Transcript
Protecting Your Home
S
ometimes citizens feel there is not much they can do to stop a burglar if he really wants to get in. But by installing a few easy and inexpensive upgrades, you can greatly reduce your family’s chances of being victims of a home burglary. Most burglars start at the same place … your front door, as entering there doesn’t typically arouse suspicion. As a result, they can spend some time there and learn a lot. Do you have a dog? Do you have an alarm system, and if so, is it armed? Is anyone home? Are there valuables in sight? Law enforcement agencies have long recommended a deadbolt lock, and just as important, to reinforce your strike plate (the part in the door jamb the deadbolt slides into). Consider replacing it with a security strike plate with longer screws. This will make the door much stronger and prevent it from easily being kicked in. Next, if you have an enclosed garage, please ensure your garage door is completely closed. Sometimes, people leave their doors partially open for ventilation. This attracts burglars. They can squeeze under the small opening and then use your garage tools to break into the home from the garage. If you have attic stairs, they can be used to access the space above your living area, allowing burglars to drop down through your ceiling into your home completely undetected from the outside. If they cannot access your attic, they could use a tool to claw through the wall that separates the garage from the home. If you have exterior doors with windows, consider using a double cylinder deadbolt that prevents a burglar from reaching through a broken window and simply unlocking the deadbolt from the inside. The double cylinder deadbolt uses a removable key that can be removed instead of a lever. If you remove the
key, please place it in area near the door so it can be accessed by all family members during an emergency and out of arm’s reach. Windows are often used by burglars to gain access to homes. Many homes have at least
one unlocked window and burglars know it. Just keeping all windows and doors locked is a step in the right direction. If a burglar decides See HOME, 2
MARTIN COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
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2009
Home From page 1
to break a window, the goal is not to crawl through the broken glass, but to carefully stick an arm through the broken glass to unlock the window frame. Installing small thumb blocks that easily screw onto the inside of a window frame will stop a window from opening and frustrate the burglar, and possibly cause him to leave. Once a burglar commits to making noise (like breaking a window), they get very nervous if they cannot get inside a Consider double-cylinder home quickly deadbolts on exterior doors and may leave. with windows. If you use window thumbscrews, please ensure all family members know where they are on each window and ensure they can remove them during times of emergency. Another easy entry point is a sliding glass door, as they present a particular challenge for home security. The good news is that most burglars won’t simply break the glass as they try to enter the home because of the noise and fear of attracting attention. However, they will try to defeat the locks or simply lift them out of their frame. Both of these problems are easily corrected. A broomstick or “charlie bar” or security pin can stop the door
A partially open garage door is an open invitation to a home burglary.
Maintain landscaping so that it doesn’t provide a hiding place for burglars. from sliding open, even if the burglar breaks es for two reasons: they are weak and they the lock. Spacers can be added in the top allow the burglar to see you. Instead, install a track of the slider (when open) to eliminate door viewer and block the view from the outthe space needed by burglars to lift the door side looking in (using shades, etc.) so you can see him, but he cannot see you. If you feel out of the track. When looking at your home from the street, uneasy about the situation and think he may be a criminal, call 911 immeit could be an attractive tardiately and report a suspiget to burglars, who typically cious person. Please be prelook for the easiest target. pared to give the 911 operator Signs that indicate no one is any information you can to home make a home vulnerainclude what the suspicious ble. Unkempt lawns, an abunperson looked like, what he dance of mail or circulars and was wearing and a description outside lights left on during of the vehicle he was driving. the day may attract the attenWith just a few simple secution of the burglar. Try to rity upgrades available at make it look like someone is most hardware stores, you can always home. Put outside fortify your home and reduce lights on timers or inexpenyour chances of being a victim sive dusk-to-dawn controllers of a home burglary. For more which simply screw into the information about home burlight socket. Window thumb locks can stop glary prevention, please conIf someone suspicious burglars from getting through tact our crime prevention comes to your front door, a window. office at (772) 320-4749. speak to them from behind your locked door. Do not pretend you are not home. If you do, the next thing you may hear is the burglar breaking a window because he thinks the home is unoccupied. Don’t rely on the chain locks that allow the door to be opened a few inch-
You DON’T have to be a VICTIM!
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SHOPPING SAFETY Awareness is key Whether you venture to your local favorite retail outlet or stay at home and shop on-line, there are things to remember when picking out that great gift for your loved one. Preparation is key in any situation and taking time up front to prepare can help prevent you from becoming a victim.
Stay Aware • Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. If you see or hear something that makes you suspicious, it’s probably because it should. • Walk with purpose and project an assertive image. Criminals will be discouraged if you do not appear vulnerable or easily intimidated. • Learn to carry your purse or wallet safely. Your purse should be closed, held in front of your body, with your arm across it. Wallets should be carried in your front pants pocket or in an interior jacket pocket. • Be careful and alert when using
a cash machine. Never let someone see how much money you have in your wallet, or where you keep your money. • Carry only those credit cards that you intend to use. Avoid carrying a large amount of cash.
