spokanecopswa

How To Avoid Being A Victim

Thu, 15 May 2025 23:24:28 GMT

This brochure shares ways that you can implement everyday actions to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of crime in your home, vehicle, online and in public spaces.

Gift Card Scams

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 17:14:27 GMT

Buying a gift card to pay someone? STOP. It’s a scam !

Gift cards are for presents they are not for payments !

It is just that simple to remember!

If someone is reaching out to you by email, PayPal, Craigslist, Marketplace, Amazon, phone calls or any other means and request you get ‘gift cards’ for a payment...THIS IS A SCAM.

These imposters, scammers, fakes, fraudsters are commonly requesting payment in the form of a gift card. They may start off with an email or phone call, start telling you that you have been hacked or you need some type of service they can help you with. They may appear to be concerned for you, only want what is best for you.

They may claim to be from the IRS, or they can help you keep your Social Security benefits, work with you on your utility payments, pretend to be tech support for that IPAD you have, help bail out a family member in trouble, claim to be someone in the military needing money, or even threaten you with an arrest!

At the end of the hook, they may try to convince you that acceptable payment is by gift cards. Remember these words…Gift cards are for presents they are not for payments…THIS IS A SCAM.

If you get contacted by a scammer HANG UP the phone. They will try to call you back multiple times. BLOCK their number. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also visit the FTC website for more information on gift card scams at ftc.gov/gift cards.

This card is an easy step by step reminder on how to recognize a scam, how to handle it and how to report it to the authorities.

If you have any concerns or questions don’t hesitate to contact our Crime Victim Advocate Traci, at 509 625 3328.

Crime Free Rental Properties

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 16:00:33 GMT

Did you know that rental properties experience a disproportionate amount of crime compared to owner-occupied properties? Did you know that it doesn’t have to be that way? Did you know that we can help?

At Spokane C.O.P.S. we want everyone to feel safe and enjoy their neighborhood, no matter where they live in our community. Everyone has that right. Did you know that if you are a rental property owner, you have certain obligations to help keep everyone safe?

If you are a rental property owner or manager, keeping your properties safe and crime-free is in your best interest:

· Your property will be more desirable to good tenants, so you’ll have lower time where a unit is not rented

· You’ll command a higher market value

· You’ll spend less money fixing damages

· You’ll spend less time paying staff to deal with problem tenants

· You will have far less headaches in general

Being committed to fighting crime in your rental properties makes fiscal sense AND it’s the right thing to do. That’s why we have our Crime Free Rental Properties training. This training is a two-day training that brings in expert presenters and enables you, the property owner or manager, to be able to learn from these experts many ideas and concepts to fight crime. You’ll learn strategies that work, as well as pitfalls to avoid. What are the reasons you can deny someone a rental unit? What are the things you should never deny someone for? What are the tell-tale signs that you have drug issues in an apartment? How about tell-tale signs of human trafficking? Domestic violence? How do you evict someone who is causing problems legally and ethically? What information do police need and how can you best work with them to deal with issues, as well as not being held responsible yourself as the property owner?

We can help answer all of those questions and more at our training. It’s a great way to learn those tips and techniques, get a chance to ask those questions you’ve always wanted answered, get the help you need, build relationships with other property owners and managers who are experiencing the same challenges you are, build a relationship with law enforcement, and, ultimately, keep your properties safer so you can have fewer issues to deal with and run a stronger, more ethical, more financially stable business.

We can help!

Crime Free Rental Property Program (CFRP)

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

CFRP Process and Benefits

ASK YOURSELF THIS…IS CRIME FREE RENTAL PROPERTY CERTIFICATION RIGHT FOR YOU?

“Are you concerned about nuisance or criminal activity in your rental community?”
“Are you interested in establishing a more stable, satisfied long-term resident base?”
“Would you like to provide a safe and secure environment for your residents?”

If you answered yes to any of these questions, the Crime Free Rental Property Program and training is right for you! This program is honest and direct. It is solution oriented. It is designed to be easy, yet very effective in reducing the incident of crime in rental properties.

Training is typically done once a year. Call the Programs Manager at 509-625-3301 for more information on how you can get your rental property involved.

The Purpose of the Crime Free Rental Property Program

Our Crime Free Rental Property program (CFRP) assists landlords in developing effective partnerships in a neighborhood environment, and fostering a safe, healthy, family-oriented place to live. Our purpose in training landlords and tenants is to help you develop more effective partners in our effort to keep our neighborhoods safe – free from chronic drug dealing and illegal activity. Landlords want to provide a clean, safe place to live. Most tenants want to be good neighbors and citizens. The premise of this program can bring about a better partnership between local government and community, and ultimately produce safer, more stable neighborhoods. Drug abuse, antisocial behavior, defacing and destruction of property, theft and acts of violence are all symptoms of non-functional, deteriorating neighborhoods. The Spokane Crime Free Rental Property program can be the vehicle for citizens working toward an improved quality of life. We are encouraging all responsible landlords who desire a crime-free environment to take part in this program. In addition, the CFRP program is designed to prevent tenants from abusing rental housing and disrupting neighborhoods in Spokane.

This program is for anyone that owns or manages multiple single-family homes or buildings with 2 or more units and offers:

structured and common rules of compliance
a communication network
a valuable marketing tool for property owners

How the Program Works:

This program calls on managers to make creative steps toward providing a clean and safe environment for citizens of Spokane. The program uses a 4-level approach to eliminate crime in single and multi-family communities, to reduce calls for police service and to foster a clean, healthier, more stable living environment.

A comprehensive training program for property owners/managers
CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) security requirements for participating properties
Meetings with residents (minimum of 2 meetings per year)
Designation of a manager/resident liaison to the nearest C.O.P.S. or S.C.O.P.E. Substation

Sample Topics for Class:

Topics covered in each Crime Free Rental Property training are presented by experts in each field.

Introduction to the Crime Free Rental Property program
Fair Housing
Police Response/Relations - Working with the Police
Domestic Violence - What Can Managers Do
Crisis Resolution, Evictions, Landlord/Tenant Laws
Gangs - Learn about gangs and how to recognize them
Introduction to Community Oriented Policing Services (C.O.P.S.)
Drugs - Warning Signs
Fire Department Safety Issues
Preparing the Property - Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

Who Benefits from the Crime Free Rental Property Program?

Most owners/managers want to rent to non-disruptive tenants. Further, renting to criminals can lead to dramatic declines in property values, severe property damage, drug raids, toxic contamination from drug labs and loss of rent during evictions and repairs and ultimately animosity between residents and owners/managers and the community at large. In contrast, participating owners/ managers reap numerous benefits from this program.

