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General Tips & Programs
- 911 Emergency Number
- Block Watch
- Security Surveys
- Operation Identification
- Residential Security Cameras
The Fox Point Police Department encourages everyone who lives and works in the village to make effective use of the 9-1-1 Communication System. An emergency is any serious situation where a law enforcement officer, fire fighter, or emergency medical services are needed right away. If you are unsure of whether your situation is an emergency, go ahead and call 9-1-1. The 9-1-1 call taker can determine if you need emergency assistance and can route you to the correct location.
Follow these guidelines:
IF YOU DO CALL 9-1-1, EVEN BY MISTAKE, DO NOT HANG UP THE PHONE.
9-1-1 call takers are trained to get the most important information as quickly as possible to get help on the way to an emergency situation. In an emergency situation, allow the call taker to ask you all the questions they need in order to get help there in the timeliest manner before you hang up or leave the phone. If you happen to call by accident, stay on the line until you can tell the call taker that you called by accident and there is no emergency.
WHEN CALLING 9-1-1 DO YOUR BEST TO STAY CALM AND ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS.
Staying calm can be one of the most difficult, yet most important, things you do when calling 9-1-1. It is very important that you stay as calm as possible and answer all the questions the 9-1-1 call taker asks. The questions 9-1-1 call takers ask, no matter how relevant they seem, are important in helping get the first responders to you as fast as possible.
KNOW THE LOCATION OF THE EMERGENCY.
The first question you will be asked is the location of the emergency. If you don't know the address, look for landmarks, cross street signs and buildings. Know the name of the city or county you are in. Knowing the location is vital to getting the appropriate police, fire or EMS units to respond. The wireless 9-1-1 caller must be aware that the 9-1-1 center that answers the call may not be the 9-1-1 center that services the area that the wireless caller is calling from.
9-1-1 PUBLIC SAFETY ANSWERING POINT
All wired landline telephones within the Village of Fox Point will be answered by the Bayside Communications Center. If you are calling from a cellular telephone within the north shore, the majority of the time the call will be answered by the Bayside Communications Center; however, be prepared to provide a specific community name and location in the event that the call is answered by the Milwaukee County Sheriff.
If you have any questions about this information, or other safety or security concerns, call the police department, (414) 351-8911 and speak with an officer about crime prevention tips.
Block Watch is a national program that is based on the principle that neighbors working together are the first and best line of defense against crime. Block Watch is simple to begin and can improve the security of your neighborhood while increasing your sense of community.
It involves neighbors getting to know each other and working together to keep the community safe.
A Block Watch program in your neighborhood will also help you become acquainted with your neighbors by working together with police to identify specific problems and concerns in your neighborhood. You are the best judge of what is "normal" activity in your neighborhood and by using crime prevention techniques you can take back your neighborhood.
How Does Block Watch Work?
The police cannot be everywhere at once and that is where you come in. By keeping an eye out for unusual or suspicious activity and then calling 911, you will help police be in the right place at the right time! This works best when organized throughout the neighborhood to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Officers from the Fox Point Police Department are available to meet with citizens individually to provide crime prevention tips, but in the spirit of the Block Watch program, can meet with an entire neighborhood. One great opportunity for this to occur is at a neighborhood block party.
For more information please email Sergeant Meg Morelli or call 414-351-8911.
The Home Security Survey is an effective crime prevention tool you can use to maintain or increase the security of your home. A Home Security Survey is conducted by specially trained members of the Fox Point Police Department and includes an assessment of current hardware and procedural security, suggestions for increased security and other crime prevention information. This service is provided at no charge for Fox Point residents and business owners/managers.
What to Expect From an Inspection
The security survey begins at your front door, and includes an inspection of all other doors, windows, locks, lights, and landscaping. The police officer inspecting your home will compile a checklist of security weaknesses and hazards that require your attention. This list is then accompanied by recommendations you should employ to reduce the opportunity for crime. The inspection report and recommendations are left entirely with you, and all aspects of the inspection are kept confidential.
Please call Officer Leah Gabrielse or Sergeant Meg Morelli at 414-351-8911 if you are interested in this program.
Operation Identification
Operation Identification is an anti-burglary and theft program designed to help you prevent theft of your property. It also assists the Fox Point Police Department to return your property to you in the event it is stolen.
Operation Identification has two parts. First, you mark all your valuables so that they can be identified as yours. Second, you display a sticker that tells burglars that you have identified your property.
What makes Operation Identification program so effective in reducing burglary in areas where it has been properly implemented is that burglars and thieves know it is difficult to sell stolen articles that can be traced to them and that they run a greater risk of being caught and convicted if readily identifiable items of someone else's property are found in their possession.
Participation in the program very simple.
- Pick up one of the "free loan" engravers at the Fox Point Police Department.
- List the items you wish to protect by name, full description, serial and model number, and value on an inventory sheet.
- Engrave your drivers license number on the items and list that location on the sheet as well.
- Keep the inventory sheet in a safe place with your other valuable papers.
For more information, or to pick up an engraver, contact Officer Leah Gabrielse at (414) 351-8911.
Security cameras a
re increasingly becoming more affordable for homeowners and easier to install. Having home security cameras or doorbell cameras lets homeowners quickly see what is happening on their property or at their front door. The footage can also be invaluable for law enforcement during their investigation as well. They also act as a deterrent as criminals will often look for these devices before targeting a home.
Many big-box stores and online retailers have camera options available, as well as private security companies that can install cameras to protect the whole home. Whether you have one camera or many, it is important to have the video footage stored for playback. Live views are useful to see who is at the door, but does little to see who was on the property overnight or while you were away.