Protect Your Belongings • Don’t tempt a thief by leaving your purse or wallet unattended. Never leave them in a shopping cart, sitting on the floor in a dressing room, or within reach of the public at restaurants. • When seated, keep your purse or briefcases on your lap or between your feet. • When your purse is open, be careful to not have your wallet or phone within view. Thieves can easily grab items from an open purse when you are preoccupied. • Do not leave your wallet, cellular phone, or laptop computer sitting on a tabletop in a restaurant, food court, or store. • Don’t leave personal valuables
Table of Contents
in your car. Small electronic devices such as MP3 players, cellular phones, laptop computers, GPS systems and satellite radios are a car burglar’s dream. Small and easy to conceal these are the types of items most often stolen from a car. Sitting in plain sight they attract a thief’s attention.
Protecting Your Home ............1 Shopping Safety ......................3 Neighborhood Watch Tips ..........3 Community Policing ................4 Identity Theft ..........................5 Most Wanted ..........................6
• When possible, shop during daylight hours and park in a well-lit, highly trafficked area of parking lots. If possible, shop with at least one other adult and don’t wear expensive jewelry.
Citizens Academy ..................7 Prescription Drug Abuse ........7 Volunteers ..............................8 Keeping Kids Safe ..................8
Report anyone or anything suspicious that you observe. Residents are urged to call 911 immediately if they witness criminal activity. A vehicle description or license plate number could help deputies quickly catch criminals.
Youth Ranches ........................9
On-Line Shopping
Crimestoppers ......................12
Here's a list of tips you should consult when shopping on-line.
Return Safe and Project Lifesaver ..........................13
1. Be knowledgeable about webbased auctions. Take special care to familiarize yourself not only with See SHOPPING, 9
Online Information Every Parent Should Know..........10 Boys & Girls Clubs ................11 Hibiscus Children’s Center ....11
Live Scan Fingerprinting..........13 Avoiding False Alarms ..........14 Important Numbers ..............16
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH A PROACTIVE EFFORT Neighborhoods today are more difficult to protect than ever. Many homeowners work away from home for many hours at a time and also make frequent short trips to go shopping, attend sporting or school events, or might have dinner out. No matter what the reason, their home and property can be vulnerable to burglary or theft. Times have changed. With people as transient as they are today, it is less likely that neighbors will develop long-lasting relationships in their communities. That small-town feeling where neighbors look out for each other, unfortunately, is less common. As a result, neighborhoods and communities
all throughout the United States have begun protecting themselves through the Neighborhood Watch Program. The Neighborhood Watch program is a mutual assistance program between law enforcement personnel and members of a neighborhood that want to prevent crime in their community. Simply stated, Neighborhood Watch Programs make residents of any community the extra eyes and ears for law enforcement. Supported by the National Sheriff’s Association since 1972,
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the Neighborhood Watch Program is helping the public eradicate residential crime in their neighborhoods.
Here’s how it works: An effective Neighborhood Watch Program consists of a Coordinator, Block Captains, and the residents. When a crime occurs, whether it’s a Continued on page, 4
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Community Policing Community policing is a full-service law enforcement philosophy which focuses on crime and social disorder through the delivery of police services that include aspects of traditional law enforcement, as well as prevention, problem-solving, community engagement, and partnerships. Community policing balances reactive responses to calls for service with proactive problem-solving centered on the causes of crime and disorder. Community policing requires law enforcement and citizens to join together as partners in the course of both identifying and effectively addressing these issues. Throughout Martin County, the Community Policing Unit has specially trained deputies assigned to targeted areas to address communiSee COMMUNITY, 12
Neighborhood Watch From page 3
crime in progress or one that has already occurred, residents are asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office FIRST. After contact with a deputy is made, the resident should contact their Block Captain, who in turn makes the Coordinator aware of the situation. The Coordinator then contacts the other Block Captains, who in turn will contact the residents in their “block.” It is this sharing of information which empowers citizens as to what is occurring in their neighborhood so they can be more attentive and prepared. Participation in Neighborhood Watch doesn’t take a lot of time. You just have to be observant during your normal everyday activities. Neighborhood Watch works, BUT ONLY TO THE EXTENT RESIDENTS WANT IT TO. Residents are
the most knowledgeable about their own neighborhood. They know what is “out of the norm” or suspicious. Good Neighborhood Watch programs often result in the apprehension of burglars and other criminals.