Benefits may include:

A stabilized, more satisfied tenant base, with increased demand for rentals.
Improved property values, lower maintenance and repair costs.
Improved level of personal safety for both tenants and neighbors.
Peace of mind from spending less time on crisis control.

Landlords tell us the course provided them with screening tips they hadn't heard before, or helped them deal successfully with tenants involved in illegal activity. Program evaluations indicate a high percentage of property managers who attend the training program plan to make changes in the way they manage their property. To date, we have conducted numerous voluntary property inspections and approved properties as “Crime Free Rental Property” locations.

Call the Programs Manager at 509-625-3301 for more information on how you can get your single-family or multi-family property involved.

Are you a tenant and would like to see your landlord make use of this program? Call us and we’re happy to help you get the information you need to get your landlord involved.

Check out these articles, Washington Laws, and housing resources referencing the Crime Free Rental Property program and related topics:

Article – CFRP Spokane's Approach to Crime Free Rental Property
Article – Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
Article – Combating Crime Problems in Rental Property
Article – Taking Action as a Manager
Article – Safe Streets – Creating a Neighborhood Free from Nuisance
Residential Landlord-Tenant Act

Forms for Your Block Watch

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 21:37:51 GMT

In order to be effective, your Block Watch needs to be reporting issues correctly and these forms can help!

Block Watch Map

Incident Report

Block Watch Letter

Block Watch Contact Info

Sign In Sheet

Nuisance Activity Log

What to Look for and How to Report it

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 17:31:54 GMT

Making your Block Watch as effective as it can be

The idea of a Block Watch is that we are teaching you what to look for and how to report it. That knowledge is what makes you and your Block Watch effective. Too often, crime is happening in front of people and they didn’t know the signs that something was happening. Or, what is even more common, is that crime is happening, people are noticing and upset….but no one is actually reporting it. The police operate off of data, so if it didn’t get reported, it didn’t happen.

Here are some things to be on the watch for as a Block Watch:

- Person lurking around a neighborhood who doesn’t live there and appears to have no business there (this is why you need to have a good relationship with your neighbors: so you know who belongs there).

Response- If they are just standing or sitting there, just keep an eye on them. If they seem to be "casing" the neighborhood by watching neighborhood activity and taking notes, write down in your log the date, time, description and if they walk off, which direction they went.

Call crime check 456-2233 and report what you observed. Use your communication tree to notify BW members.

- Door-to-door salesman who doesn’t seem legitimate, who is overly pushy, who wants to come inside your house, or who appear to be "casing” the neighborhood.

Response- Write down in your log the date, time, description and the direction they went.

Use your communication tree to notify BW members and see if anyone has experienced the same , if so call crime check 456-2233.

Ask if any members might have security camera footage of suspected person.

- A vehicle moving noticeably slowly up and down the street, possibly “casing” the neighborhood.

Response- Write down in your log the license plate, date, time, description and the direction they went.
Use your communication tree to notify BW members.

Ask if any members might have security camera footage of vehicle. If it becomes a pattern, contact your local C.O.P.S. shop and NRO

- Someone who appears to be trying to force open a door or window to a house.

Response- Call 911. Follow instructions of 911 operator.
Write down in your log the date, time, description and if they walk off, which direction they went.
Use your communication tree to notify BW members.

- A stranger going into your neighbor’s house while they are away.

- Someone carrying merchandise (tv’s, computers, bikes, etc.) in or out of a house on a regular basis, particularly late at night.

Response- If you have suspicions that these is a place where the residents are hiding stolen items, write down in your log the date, time and descriptions. Call crime check, get an incident number and then call your Spokane C.O.P.S. shop and file a communication form with the NRO. Use your communication tree to notify BW members.

- A constant flow of traffic to a house at all hours.

Response- If you have suspicions that this is a drug house, write down in your log the date, time and descriptions of all suspicious occurrences. License plates are valuable information if you can document them in a completely safe manner. Use your communication tree to ask BW members to also keep a watch on this house. Watch for actual drug transactions, people using drugs, bad odors that could indicate the manufacturing of drugs, and any suspicious activity that are indicators that this is a drug house. Please understand that people visiting people is not a crime. A house having a lot of visitors is not necessarily an indicator of drugs. People coming and leaving within a 5-10 minute span is an indicator. Whenever any BW members sees suspicious activity at this house call crime check, get an incident number and then use your communication tree to inform BW members. For suspected drugs houses, the BW should involve their Spokane C.O.P.S. shop and the NRO. We advise that you have a meeting as a group with the NRO and discuss how to move forward to remediate the problem. Other ways to affect change regarding this problem house is to report any fighting, noise violations and any other suspicious activity outside of drug activities.

- A stranger offering candy or gifts to a child, or otherwise trying to coerce the child to come with them.

- A person showing signs of being in a state of intoxication or impairment through drugs or alcohol.

Write down in your log the date, time, description and if they walk off, which direction they went. Use your communication tree to notify BW members.

- Someone who is tampering with a vehicle including the following actions but not limited to: peering into vehicles, or checking to see if they are locked, trying to force open a door or window, tampering with the door or hood, attempting to open the door with a hanger or similar device

Response- Call 911. Follow instructions of 911 operator.

Write down in your log the date, time, description and if they walk off, which direction they went.
Use your communication tree to notify BW members.

- A vehicle that appears abandoned or is parked in a noticeably “sloppy” manner (could be a stolen vehicle left in a hurry).

Response- First step is to call crime check, give the the plate number and ask if this car has been reported as a stolen vehicle. If not, give the car the 72 hour legal parking on street time period and then call this in to your local C.O.P.S. shop. We need make, model, license plate, condition and exact location of vehicle. Please be aware that the process to remove abandoned vehicles could take as long as six weeks.

- A light on in a house you know to be vacant or abandoned.

Response- Call Crime Check

Write down in your log the date and time. If you see anyone in the house, write down description and if they walk off, which direction they went.
Use your communication tree to notify BW members. If this is frequent issue with this house, the BW group needs to discuss it and get the NRO involved.

How to document suspicious activity

Details are the key.

Day, time, location.

Names if you know them.

Descriptions of vehicles (make, model, appx. year, color)

Condition of vehicle (any damage)

Type of vehicle (truck, car, SUV etc...)

License plate number

Description of people involved

Sex, race, appx. age, clothing, hair, any distingushing features or mannerisms.

Describe exactly what you saw or heard.

How Does Block Watch Actually Help?

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 17:04:33 GMT

How a Block Watch can shut down issues on your street and keep your family safe

First of all, Block Watch groups are encouraged to have a closed social media page, have each other’s phone numbers for calls or text messages, or use whatever method makes most sense to get in contact with each other. Block Watches are only effective when people discuss issues and inform each other of what is happening on their block.

