By Officer Tim Mitten
Community Action Officer
Black Mountain Precinct, Phoenix Police Department
I wish to start this month’s article with a big “Thank You” from myself and other members of the Phoenix Police Department to all those in our community who offered their words and actions of support. May was a tough month for both the Phoenix Police and Fire Departments as we lost two young heroes in Firefighter Brad Harper and Officer Daryl Raetz. During May we honor those who served and died for our country with Memorial Day, a day we need to step back and remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice so that we may live in this land of the free. We also celebrate National Police Week during May where we honor those officers who have sacrificed their lives for their communities. I am always encouraged by the show of support from the community in these tough times; it does help officers to know that they are appreciated, even as we are put in the middle of many political agendas. So again, “Thank You”, we are honored to serve our community and to be your partners.
The Phoenix Police Department is tasked with protecting the community and we do our best to be there as much as we possibly can. We are also your partners in Crime Prevention as we educate residents in various aspects of protecting your home, family and yourself. This month I am going to focus on some personal safety practices you can use when you are out and about.
1. If you are out walking or jogging, make sure you stay in a well lite area if at night or in a known neighborhood during the day. Be aware of your surroundings, both in front and behind you by keeping your head up and if you use headphones, keep the volume low enough to hear vehicles or just in one ear. Do not walk or run towards people who may be acting suspiciously or appear to be watching and waiting, avoid these unknown subjects by crossing the street prior to getting close to them and maintain visual awareness.
2. When walking to and from stores, mall, etc keep your head up and be aware of your surroundings, Walk with a purpose, do not divert your attention by texting or talking on the phone, digging for car keys or be burdened with too many bags or packages.
3. If you get lost or do not remember where you parked your car, return to the store and ask for assistance from a security officer or store employee. Do not wander around looking lost; you can be targeted as a victim. If someone you don’t know is on or near your car, do not approach it, walk back to where you came from and call police or security. When you do get to your car, look around it and inside before you get in to make sure no one is around or in it.
4. If you are not expecting anyone at your door and the door bell rings or there is a knock, do not open the door but talk through the door. Announce that you hear them and ask what they need, if it seems suspicious to you or not someone you know, tell them you are not opening the door and that they are to leave. If they continue on and refuse to leave, call the police to report the suspicious activity. Children should never answer the door!
5. Roll the windows on your car all the way up and LOCK your car as you are driving. Avoid parking vehicles in driveways; use your garage if possible. If you must park in the driveway, then do not leave anything of value in plain sight. Even a bag that may appear to have valuables in it could lead to a theft.
6. Keep a constant eye on your children. ALWAYS know where they are and keep them in sight. Children are easily distracted and can wander off in only a couple seconds. This is vitally important around the summer time as many children are attracted to pools, PLEASE WATCH YOUR CHILDREN AROUND WATER.
These are just a few safety tips to keep in mind. If you would like further information on these and other safety tips, have another question about issues in your community or would like a more in depth safety presentation, please do not hesitate to contact me. I can be reached at 602-495-5238 or at tim.mitten@phoenix.gov. Thanks again for being involved in your community and partnering with the Phoenix Police Department to help improve the quality of life and safety of your neighborhood.
Traffic Safety Tips
With summer in full swing, many children are still outside playing, especially at night when it cools down. This presents many potential traffic problems so please remember the following:
• Watch for children as you drive down your streets.
• Please obey the speed limit.
• Have a safety talk with your children.
• Make sure they tell you where they are going.
• Keep checking on them and reminding them to stay in a known area of your neighborhood.