The commitment to look out for each other is a key element to the success of a Neighborhood Watch program
Reactive vs. Proactive
A sheriff’s deputy may be in your neighborhood for only a short time during his or her patrol. It is impossible for deputies to know which cars and what people belong in your neighborhood, but residents do. Neighborhood Watch is a pro-active organization. With the help of citizens, deputies can investigate a situation before a crime is committed. Checking out strangers in your area; a suspicious v e h i c l e parked down the street; or being advised of potential criminal activity is greatly preferred in lieu of responding after a crime has been committed and the suspect is long gone. Neighborhood Watch members are only asked to observe and report what they see during their
normal everyday activity. They are not expected to solve a crime, place themselves in jeopardy or create a more dangerous situation by trying to apprehend a suspect.
How does a neighborhood start the N e i g h b o r h o o d Wa t c h Program? First, a group of interested neighbors get together to determine if there is interest in starting and maintaining a Neighborhood Watch Program. If so, the next step is to contact their law enforcement agency. To contact the MartinCounty Sheriff’s Office, please call the Crime Prevention Office at (772) 320-4749. The Crime Prevention Office will schedule a short meeting with the group, where he/she will go over the details of the program, answer any questions, and the Coordinator and Captains will be elected. The more neighbors involved, the harder for a stranger to go undetected. Areas with aggressive participation in the Neighborhood Watch program have noted a decrease in crime. For more information, contact the Crime Prevention Office at (772) 320-4749 or by e-mail to
[email protected]
Call 911 to report suspicious activity
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MARTIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
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Preventing Identity Theft How did they get my identity? Thieves can get your personal information from a stolen or lost purse or wallet, or by going through trash and finding credit card receipts or other documents with your personal information on it, or removing mail from your mailbox and obtaining such things as credit card requests, etc.
How do I protect myself? • Dispose of your personal information properly. Purchase a good quality “crosscut” shredder and shred unwanted copies of credit card receipts, loan applications, and personal information before you discard them. • Be careful to remove any personal information from your vehicle and glove box when car is dropped off for maintenance and repair. • Don’t carry all of your credit cards with you. Carry only the cards you plan on using and know what you carry so they can be quickly cancelled if lost or stolen. • Don’t carry your passport, birth certificate or your Social Security Card with you. Do not unnecessarily give out your Social Security number to anyone and don’t put it on your checks. • Don’t be tricked by false Web sites and e-mails made to look like they are coming from a legitimate business claiming to be warning you of a situation or offering you an opportunity. • At least once a year, obtain a copy of your credit report and check it for errors. • When using an ATM, be aware of others who are nearby and could possibly obtain your personal identification number (PIN). • Be aware of skimming devices that are attached to ATMs and credit card readers at gas pumps, etc. If it looks like a device has been attached, alert the bank or store personnel.
• Don’t be bullied. Some scammers will call you acting like someone from a company or bank you do business with. They will try to scare you by telling you about unauthorized withdrawals or purchases. If they ask you for personal information or for money, that is a red flag. • Don’t give out any personal information on the phone unless you are certain it is a legitimate purpose and you know whom you are dealing with. If you are unsure about a person’s identity (i.e., someone from your bank), find out what branch they are in, look up the number and call them back. Don’t simply call back the number they give you.
Someone is using my identity — now what? Contact the fraud departments of each of the three major credit bureaus. Consider flagging your file with a fraud alert and ensuring creditors get your permission before opening any new accounts in your name. Ask how long the fraud alert will remain posted in your file.
Equifax (800) 525-6285 Experian (888) 397-3742 Trans Union (800) 680-7289 Free Yearly Credit Report (877) 322-8228 or www.annualcreditreport.com Contact the creditors for any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Ask to speak with someone in the security or fraud department, and follow up in writing. Following up with a letter is one of the procedures spelled out in the Fair Credit Billing Act for resolving errors on credit billing statements, including charges that you have not made. File a report with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office at (772) 220-7000 or your local law enforcement agency if you live in a municipality. Keep a copy in case your creditors need proof of the crime.
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Most Wanted IMPOR TANT DISCL AIMER
If you have information about any of these subjects, DO NOT TRY TO APPREHEND! Call Treasure Coast Crimestoppers at (800) 273-8477 or the Martin County Sheriff ’s Warrants Unit at (772) 220-7040. If you call Crimestoppers, you can remain anonymous and if your tip leads to an arrest, you can be eligible for a reward up to $1,000. This is only a partial listing of subjects on the wanted list.