Another benefit of a Block Watch is you can easily work with your neighborhood C.O.P.S. Shop and the Neighborhood Resource Officer to We suggest getting the Spokane C.O.P.S. shop and your area's Neighborhood Resource Officer involved.

How does Block Watch help to shut down Drug activity & Drug houses?

Many eyes watching for drug activity and many voices reporting drug activity provide the police the information needed to start a serious investigation. Block Watch members will be trained how to watch for, document and how to report suspicious drug activity. Block Watch members will be provided with a form where they can record dates, times and descriptions of what is happening. Too often, only one person is reporting issues, and often times not even that: everyone sees what is going on but no one actually reports it. The more people that report in with information, the more likely you are to get a response.

How does a Block Watch help shut down chronic nuisance houses on my street?

It is not illegal to be obnoxious or to be an unfriendly neighbor. However, it is against the law to be a chronic nuisance causing repeated public disturbances, issuing threats, repeated noise ordinance violations, repeated police activity and serious city code violations that devalue the neighborhood and that the owners refuse to remedy. Block Watch members can record dates, times and descriptions of what is happening. By collectively documenting issues, NROs (Neighborhood Resource Officers) can get involved and use the data to issue fines and potentially even pursue abatement. But it takes everyone on the street getting involved and reporting issues correctly, and Block Watch helps with that.

How does a Block Watch help shut down gang activity on my street?

There is help if you have gangs on your street. Just like many other criminal activities, the police need lots of information to help them to deal with the gang activities.

The first step for a Block Watch group in dealing with gang activity is to learn about the gangs and what resources the city has to deal with them. As a Block Watch group you can request meetings with law enforcement officers that specialize in gang activity. These officers work with your area’s NRO are a great resource for you. The gang unit officers can teach you what to look for that indicate you have gangs: specific graffiti, clothing, etc.

Block Watch members can then record dates, times, pictures (when safe) and descriptions of what is happening. These reports can be sent to the gang unit and the NRO.

How does Block Watch help to stop car prowling on my street?

What thieves and car prowlers try to avoid is to be seen. They do not want their descriptions and pictures distributed around the neighborhood or given to the police. Each Block Watch member will have signage letting criminals know that their cars are being watched by other Block Watch members.

In an effective Block Watch group, you are going to know who your neighbors are and when something suspicious is going on at their place.

When we see suspicious activity, we call 911 and then the neighbor where the activity is taking place. We then start the phone tree to alert the entire street.

Block Watch members share security camera footage to help catch criminals.

Block watch members are taught how to keep their vehicles safer from break-ins.

How does Block Watch help to stop property theft on my street?

Spokane C.O.P.S. has a program called Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design where we come to your home and advise you on how to make your property more secure through measures such as lighting, landscape design, etc. We want all Block watch members to take advantage of this program, as it is a proven deterrent for crime.

We urge all Block Watch groups to do a neighborhood safety survey where they can discuss ways that each home could be safer from theft.

The very premise of Block Watch where we watch out for each other and give warnings when suspicious people are in the area helps to catch thieves.

How does Block Watch help to slow down speeders on my street?

If you have a speeding problem on your street the best remedy is many voices contacting the SPD Traffic unit and the city for solutions. That is what Block Watch is, many voices working together to make their street safer.

How does Block Watch help to remove illegally parked RVs from my street?

First of all, as Block Watch members you will be educated as to what the laws are concerning RVs in the city. When your Block Watch members notify each other to an RV parked illegally on the street, many eyes can keep an eye on it. If the people in the RV are creating a nuisance with trash, drugs or causing a public disturbance you will have multiple reports made to your NRO and to the City.

While it is against city code to live in an RV on the city streets, getting the city to remove them can often happen much more quickly if we have many people reporting what is happening.

How does Block Watch help to remove abandoned and junk cars from my street?

Often a car suddenly appears parked on the street and the residents do not know who it belongs to. They are often hesitant to report it because it might belong to a neighbor.

With Block Watch you will most likely be communicating with your neighbors and you will know whose car it is or if it was dumped there. This helps you to get it reported and moved more quickly.

How does Block Watch help to get trash and a junk filled property cleaned up on my street?

As a Block Watch group, we suggest that as a group they walk through the neighborhood and identify the problem areas. If possible, we urge that they contact the property owner(s) and if feasible, offer to help clean up the property.

If this is a chronic problem house where efforts have already been made to communicate with the Homeowner(s), the group may choose to just report the violations.

How does Block Watch help to stop unauthorized commercial businesses from operating on my residential street?

Some types of businesses are not allowed to operate in residential zones for very good reasons. These include excessive and frequent noise, dust, smoke, odor, or electrical interference. Businesses that create parking and traffic issues are not allowed. When a property owner runs a business that creates these problems the Block Watch group can discuss what is going on and request to meet with someone from Code Enforcement to discuss it and explore options to deal with it.

How does Block Watch help to stop people from leaving trash in our streets and alleys?

As a Block watch group, you will be educated in ways to make your properties less attractive as places where people will dump trash by having effective security measures and effective signage. When Block Watch members see suspicious vehicles dumping trash, they will communicate this with their neighbors as well as to the neighborhood C.O.P.S. shops.

How does Block Watch keep our children safer?

Getting drug and nuisance houses off of the street will absolutely make the street safer for kids. Block watch members watch for suspicious people, reporting them to police and warning other Block Watch members.

Block Watch members will help keep drug users out of our parks and play areas. They also report speeders, keeping gang activity away and ridding the streets of junk cars and trash.

Block Watch FAQs

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 16:24:01 GMT

Answers to the most common questions about Block Watch

Are we trained on what to look for and how to report it?

Yes! We not only give you reference books, but we can have COPS staff, police officers, other volunteers come and address you and your neighbors to train you and answer questions.

Is there a cost for this?

Nope! This is a free program for all Spokane residents

So are we becoming vigilantes if we form a Block Watch?

No, Block Watch does not support preventing crime through violence. The intent is to observe and report, learn how to avoid becoming a victim in the first place, look out for each other, and work with police, NOT confront issues by using violence or force.

How big should my Block Watch be?

There is no right or wrong answer, other than the correct size is the size that “works” for your neighborhood. Most Block Watches are made up of 5-10 households – large enough to work together as a group but still small enough to know each other.

Are we expected to have regular meetings?

Not necessarily. We want the neighbors in your Block Watch to be in contact with each other and stay in communication, but formal “meetings” are only needed when relevant. We typically have a meeting when you first form a Block Watch so we can address everyone and get everyone on the same page for dealing with your neighborhood issues that you would like to focus on. After that, we can meet as often as needed to keep dealing with issues.More

Does a person need to be approved to be a member of a Block Watch?

