim! 

Safety experts agree that the best way to prevent becoming a victim of a crime, is to take every step possible to prevent it from happening to you. While no one can be guaranteed 100% that no one will break into your home; these tips will definitely reduce the likelihood!

- Keep exterior lights on at night.

- Make sure there aren’t any tall bushes that someone can hide in.

- Keep all your doors locked and install safety windows.

- Fix broken broken windows, busted locks and secure pet doors.

- Add a home security device to deter a criminal from choosing you as their next victim.

- Work with your neighbors to watch each others’ houses for suspicious activity.

- Keep the television and radio on at night or while you are away to give the appearance that someone is home.

- Secure your valuables inside your home.

- If you do become a victim of a crime, please report it to Crime Check at 456-2233.

Very important information that could save your life.

1.  Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

2.  Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

3.  Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste… and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.

4.  Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it..

5.  If it snows while you’re out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.

6.  If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don’t let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it’s set. That makes it too easy.

7.  A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom – and your jewelry. It’s not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.

8.  It’s raining, you’re fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door – understandable. But understand this: I don’t take a day off because of bad weather.

9.  I always knock first. If you answer, I’ll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don’t take me up on it.)

10. Do you really think I won’t look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.

11. Here’s a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids’ rooms.

12. You’re right: I won’t have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it’s not bolted down, I’ll take it with me.

13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system.

Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina, Oregon, California, and Kentucky ; security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs http://www.crimedoctor.com/ and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book Burglars on the Job