RACE/SEX:
Scars, Marks or Tatoos : “johns” upper right arm “rio” stomach Pit bull on right forearm Neck tattoo
W/M
HEIGHT/WEIGHT:
4-27-1982
RACE/SEX:
B/M
HEIGHT/WEIGHT:
B/M
5’10”/175
9-5-1978
James Michael Callahan RACE/SEX:
6-7-90
DATE OF BIRTH:
5’8”/160
Scars, Marks or Tatoos : flying heart on shoulder
W/M
Scars, Marks or Tatoos : Back- Orca Whale & “Leiah Sage” Ankle — star Foot — heart Thigh — sun
Recent arrest: 7-24-09 in St. Lucie County – poss. of hydrocodone
HEIGHT/WEIGHT:
5’10”/165
RACE/SEX:
4-27-64
For: felony VOP DWLS – habitual offender
RACE/SEX:
For: Vop grand theft and fraudulent use of credit card
Jessica Leeanne Pelloni
USMC on shoulder
HEIGHT/WEIGHT:
W/M
Stephen Jeffrey Montesano
RACE/SEX: HEIGHT/WEIGHT: DATE OF BIRTH: B/M 5’6”/ 180 8-25-1955
Scars, Marks or Tatoos : right forearm bull dog/ rebel flag
DATE OF BIRTH:
5’11”/215
DATE OF BIRTH:
For: Amended VOP poss. of cocaine
Last known address: Hobe Sound area
HEIGHT/WEIGHT:
Calvin Lee Newton
A.K.A: Man man
RACE/SEX:
For: VOP 4 counts sale delivery cocaine w/in 1,000 ft of school and 4 counts poss. cocaine and 1 count poss. cannabis more than 20 grams.
Rodney Clemons Jr.
Scars, Marks or Tatoos :
Scars, Marks or Tatoos : Scar right arm Gold teeth
Gary Lee Reed Jr.
DATE OF BIRTH:
5’10” / 140
For: burglary of structure while armed
For: High-speed wanton fleeing and dwls – habitual offender
For: Burglary of a conveyance w/assault or battery and robbery
Jeremy Johns
The Martin County Sheriff ’s Office does not warrant that the information or data contained in this publication is accurate or correct, as the informtion addresses can change at any time. This information is a synopsis of the available information and is not intended to represent all the information available under Florida Statue 119, Florida’s Public Record Law.
Errick Green
DATE OF BIRTH:
RACE/SEX:
7-12-66
B/M
HEIGHT/WEIGHT:
W/F
5’7”/160
For: Order to revoke bond FTA – battery on a detainee, robbery w/ deadly weapon, poss. firearm/ammo by convicted felon, aggravated battery Scars, Marks or Tatoos : Right forearm – zone 1 (gang tattoo) Face – star between eyes Gold teeth HEIGHT/WEIGHT:
5’9”/175
www.sheriff.martin.fl.us
DATE OF BIRTH:
2-14-1988
DATE OF BIRTH:
6-8-1984
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Citizens Academy Community involvement is the most powerful force any law enforcement agency has in the fight against crime. Through the Citizens Academy, residents become more involved in making Martin County a better place to live. The Martin County Sheriff's Office offers a different and exciting program. Unique to Martin County, we offer a one-day Citizen’s Academy several times each year. There is no cost to attend. Participants learn about almost every aspect of the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, including: Patrol Operations, Jail Administration, Crime Scene, Criminal Investigations, Sexual Offenders/Predators, Training/Use of Force, Animal Control, Dive Team, SWAT, Bomb Squad, Community Oriented Policing, DUI enforcement, K-9, Marine and a tour of the 9-1-1 Communications Center.
Typically, the students attracted to the Academy are a diverse group of people including; businessmen and women, housewives, school teachers, retirees and citizens from all walks of life. Although graduates of the Citizen's Academy are not qualified for daily street duty, they do acquire a better understanding of the Martin County Sheriff's Office operations and responsibilities. Citizen's Academy graduates gain greater awareness and appreciation of the difficult challenges and decisions a deputy sheriff faces every day. If you are interested in attending, please contact the Community Programs Unit at (772) 320-4749 or download an application at: http://www.sheriff.martin.fl.us/Ac ademy and fax it to (772) 2207159.
The Traffic Section routinely participates in national, state and local traffic safety programs including but not limited to: ‘Click It or Ticket,’ ‘Buckle Up In Your Truck,’ ‘Over the Limit Under Arrest,’ ‘You Drink and Drive/You Lose,’ and ‘Red Light/White Light’ campaigns. For more information on the Traffic Section, or other divisions within the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, go to www.sheriff.martin.fl.us.
Prescription Drug Abuse Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem. Abusing prescription drugs like painkillers, depressants, or stimulants, can have tragic consequences, from serious injury to death. These are powerful drugs that can have unpredictable effects when abused. There are serious health risks related to abuse of prescription drugs. A single large dose of prescription or over-thecounter painkillers or depressants can cause breathing difficulty that can lead to death. Stimulant abuse can lead to hostility or paranoia, or the potential for heart system failure or fatal seizures. Even in small doses, depressants and painkillers have subtle effects on motor skills, judgment, and ability to learn. What can you do? You can take steps immediately to limit access to these drugs by following these simple steps: Safeguard all drugs at home. Monitor quantities and control access. Note how many pills are in a bottle or pill packet and keep track of refill. If you find you have to refill more often than expected, there could be a real problem. Set clear rules for teens about all drug abuse.