Only the Block Watch Rep. needs to be approved. They go through a background check with the S.P.D.

What kind of commitment would the other Block Watch members have to make?

You would at the least be willing to keep your eyes and ears open to suspicious activity and to report it to the BW Rep, 911, or your neighborhood COPS shop as appropriate. You can commit as much or as little as you want, but remember, a Block Watch is only effective when people are involved.

Are there meetings we would have to attend?

You don't have to attend any meetings, though the initial meeting is strongly recommended, since that is where you will meet the neighbors and discuss issues and what is being done and get training. Ideally, a Block Watch should have at least one meeting each year (National Night Out is PERFECT for this), but depending on the issues in the neighborhood, sometimes several meetings are needed.

How do we contact each other?

There are many ways to do this. Some use an old fashioned phone tree. Some Block Watches prefer a group text. Some like a closed social media page. Some prefer email chains. There is no right or wrong way. As long as it works, each group can communicate in whatever method makes most sense for that group.

Is there any danger involved?

Any time you stand up against bad behavior there is an element of danger. However, we will train you watch, document and report suspicious activity in a safe way. If you ever feel uncomfortable or at risk in a situation, then you should step away. Block Watch should be a band of neighbors working together. There is always more safety in numbers. You can always participate to your comfort level. And remember, you are observing and reporting, NOT being confrontational.

Do we invite everybody on the block to be a part of the Block Watch?

No. Each Rep will use judgement about which neighbors to ask. Obviously if you feel that a neighbor is part of the problems, they would not be a good neighbor to ask.

How successful has Block Watch been in the past?

Block Watch groups that are active, that communicate and that work together to report issues are typically very effective in removing problem situations. Neighbors that communicate and stay on top of issues are usually very effective at dealing with issues before they get out of control. In addition, you’ll feel better and safer for yourself and your family when you know your neighbors and have relationships with the people around you.

How to Start a Block Watch

Thu, 24 Sep 2020 16:23:53 GMT

If you are starting to see the advantages of a Block Watch, it might be time to get one in your neighborhood. Here’s what to do:

1) The Block Watch rep will need to apply. Go to www.spokanecops.org/volunteer . At the bottom of the page, click on “Block Watch Application.” You can fill out the application online in just a few minutes.

2) Once you have applied, the approval process takes a day or two. Upon approval, we will reach out to you and get you a Block Watch packet that has information and forms that you might want. We will also get you in contact with your neighborhood COPS shop.

3) We will call you to discuss what problems are in your area that you are hoping to address with your Block Watch and answer any other questions you might have.

4) Round up all neighbors and decide on a time and date for a meeting. We can do the meeting at someone’s house, at a COPS shop, or any other location. You can create a flier to invite neighbors, click here for some templates. Let your COPS shop know when and where this meeting will be.

5) COPS staff, shop volunteers, your NRO, and other relevant persons will be there for the meeting. We will lead the meeting and tell everyone about Block Watch, how it works, and begin devising a plan to deal with the most pressing issues. We’ll go over the reporting paperwork that neighbors will need to document issues and empower everyone to help get results. We’ll also cover things like suspicious activity, code violations, etc., and how to report those things, as well as discussing methods of communication for the group. We’ll even cover some of our other programs like Safe Streets, Neighborhood Observation Patrol, and other programs that are available. And remember, the more people who are present and participate in this process, the faster you will get results, as a general rule.

6) Your neighborhood COPS shop will stay in contact with you and set up more follow up meetings if/as needed.

Do I Need a Block Watch?

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 18:44:18 GMT

How does your neighborhood look? How does it feel? Do you feel like you can let your kids play outside? Do you feel like your personal property is safe? Hopefully, you feel good about where you live. Hopefully, you have a strong sense of community on your block and don’t feel you need to worry too much about crime. But what if that isn’t the case? Is there a house that you think is a drug house? Are you seeing an influx of car prowls? Are cars coming down your street too fast to be safe for kids outside? What about houses with graffiti, garbage on the lawn, and abandoned cars out front?

If you have problems or concerns in your area, we can help! A good Block Watch can fix more problems than you might think. Remember, crime has two aspects: the crime itself and the damage that causes, and fear caused by crime. And often, it’s the fear that is the bigger issue.

The idea behind Block Watch is really twofold. First, we want to train you up on identifying problems and what to do about them. That house that you believe to be selling drugs. What can you do to deal with it? How do you report that? What information should you be getting? And who do you give it to? Or, if your neighborhood is getting hit with car prowls, how do you fight back against that? Are there tricks to keeping your car safer? Can you get more police presence? Are there ways to discourage prowlers from coming down your street? Whatever the issue is that you and your neighbors are concerned about, we can help. We will meet with you and your neighbors and find out what your concerns are. We’ll listen to YOU. Then, we’ll help you start dealing with those problems. We’ll get you in contact with people who deal specifically with those issues you are seeing – the right city official, the right police officer, whoever it might be. We’ll help you come up with a solid plan to deal with those issues. We can get you and your neighbors working together and educated so you can make your neighborhood safe again.

And that brings up the second main thing that a Block Watch can accomplish: a sense of community. As mentioned, often it is the fear of crime that is worse than the crime itself. It’s that sense of not being able to sleep well at night because of concerns for safety, of constantly feeling like you have to guard your property, all of those things that lower your quality of life. Once you have a good Block Watch and you start to learn how to combat the issues you are seeing, and you start to develop good relationships with your neighbors, you will find that your fear begins to go away. When you have a handle on those issues, when you know your neighbors are looking out for you and you’re looking out for them, you’ll begin to enjoy your neighborhood again. Just like you should. Let us help! Contact the COPS main office or your neighborhood COPS shop for assistance.

Block Watch - The gift of neighbor uniting with neighbor

Fri, 04 Jan 2019 22:47:19 GMT

The gift of neighbor uniting with neighbor

We are told 'tis the season for family, friends, love and giving thanks. Out of love and gratitude we buy gifts for those we care for, then we must worry about our gifts being stolen from the very same front porch that we meet and greet our neighbors, family and friends. This was a reality I faced three and a half years ago when I moved from where I was raised in the Spokane Valley into the city of Spokane. In the first six months of living in the city, I had an attempted break in of my garage, had a domestic violence situation between a guy and girl break out on the sidewalk in front of my house, while walking my dog we found a bag of stolen items tossed behind a bush and we found used needles on the grass at the local park. This wasn’t acceptable to me. Community should be a safe place for children and families. I raised my children to believe that when you become aware of a problem, if you turn a blind eye, or chose to not help, then you become part of the problem. I set out for change. First, I purchased a PO BOX to alleviate packages left on my porch and second, I joined Block Watch. Later I agreed to be a Block Watch Representative because there wasn’t one for my area. This is an investment I have never regretted. Block Watch helped me form relationships with my neighbors and with local law enforcement. It has taken away that feeling of isolation that I once had and taught me when and how to be alert. I have gained knowledge of how to work with those around me to make my neighborhood safer. When one of us is out of town, we watch out for the other’s house. There have been many instances where Block Watch has united neighbors over the past three years. Let me just share from this past week.

Last week I experienced the unity of my neighborhood working together twice. First when a neighbor’s puppy escaped, and we worked together driving in a methodical pattern through the neighborhood streets and alleys until the pup was found. I hadn’t known this neighbor prior. She was an emotional mess. I would be too if one of my pups was lost. My heart was warmed when the pup was safe and out of the cold. This same week we had a horrific crime take place in our Garland community. My front windows were illuminated by bright flashing lights. I went out on to my front porch thinking it was likely a firetruck. I wanted to make sure my neighbors were okay. The street was lit up by police cars. I hear an officer on the bullhorn saying, "Stay in your houses and lock your doors.” I didn't have to be told twice. I called my Block Watch Coordinator to alert him to the situation. Within minutes neighbors were messaging me so we could all stay informed and alert. I posted the happenings to our Block Watch neighborhood Facebook page. Another neighbor checked their camera to see if part of the crime was caught on video. This quick response and neighbor to neighbor uniting is the foundation of what makes Block Watch work. It is the heart of what me and my family feel safe in a town we call home. As you settle in to enjoy the holidays, consider the investment and gift of joining Block Watch.

Danyll Van Lierop

Block Watch Representative

Paws on Patrol

Thu, 06 Dec 2018 18:43:03 GMT

At Spokane COPS, we are taking crime fighting to a new realm: meet our new Paws on Patrol (PoP) Program. That’s right, puppies fighting crime!

Think about the potential. On average, 1 in 3 households nationally owns a dog and several more own other types of animals they regularly take for walks. In Spokane, a city housing just under 216,000 people, that means that at any given time, there are dozens, hundreds, maybe even thousands of human and pet eyes and noses out there with the ability to notice when something just isn’t right. As we know, however, often that doesn’t happen. People walking their pets are generally distracted. They’re talking to friends, surfing the Internet, texting, daydreaming, and not paying attention to their surroundings. It doesn’t have to be that way.

If you’re already out with Fido or Fluffy anyway, use that time to stay on top of what’s going on in your surroundings. Use your senses to discern what is normal in your neighborhood and what is unusual. If something looks suspicious, pay extra attention, and be willing to report it if needed. We’ll even train you! We want to makes sure you know what to look for and how to report it, and how to keep YOUR neighborhoods safer for you and your family. And don’t feel like you only need to stay within your own neighborhood. If you feel comfortable exploring other areas, do it! I’m sure the pup will happily tag along.

Sound fun and interesting? Ready to make a difference with your pet? Sign up to volunteer with C.O.P.S. today. As part of this program, not only will you learn the skills to keep your neighborhood safe, but you will join a group of like-minded, enthusiastic pet owners in not just PoP NOPS, but play dates, an annual pet show, and several more pet focused events. Learn about community-oriented policing and make friends for you and Daisy the Dachshund today! And once you are a part of us, you can explore our other programs as well and get involved with your neighborhood C.O.P.S shop!

Remember, this kind of walking NOP can be done at any time with anyone, including our friendly volunteers and staff and your local Block Watches. This is an international program, so help us and your community and get those paws patrolling!

Call 509-625-3302 to sign up!

How to Make a Strong Block Watch

sandimcintyre@spokanecops.org (Sandi McIntyre) — Sat, 23 Sep 2017 05:00:48 GMT

Block Watch is one of the oldest and most effective crime prevention programs in the country, bringing citizens together with law enforcement to reduce opportunities for crime to occur. The idea is neighbors look out for each other and work together tackle issues and, when needed, report issues to law enforcement.

Here are some ways to make your Block Watch as strong as possible (for information on how to start a Block Watch, click here ).

Partner with other organizations: Leverage the expertise and knowledge of other organizations to strengthen your Block Watch. Your local C.O.P.S. shop and Neighborhood Conditions Officer not only add to a Watch group’s credibility, but can provide you with vital information and resources. Contact your victims’ services office to gain knowledge on helping victims of crime. Reach out to citizens’ association, community development office, tenants’ association, or housing authority to see if they can offer any helpful resources.

Be consistent: Hold regular meetings to help residents get to know each other and to decide upon program strategies and activities. National Night Out Against Crime on the 1st Tuesday in August each year is a great way to start a Block Watch or to strengthen your current Watch. Don’t let your Block Watch fizzle out-create and keep a consistent schedule that engages the members.

Utilize communication tools: For some Block Watch groups, communicating through a phone tree or email distribution is the most effective. But don’t forget about new technology ways of communicating, such as Nextdoor.com or Facebook private closed groups. Picking a communication tool helps prevent the Block Watch from falling apart due to poor communication. Check out our blog post of the best free communication tools for neighbors.

Engage stay at home members. Ask people who seldom leave their homes to be “window watchers,” looking out for children and reporting any unusual activities in the neighborhood.

Sponsor a crime prevention fair. Take your group’s enthusiasm for crime prevention beyond your housing unit! You can share your crime prevention knowledge (and the benefits of Block Watch) with others at a church hall, temple, shopping mall, or community.

Curious about the history of Block Watch?

Block Watch can trace its roots back to the days of colonial settlements, when night watchmen patrolled the streets. The modern version of Block Watch was developed in response to requests from sheriffs and police chiefs who were looking for a crime prevention program that would involve citizens and address an increasing number of burglaries. Nationally launched in 1972, Block Watch counts on citizens to organize themselves and work with the Spokane C.O.P.S. shops, the Neighborhood Conditions Officers, and other law enforcement to keep a trained eye and ear on their communities, while demonstrating their presence at all times of day and night. The program took off quickly: in just ten years, data showed that 12 percent of the population was involved in a Block Watch.

For more crime prevention and public safety information, follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Pinterest , or LinkedIn .

Want to make Spokane a safer place? Volunteer at your local C.O.P.S. shop with one of our crime prevention programs , from lifting fingerprints off of vehicles to catch car prowlers to organizing a block watch for your neighborhood.

Parties Across Spokane Highlight National Night Out

Mon, 21 Aug 2017 21:18:12 GMT

Spokane Neighborhoods Celebrate National Night Out Against Crime

Throughout Spokane communities were coming together as the feeling of neighborhood swept over the city. More than 60 parties, some small affairs at residences and other large community gatherings at parks such as Dutch Jake's or Shadle Park, were held as part of National Night Out.