Graphic by Frank McLaughlin
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Make sure your teen uses prescription drugs only as directed and follows directions for over the counter medications as directed. Talk to them about the dangers of sharing medications. Properly conceal and dispose of old or unused medicines in the trash. Unused prescription drugs should be hidden and thrown away in the trash. So that teens or others don't take them out of the trash, you can mix them with an undesirable substance (like used coffee grounds or kitty litter) and put the mixture in an empty can or bag. Unless the directions say otherwise, do NOT flush medications down the drain or toilet because the chemicals can pollute the water supply. Also, remove any personal, identifiable information from prescription bottles or pill packages before you throw them away. Report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. Contact the Special Investigations Unit of the Martin County Sheriff ’s Office at (772) 220-7160 to report suspicious activity.
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Volunteers
Keeping Kids Safe Would Your Child Know What To Do If …
Are you interested in volunteering your time in a civilian capacity at one of the Sheriff ’s Office facilities? We can use your help with a variety of tasks. Maybe you are retired and want a new challenge; perhaps you are a college student and need some practical experience; or maybe you are temporarily out of the work force and want to sharpen your skills or just get involved in helping your community. We can find a work location convenient to your home. You will need to submit to a brief background review due to the nature of the work we do. If interested, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator. You can reach the Volunteer Coordinator at (772) 320-4749. You can learn more and print an application at www.sheriff.martin.fl. us.
We Need You.
2009
He got lost at a shopping mall? A nice, friendly stranger offered him/her a ride home after school? A baby-sitter wanted to play a secret game that no one would know about? A friend dared him to hitchhike?
When you look outside, you see a stranger at the door. What do you do? 5. You are shopping with your mom at the mall. You get lost and cannot find her. What do you do? 6. You are riding your bicycle from school. You have a flat tire on your bike. A stranger stops and offers to take you and your bike home. What do you do?
Start With The Basics 1. Rehearse with your child his or her full name, address, and phone number, including area code, and how to make emergency phone calls from home and public phones. Practice on an unplugged phone. 911 calls from public phones are free. 2. Teach your child to go to a store clerk or security guard and ask for help if you become separated in a store or shopping mall. (Make sure to teach your child how to identify a clerk or security guard using name tags, aprons, uniforms, or smocks as visual clues). Tell them never to go into the parking lot alone. When possible, accompany your child to the restroom. 3. Tell your child never to accept gifts or rides from someone he or she does not know. Your child should never go anywhere with another adult, even one who says you have sent him or her. Adopt a secret family code word to be used if you have to ask a third party to pick up your child. Make sure your child knows to never, ever hitchhike! 4. Teach your children that no one, not even someone they know, has the right to touch them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable. Tell them they have the right to say “no” to an adult in this situation. Discuss the “P.Z.’s” (private zones) which are places on boys and girls that no one should touch.
Role Playing With Your Children 1. You are outside playing. Someone you do not know calls you over to their car. The person is lost and wants directions. What do you do? 2. You are walking home. Someone you do not know drives up and tells you that your mom wants you to ride with them. What do you do? 3. You are outside with your friends. A stranger offers you your favorite kind of candy. What do you do? 4. Your parents are not home. The doorbell rings.
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At School Or At Play Walk the neighborhood with your child. Pick out the safest route to school and friends’ houses. Avoid danger spots like alleys and wooded areas. Identify safe places to go in an emergency, like a neighbor’s house, a block parent, or an open store. Encourage your child to use the “buddy system” walk and play with friends, and to stay in well-lighted open areas where others can see them. Teach your child to walk confidently and stay alert to what’s going on and to their surroundings. Encourage your child to look out for other kids’ safety and to stay away from strangers who hang around playgrounds, public restrooms, and empty buildings. A stranger is someone the child doesn’t know. Teach your child to remember and report to you the license tag numbers of people who offer rides, hang around playgrounds, or appear to follow them. If a stranger tries to follow or grab your child, teach him or her to scream “Stay away from me,” “I don’t know this person,” or “This person is trying to hurt me,” and run to the nearest place where people are around.
At Home Alone Don’t hang a house key around your child’s neck. It’s a telltale sign that you won’t be home when they return from school. Put it inside a pocket or sock. Make sure your child can reach you by telephone, wherever you are. Have your child check in with you at work or with a neighbor when he or she gets home. Caution your child about answering the phone and accidentally letting a stranger know he or she is alone. The child should say that parents are busy and take a message. Post the following important phone numbers near ALL your home telephones: police, fire, emergency, poison control, mom and dad’s work phone numbers, and neighbor’s phone number. Agree on rules for having friends over or going to See SAFE, 14
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Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches Founded in 1957 by the Florida Sheriffs Association, the Youth Ranches is a nonprofit residential child care and family service organization primarily dependent on the generous gifts and support of donors. It is a nationally recognized, accredited agency with sites throughout the state of Florida. The staff includes social workers, counselors, therapists and cottage parents who serve thousands of youth and their families each year. Programs include Residential Group Child Care, Family Service and Camping Services aimed at meeting the diverse needs of Florida’s youth. The Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches could not exist without the help of interested and generous donors. If you would like to donate to the Youth Ranches and help turn youngsters’ problems into solutions and bright new futures, please call (800) 765-3797. The Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches, Inc. is a 501(c)3 charitable, nonprofit organization and donations are tax-deductible. If you are the parent or guardian in need of the types of services that the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches offer, you can apply by downloading an application from www.youthranches.org.