Hopefully you had a great time getting to know your neighbors, becoming friends and building your community. But, you may ask, what now? Do you just retreat back into your homes and wait until next year to gather again?

We don't think so! Here are some things you can do to build off the success you had with National Night Out.

Keep talking: Don't turn your back on the new friendships and relationships you just made. Wave hello, engage in conversations. Just keep the line of communications open. Knowing your neighbors and your surroundings is the best way to be aware of changes that could indicate a new problem or potential crime.
Form a Block Watch: Now that you know everybody, watch out for your neighbors. Since you know who lives where you can keep your eyes open and notice when something is off or not right. The more eyes you have the safer your neighborhood will be. Go to www.spokanecops.org or visit your local C.O.P.S. shop to get applications and training materials on how to start a block watch.
Volunteer at your local C.O.P.S. shop: Your local C.O.P.S. shop serves your neighborhood. By volunteering, you can organize a Neighborhood Observation Patrol and work with Spokane Police to observe and report on issues in your neighborhood. Spokane C.O.P.S. has many programs from patrols and B lock Watches , to bike and property registration events to lifting fingerprints off cars who were broken into or working with kids on the Operation Family ID program. Whatever interests you, there is a place for you to volunteer at a C.O.P.S. shop

Don't let the good neighborly feeling fade. Build up your community to make yourself and your neighbors safer. Working together we can make National Night Out a going away party for crime in our neighborhoods

National Night Out is Your Chance to Give Crime a Going Away Party

sandimcintyre@spokanecops.org (Sandi McIntyre) — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 19:19:40 GMT

Spokane Neighborhoods Celebrate National Night Out Against Crime

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

August 1st is the big night for National Night Out, and neighborhoods across Spokane will be joining in on the fun. Many of the parties will be on the 1st but others will be on different nights throughout August and into September. Please find a party near you, get to know your neighbors and the police who work to keep you safe. Together we can make a difference in our neighborhoods and really make this a going away party for crime.

Below is a list of public parties for National Night Out in Spokane, WA. In attendance will be law enforcement, fire department, city officials, and more! If you have questions call the contact number for the party or Spokane C.O.P.S. at 509-625-3301.

On August 1, 2017

Rochester Heights Park, East Rowan on Crestline, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
- booths, games, food, music
Dutch Jake's Park, Broadway and Chestnut, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
- booths, games, food, music
Hamblen Park Presbyterian Church, 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
- booths, games, food, music
Shadle Park, Wellesley and Belt, 5:00 pm - Midnight
- booths, human Foosball, music, dance off, karaoke, movie on big screen

On August 3, 2017

Shadle Park, Wellesley and Belt, 6:00pm
- Concert in the Park with Lilac City Community Band

In September 2017

Downtown, Wall Street between Spokane Falls Blvd and Main Downtown, 11:00 am - 5:30 pm
- booths, games, food, music
Lower South Hill Neighborhood, Madison St between 8th and 9th Avenue, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

How to Make a Strong Block Watch

sandimcintyre@spokanecops.org (Sandi McIntyre) — Thu, 19 May 2016 17:23:45 GMT

Here are some ways to make your Block Watch as strong as possible (for information on how to start a Block Watch, click here ).

Engage stay at home members. Ask people who seldom leave their homes to be “window watchers,” looking out for children and reporting any unusual activities in the neighborhood.

Curious about the history of Block Watch?

For more crime prevention and public safety information, follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Pinterest , or LinkedIn .

Code Enforcement Program

Thu, 10 Dec 2015 21:05:37 GMT

Code Enforcement

Issues affecting your life, your happiness, and your sense of well-being extend beyond crime - code enforcement issues impact how we live and how we feel about our neighborhoods.

That is why the City of Spokane’s Code Enforcement Department and Spokane C.O.P.S. help members of the community deal with these issues. The C.O.P.S. volunteers can help you properly with reporting the following code violations:

Graffiti
Overgrown weeds that present a fire hazard
RVs parked out front
Abandoned vehicles on the street
Junk vehicles on a neighbor’s property
Garbage on a neighbor’s property
Nuisance houses
And other issues

Further information on what constitutes a violation under the above categories can be found on the City of Spokane’s website by clicking here .

Often citizens will have a complaint they want to make but hesitate for fear of either retaliation from the neighbor the complaint is lodged against, or simply damaging a relationship with a neighbor. The City of Spokane Code Enforcement Complaint form does allow you to choose non-disclosure of your identity, however anonymous complaints cannot be accepted. There may be circumstance that you feel you would like to protect your identify, so you can also make the report through your neighborhood C.O.P.S. shop. By using your C.O.P.S. shop, the C.O.P.S. organization is able to be the complainant, preserving your relationship or safety while still dealing with the situation and helping it to be resolved.

For more information or to file a report, stop by or call any C.O.P.S. shop or call Code Enforcement at 509-625-6083.

Business Watch

Thu, 10 Dec 2015 18:06:51 GMT

The goal of the Business Watch program is to teach businesses how NOT to become a target for crime.

Crime Prevention Practitioners worldwide are realizing more and more how important neighborhood associations are for healthy commercial districts. While many crimes have to be dealt with on an individual basis by each business, there are many problems that single businesses alone cannot overcome, like graffiti and other forms of vandalism. These kinds of crimes are really attacks on a whole neighborhood, and affect everyone. Still other crimes, like robbery and shoplifting, can be better dealt with by a group of alert and concerned businesses working together, sharing information, knowing how to contact each other and reporting suspicious behavior to the police.

The goal of the Business Watch program is to teach businesses how NOT to become a target for crime. If businesses do not take a proactive attitude, crime can creep in before you know it. Law enforcement cannot be on every corner so merchant involvement is essential to prevent and combat crime. You and your fellow business owners/managers are the ones who really know what is happening in your area. By working with each other and the police, businesses can help fight crime in their commercial districts in the most effective way – before it begins.

Together, you are best able to solve problems common to your own areas and unique locales. These problems go far beyond crime-related issues and include things such as events, traffic concerns, and zoning concerns. Paying attention to your own business and working with your neighboring businesses to solve common problems is the best way to ensure a healthier and more prosperous future for everyone.

If you are interested in starting a Business Watch, contact our main office at 509-625-3300.

Neighborhood Observation Patrol (NOP)

Thu, 10 Dec 2015 18:06:50 GMT

NOP patrols can help make your neighborhood safer! Be a part of the solution - join a NOP team!

Police can’t be everywhere at all times. No matter how efficiently they use their time or how much effort they put into patrolling hot spots and areas of concern, they can’t be everywhere. It’s up to the community to get involved and assist them. The value in this stems from the community seeing our patrols: community members can see us driving down their streets, they can talk to our volunteers, and the community knows that they are being looked out for. Criminals, or others looking to cause trouble, also see our patrols and see that someone is watching. We use that to our advantage, and our volunteers help keep you safe.

The Neighborhood Observation Patrol are citizens who patrol areas, reporting suspicious or unlawful activity in their community to assist the police and help keep your neighborhood safer. NOP volunteers make no arrests, but rather become additional eyes and ears for the Police Department and their neighborhoods. These volunteers are trained by the Spokane Police Department in areas of safety, patrol procedures, communications, first aid, and basic law enforcement policies and procedures, and work in conjunction with the Neighborhood Resource Officer at your local C.O.P.S. shop.

Volunteers use a Spokane C.O.P.S. marked vehicle equipped with cell phone, flashlight, binoculars, first aid kit, fire extinguisher and reflective vests. Our vehicles are professional and well-marked, and community and volunteer feedback has been strong.

And it extends farther than that, too. Aside from the visual presence that comes with our patrols, we want to engage the community. Education is paramount to safety, and we want to ensure we were helping the community understand their role in staying safe.

Spokane C.O.P.S. wants to engage people at a different level of involvement. Who says you HAVE to get in one of our vehicles and patrol in order to have a valuable NOP? Most of us are out in our neighborhoods on a regular basis: we walk our dogs, drive to and from work, walk to the park, ride our bikes, etc. We all know our neighborhoods, and we all know when something doesn’t look right. So why not use this knowledge to fight crime while doing something you were already doing anyhow? Let us train you to patrol your neighborhood safely and effectively while you're out doing those things you are already doing.

Whether in one of our marked vehicles or while walking your neighborhood, NOP patrols can help make your neighborhood safer! Be a part of the solution - join a NOP team!

To join a NOP team in your area, or to request a NOP patrol in a particular area, stop by your neighborhood C.O.P.S. shop.

Property Drop Off

Wed, 09 Dec 2015 01:52:32 GMT

Found an item you think is lost or stolen and aren’t sure what to do with it? Your neighborhood C.O.P.S. shop can help!

What should you do with found items that are either lost or you believe are stolen? Spokane C.O.P.S. will gladly take these items (purses, wallets, etc.), and try to return lost items to their owner and turn in stolen items to the police Property Unit as evidence. Bring the item to any C.O.P.S. shop and we will take the proper steps to ensure it gets back to its owner.

We are only equipped to take smaller items and bicycles, so for larger items (lawn mowers, snow blowers, etc) we recommend you call Crime Check at 509-456-2233 to work out details for pick up.

For weapons, please call Crime Check at 509-456-2233 for an officer to come to your house to pick up the item.

We do have sharp containers and are able to take syringes and sharp items, but we will have you handle the item and put into the container.

We are able to take ammunition, or ammunition can also be taken to any of the City Refuse sites.

Stop by your neighborhood C.O.P.S. shop for more information.

Registering Your Bicycle

Tue, 20 Oct 2015 13:06:27 GMT

Having your bicycle stolen is an incredibly frustrating experience. Making it worse, even if your bicycle is recovered, it can be challenging for police to figure out who the bike’s owner is.

Registering your bike at a Spokane C.O.P.S. shop will make it easier to get your wheels back to you in the event of a theft.

To register your bicycle at a C.O.P.S. shop, bring your bike to any shop location.

Every year, C.O.P.S. volunteers register hundreds of bicycles throughout the city of Spokane.

Volunteers take information on the bike; including size, gender, color and serial number.
The owner of the bicycle will give their name, address and phone number so they can be contacted if their bike is found.
A numbered sticker is placed on the bike that will identify the substation and the owner information.
Some C.O.P.S. shops sponsor Bike Rodeos and Safety Fairs where the bikes get an inspection and tune-up.

Contact your nearest C.O.P.S. substation to register your bicycle.

What is Block Watch?

Tue, 20 Oct 2015 13:04:30 GMT

This is what you need to know!

Block Watch is a group of neighbors that band together to watch out for each other and to report crime, suspicious activity and serious code violations on their street. It’s good people, just like you, coming together to make a difference and do it in positive ways. It’s getting people educated on what to report and how to report it, and working with the police and your neighborhood COPS shop to focus on the concerns that you, as neighbors, share – a drug house, an influx of car prowls, a string of break-ins, whatever it is that you are concerned with, a Block Watch can focus on.

Block Watch is one of the most effective and least costly ways to prevent crime and reduce fear. Criminals operate by creating fear and isolating neighbors - Block Watch brings neighbors together and fights the fear, as well as improving relationships between communities and police.

Today, community oriented policing allows the C.O.P.S. shops, police and residents to work together to solve issues involving crime and social concerns in their community. Block Watches are one of the original foundations of community policing and are referred to as the eyes and ears of law enforcement. Members look out for neighbors and their property and report suspicious activities to the police.

Often, people will say, “I report things on social media, why do I need a Block Watch?” The reality is that making use of social media is good, and we typically recommend it, but it usually doesn’t accomplish much by itself: social media is NOT an official crime report, so what you are posting won’t typically get to the person it needs to get to. Block Watch, on the other hand, will teach you how to actually report issues to get results. Social media doesn’t build relationships with your neighbors, Block Watch does. Social media doesn’t get a police officer, code enforcement officer, animal control officer, traffic control adviser, etc., to your house to talk to you and your neighbors, Block Watch does. Social media doesn’t help you devise a plan and get everyone on the same page to deal with issues, Block Watch does. So while social media does have its place for letting neighbors know about issues and posting pictures of problems, a true Block Watch is what you need to solve those issues.

However, Block Watches are more than looking out for suspicious activity in neighborhoods. Through community mobilization, citizens form an active partnership in the community. Watches allow individuals the opportunity to discover common interests and goals that they share with their neighbors. The residents work to prevent the possibility of crime in their area and develop a sense of community spirit that encourages more activism.

The Benefits of Forming an Active Block Watch

Having the fast track to reporting crime and unsafe conditions.
Notifications about crime trends and scams in your neighborhood.
Being a part of community crime prevention.
Education on how to protect yourself and your property.
Having the means to stop crime in your neighborhood.

More Block Watch Information:

If you are interested in starting a Block Watch in your City of Spokane neighborhood, contact your nearest C.O.P.S. shop or the Spokane C.O.P.S. main office at 625-3301, or click here to apply.

Neighborhood Watch of Spokane County is available to residents living outside the City of Spokane, but still in Spokane County. For more information, go to Neighborhood Watch page .

Everything You Need to Know About Identity Theft

Tue, 20 Oct 2015 12:53:55 GMT

Have You Been A Victim of Identity Theft?