Shopping From page 3
the rules and policies of the auction site itself but with the legal terms (warranties, refund policy, etc.) of the seller's items that you wish to bid on. 2. Double check pricing. Be suspicious of prices that are too good to be true. Also consider carefully whether you may be paying too much for an item, particularly if you're bidding through an auction site. You may want to comparison shop, online or offline, before you buy. Make sure there are no extra shipping or handling costs. 3. Find and read the privacy poli-
For more information please call 1-800-7653797 or send e-mail to
[email protected].
cy. Read the privacy policy carefully to find out what information the seller is gathering from you, how the information will be used, and how you can stop the process. If a site does not have a privacy policy posted, you may not want to do business with it. If it does have a privacy policy, there will probably be a link to it from the seller's home page, or it could be included with the Legal Terms. 4. Review the return, refund, and shipping and handling policies as well as the other legal terms. If you can't find them, ask the seller through an e-mail or telephone call to indicate where they are on the site or to provide them to you in
writing. 5. Make sure the Internet connection is secure. Before you give your payment information, check for indicators that security software is in place. 6. Use the safest way to pay on the Internet. Pay for your order using a credit card. 7. Print the terms. You should print out and date a copy of terms, conditions, warranties, item description, company information, even confirming e-mails, and save them with your records of your purchase. 8. Insure the safe delivery of your item. If you're concerned you may not be home when your package is
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delivered and that someone may take it if it is left on the doorstep, ask whether you can specify that the shipper must receive a signature before leaving the package. Or, it may be safer to have the package delivered to your office. 9. Inspect your purchase. Look at your purchase carefully as soon as you receive it. Contact the seller as soon as possible if you discover a problem with it. Tell the seller in writing about any problems you have, ask for a repair or refund, and keep a copy of your correspondence.
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Online Information Every Parent Should Know What can you do to minimize the chances of an online sex offender victimizing your child?
• Never to download pictures from an unknown source, as there is a good chance they could be sexually explicit images.
Spend time with your children on-line. Have them teach you about their favorite online destinations.
• That whatever they are told online may or may not be true. The 10-year-old girl they think they are communicating with could turn out to be a 50-year-old man.
• Keep the computer in a common room in the house, not in your child’s bedroom. It is much more difficult for a sex offender to communicate with a child when the computer screen is visible to a parent or another member of the household.
What can a parent do?
• Utilize parental controls provided by your service provider and/or blocking software. Allowing children to participate in electronic communications like chat rooms should be discouraged. Parents should know that even today’s game systems like “XBOX Live” have features that allow children to text and even verbally communicate with strangers. Pedophiles often pose as children to create a trusted relationship with a child so they can victimize them.
• If you suspect inappropriate behavior, devices can be purchased that show telephone numbers that have been dialed from your home phone.
• Always maintain access to your child’s online account and randomly check his/her e-mail. Be aware that your child could be contacted through the U.S. Mail. Be up front with your child about your access and reasons why. Ensure your child knows to let you know if they encounter anything that makes them uncomfortable.
• Check Internet history to get list of visited Web sites. Computer-sex offenders almost always meet potential victims via chat rooms. Many chatrooms are private in nature and participants can stop others from joining the conversation allowing a pedophile exclusive access to your child.
•. Instruct your children never to arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they met online.
• Check your child’s e-mail accounts. Know that teens sometimes have two or more different e-mail accounts, one you know about and one you don’t. After meeting a child online, pedophiles will continue to communicate electronically, often via e-mail.
• Never to upload (post) pictures of themselves onto the Internet or on-line service to people they do not personally know. • Teach your child the responsible use of the resources online. Ensure Web sites are approved of before use. Allowing a child to surf the Internet is an invitation to trouble. Many pornographic sites have benign names that may cause a child to unintentionally access the site and be exposed to inappropriate material. • Find out what computer safeguards are utilized by your child’s school, the public library and at the homes of your child’s friends. These are all places outside your normal supervision where your child could encounter an online predator. • Understand, even if your child was a willing participant in any form of sexual exploitation, he/she is not at fault and is the victim.
Tell your child • Never to give out identifying information such as their name, home address, school name or telephone number.
• Monitor your child’s access to all types of live electronic communications (i.e., chat rooms, instant messages, Internet relay chat, etc.) and monitor your child’s e-mail.