Identity theft is the nation’s fastest growing crime according to FBI statistics and identity theft/fraud is the fastest-growing category of Federal Trade Commission (FTC) complaints. Identity theft is in the top five most reported crimes to the federal government.

Consumer fraud and identity theft costs Americans $1.2 billion and more.
Scams continue to flourish, generally falling into known categories: lotteries, jury duty, IRS audits, Nigerian, account verification or phishing, money laundering and check cashing (you deposit checks for a company and then send them the money).
There has been growing acknowledgement that identity theft is a multi-faceted crime and not just financial in nature. More cases of criminal identity theft, where the imposter uses the victim’s identity when arrested or cited, are being reported. Criminals are using a victim’s Social Security number to work, collect welfare or unemployment, as well as get medical benefits and healthcare.

What Is Identity Theft?

Identity theft is taking someone else’s personal information (such as the driver license or identification card number, social security number, bank or credit card account numbers, etc.) An impostor can use your identity to open fraudulent credit accounts, secure loans for cars and housing, or steal money from your bank accounts. It is a serious crime with serious consequences.

How Do Thieves Get Your Information? Thieves can get your information by:

Going through your trash looking for bills or other documents with your personal information on it.
Stealing your mail or your wallet.
Stealing your credit card and debit card numbers by using “false fronts” attached to the front of ATM devices.
Listening to conversations you have in public.
Tricking you into giving them information through the telephone or by email.
Obtaining your information on the Internet or from someone who might have stolen it.
Stealing your information from a loan or credit application or from files or dumpsters of a hospital, bank, school, or business with which you have dealt.
Hacking into your personal computer or phone equipment.
Someone you know accessing your personal information such as a friend, relative, roommate, coworker, or employee.

What to do if I.D. Theft Happens to You

Call the Spokane C.O.P.S. Crime Victim Advocate at (509)625-3328 for assistance and more information. We can take you step by step to help protect yourself.
Report the incident to law enforcement and order a copy of your police report.
File a report with the Federal Trade Commission: online at https://www.ftc.gov/ or call 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338).
Report the identity theft to your financial institution and consider closing your accounts.
Place a “Fraud Alert” on your credit reports at:

TransUnion 1-800-680-7289
Experian 1-888-397-3742
Equifax 1-800-525-6285

How to Protect Yourself

Spokane C.O.P.S. Crime Victim Advocate specializes in I.D. theft. The advocate is available to talk to if you need more information on steps you can take to help ensure your I.D. isn't compromised in the first place and is also available for speaking engagements for your group or organization on how to protect yourself. Our advocate can be reached at (509) 625-3328. Services are free of charge, so please make use of them!

Identity Theft Protection Resources

ID Theft & Fraud Flyer (English)
ID Theft & Fraud Flyer (English)Russian)
Identity Theft Prevention Resources
Reviews.com Identity Theft Protection Reviews

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

Tue, 20 Oct 2015 12:51:15 GMT

Latent Fingerprint Program - Trained Volunteers

If your car gets broken into, C.O.P.S. can help! Our volunteers are trained to attempt fingerprint lifts off your vehicle in an effort to catch the prowler. We help the police catch the bad guys! If you get broken into, make use of this service!

The Process: Specialized fingerprint powder is gently brushed over surfaces. If latent fingerprints emerge after dusting, they are photographed and then carefully lifted with special forensic tape before being affixed to fingerprint cards. The fingerprints are brought back to the Police Forensic Unit for analysis.

How to Request A Fingerprint Lift:

If your car is broken into, call Crime Check at 456-2233 to report a vehicle break-in (call 911 if the person is still in the act of prowling your car).
Crime Check will ask you if you want a volunteer to dust for latent fingerprints.
Crime Check will forward the information to the Spokane C.O.P.S.
Spokane C.O.P.S. volunteers will call you to make an appointment for you to bring your car to a C.O.P.S. shop (based on volunteer availability and current number of vehicles needing a fingerprint lift).

Article – Making Spokane the Safest City Our Size in America

Latent Fingerprinting Brochure

Operation Family I.D.

Wed, 16 Sep 2015 22:32:11 GMT

Operation Family ID (OFID) is a community service program directly tied into the Missing & Exploited Children Organization and Amber Alert. This program is administered by Spokane C.O.P.S. in collaboration with the Spokane Police Department and S.C.O.P.E. (Sheriff’s Community Oriented Policing Effort).

For any person who is at risk for disappearing in the community (children, elderly persons with dementia, persons with developmental disabilities), C.O.P.S. will create an identification kit with the person’s important information including a digital photograph, fingerprints, and the person’s personal information such as name, address, height and weight. The kits are given to the parent or guardian. In the event a loved one comes up missing, a family member can forward the critical information quickly to local law enforcement agencies to provide law enforcement with the information needed to help find your loved one quickly. We recommend that you update the identification kit at least once a year to keep it current. There is no age limit, but children must be accompanied by a parent as the finished kit will only be released to the parent or guardian. In addition to parents bringing their children to the substations, volunteers provide the Operation ID service at various safety fairs, daycare's, bike rodeos, nursing and care facilities, schools and business open houses.

If you know someone that could be a flight risk in the community, please give us a call and we can set up a time to provide this valuable information for you. If you oversee a program or living site for the elderly or persons with developmental disabilities, we encourage you to contact us. A volunteer will go to your location to make this service available for those people in your care.

Our services are always free, though donations are gladly accepted.

What is Operation I.D.?

Wed, 16 Sep 2015 22:31:04 GMT

Operation I.D. is a nationwide effort of law enforcement agencies and the citizens and businesses they serve. The goal is to reduce property theft through an identifications system by marking your possessions with an identifying number or mark. This helps deter theft and helps ensure your items will be returned to you if they're stolen and recovered by police. To participate, stop by your neighborhood C.O.P.S. shop to borrow an engraver free of charge to mark your items of value.

Each shop is also equipped with an inventory log that you can use to organize important information on your items of value. You take the log home, log your items, and then keep the log in a safe place. In the event of theft, fire damage, or other incident where you need to make a claim to your insurance company for item replacement, your information is already there ready to be given to the insurance company.

This service is free of charge, so help protect yourself and your property! Stop by your neighborhood C.O.P.S. shop to borrow and engraver or get an inventory list.

For more information on ways to protect yourself and your identity, contact our Crime Victims Advocate Abby Walthall at (509) 625-3328.

Did you know that marking your possessions with an identifying number is an effective method of deterring theft? You can participate by engraving or marking your valuables with your driver’s license number.

Be sure to mark all items of value and be complete in your inventory.
Electric engravers are available for checkout at the Spokane Police Department, Spokane C.O.P.S. or you can purchase one.
You will need to record the make and model numbers of all property that you engrave.
Practice using the engraver before you mark your property.
Keep a record in a safe location