Should any of the following situations arise in your household, via the Internet or online service, you should immediately contact any of the following: Martin County Sheriff’s Office, FDLE, your local Police Department, the FBI, or the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children:
MCSO Emergency 911 Non -Emergency Lines (772) 220-7000 Criminal Investigations (772) 220-7060 Victims Services Unit (772) 220-7178 National Center For Missing and Exploited Children (800) THE-LOST (800) 843-5678 FDLE Orlando Field Office (800) 226-8521
1. Your child or anyone in the household has received child pornography. 2. Your child has been sexually solicited by someone who knows that your child is under 18 years of age. 3. Your child has received sexually explicit images from someone who knows your child is under the age of 18. If one of these scenarios occurs, keep the computer turned off in order to preserve any evidence for future law enforcement use. Unless directed to do so by the law enforcement agency, you should not attempt to copy any of the images and/or text found on the computer.
www.sheriff.martin.fl.us
FL Offender Hotline (888) 357-7332 Missing Persons Clearinghouse (888) 356-4774
2009
MARTIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
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Boys & Girls Clubs What would you encourage a child to be? At the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, our trained youth development professionals provide adult mentors and an evidence-based curriculum to encourage our community’s young people to BE GREAT! The Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, with five locations serving 1,455 children, offers a safe space for children ages 6 to 18 to get help with home-
work, learn new skills, create art, play sports and so much more – for a membership fee of just $25 for the entire school year. And our programs, run with the help of dedicated volunteers, really make a difference. Club members are more committed to school, healthier and more likely to make smart decisions regarding drug and alcohol use. Consider: • 52% of Club members saw an increase in their math grades in the last year. • 50% improved their reading grades. • 66% of Club members break a sweat each day. • 83% reported that the Club taught them to eat healthier. • 93% of Club members reported never trying drugs, compared to the 46.5% of Martin County high school students who haven’t. Our mission is to enable and inspire all young people, especially those who need us the most, to reach their full potential as responsible, caring and productive citizens. But most importantly, we strive to help children be themselves, be happy and BE GREAT! To learn more, call our administrative offices at (772) 545-1255 or log on to www.bgcmcfl.org.
Hibiscus Children’s Center Sheltering … Strengthening … Nurturing … Children and Families in our Community From primary prevention to the most intensive interventions, the mission of Hibiscus Children's Center is to provide safety, shelter, prevention and recovery programs for abused and neglected children on the Treasure Coast. Every day, families in our community are faced with dire challenges due to the economy, loss of employment, rising living costs, homelessness and extreme stress. All these factors have a great impact on their children – Hibiscus strives everyday to ensure that children who need our critical services are able to receive them and are safe. Hibiscus shelters children removed from their homes due to egregious abuse and strengthens family relationships to reduce the potential of reabuse. Hibiscus nurtures positive futures by ensuring that children grow with the confidence that they can reach their highest potential and break
from the generational cycles of abuse. Every child is unique and deserves the opportunity to grow free of abuse and the worry of what tomorrow will bring. Hibiscus has resources available to assist families during these difficult times and opportunities for our community to participate in directly supporting the Hibiscus mission through their resources and volunteering. PLEASE CALL TODAY TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES OR TO HELP HIBISCUS CONTINUE PROVIDING THESE SERVICES – (800) 403-9311.
Go to
[email protected] to find out how you can get started making a difference. www.sheriff.martin.fl.us
MARTIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
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Giving a good tip is easy Good tips give: 1. Names, locations and descriptions of suspects 2. Where the crime was committed, specific street addresses, apartment numbers, color of houses, nearest intersection and the city, county and state where located 3. The suspect’s race, date of birth, sex, height and weight 4. Description of tattoos and where on the body the tattoo is located 5. The make, model, color and license plate number of vehicles involved or driven by the criminal suspects 6. Specific information about illegal drug activity 7. Description of the type of drugs being sold, when and where they are sold and the names and descriptions of the sellers 8. Description of illegal prescription drug activity; the sales and the list of drugs by name, color and exact location where they were obtained 9. Description of weapons and their location 10. Accurate, detailed and specific information 11. Increased chances for an arrest and reward for the tipster Good tips = $$$ + helps protect communities + helps solve crime. When reporting tips to crime stoppers you remain unknown, out of sight and untouchable. If you have any information about a crime or a wanted suspect call 1-800-273-8477 or reach us online at TCWATCH.ORG.
www.sheriff.martin.fl.us
2009
Community From page 4
ty concerns through proactive and innovative approaches. These areas include Jensen Beach, Fisherman’s Cove/Martin Crossings, Golden Gate, Port Salerno, Banner Lake (Hobe Sound), South County and Indiantown. These deputies work closely with community members and other governmental agencies to assist in promoting positive change through consistent positive interaction. Deputies assigned to this unit patrol in marked vehicles, on bicycle and on foot. This makes them more accessible to the citizens of the areas where they are assigned. The Community Policing deputies participate in numerous community events aimed at promoting safety, crime prevention and community interaction. They are available for presentations to neighborhood groups regarding personal safety, crime reduction, drug awareness, and stranger recognition. These deputies also conduct presentations at local schools about the dangers of alcohol abuse, drug abuse, and the risk of making poor decisions. These deputies also participate in various crime reduction projects aimed at addressing long term criminal and problematic behavior. Contact the Community Policing Unit at (772) 220-7013 for more information.
MARTIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
2009
Florida’s Move Over Law
Return Safe and Project Lifesaver
Many drivers are not yet aware of a new law that requires motorists to: • Vacate the lane closest to a parked emergency vehicle with emergency lights flashing while on the side of the road, or a wrecker performing a recovery or loading a vehicle with amber lights flashing on the side of the road, as soon as it is safe to do so. • Reduce speed when unable to change lanes to move away from a parked emergency vehicle or wrecker with lights flashing. • Reduce speed on a two-lane road when approaching a parked emergency vehicle or wrecker with flashing lights.
PLEASE ALSO REMEMBER TO: Yield the right of way and proceed to a parallel position as close as possible to the curb when an authorized emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights or sounding sirens approaches in route to an emergency, and remain there until the emergency vehicle (s) pass the area.
Please
drive safely, and keep our emergency responders safe!
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Helping to ensure the safety of community members who suffer from cognitive disabilities or progressive illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease, Autism, or other cognitive disabilities, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office has launched the Return Safe Program. The program is designed to assist law enforcement officials with locating program participants who may be confused and disoriented so they may be returned to their
loved ones as quickly as possible. Information about program participants is incorporated into a searchable database available to law enforcement personnel only. This database is unique to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office and was designed by a local computer programmer who donated his time and expertise to the Sheriff’s Office. In addition to the Return Safe Program, the Sheriff’s Office is also debuting to residents Project Lifesaver. Project Lifesaver is a national program that uses radio technology to help locate missing persons. Participants wear a bracelet, equipped with a transmitter, which can aid specially trained Sheriff’s Office personnel in locating them once they are reported missing. For more information regarding the Return Safe Program or Project Lifesaver, contact the Community Policing Unit, at (772) 220-7013.
‘Live Scan’ Fingerprint System The Martin County Sheriff ’s Office is now online with The LiveScan fingerprint system. In 2004, the Sheriff ’s Office obtained its LiveScan machine to improve overall customer service and convenience. Residents now have a more convenient means of being fingerprinted for employment purposes, concealed firearms permit applications, or for any other reason they might need to obtain their fingerprints. This innovative technology saves residents time by electronically submitting fingerprints to FDLE for concealed firearms permits, and instantly providing citizens with a computer generated fingerprint card for employment purposes without the mess of traditional fingerprint ink. Users are charged a nominal fee of $5 for this service. Fingerprinting services are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
www.sheriff.martin.fl.us
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2009
Avoiding false alarms Did you know? • 99.5% of all alarm signals are FALSE? • False alarms cost you! They result in fines, increased tax dollars and personal inconvenience. • In 2008, Martin County deputies responded to a total of 4,393 false alarms. False alarms take deputies away from more serious matters and are costly to all parties involved. We are committed to reducing the volume of false alarms and their associated costs. In 2005, the Martin County Board of County Commissioners adopted Ordinance #682, “The Martin County False Alarm Reduction Ordinance.” This ordinance allows the county to impose a fine against businesses and homeowners for false alarms. The ordinance was designed to minimize the number of false alarms and help offset the cost of a deputy response to false alarms. The ordinance places responsibility on the alarm user to prevent false alarms.
What is a False Alarm?
Preventing False Alarms
A false alarm occurs when the alarm system is activated and the Sheriff’s Office responds, but there is no evidence of criminal activity. This includes alarms activated by accident, negligence or minor interruptions of the electrical system, etc.
How to Register Your Alarm Residential or non-residential alarm systems must be registered annually if they are monitored or have exterior indicators (flashing lights or sirens) that can be seen or heard outside of the alarmed location by others, prompting an alarm dispatch request. To obtain an alarm permit application, visit our Web site: www.sheriff.martin.fl.us and follow the links to the alarm page or contact the Martin County Tax Collector’s Office: 3485 S.E. Willoughby Blvd., Stuart, FL 34994 Telephone: (772) 288-5600.
Safe From page 8
someone else’s house when no adult is present. Work out an escape plan in case of fire. Tell your child never to open a
A fee of $20 shall accompany each application for alarms on residential, commercial or governmental premises. Alarm owners who experience no false alarms during the permit year will have their alarm permit renewal fee reduced to $10 for the following year, provided that the permit is renewed prior to its expiration. Car alarms are exempt from the Martin County Ordinance unless they are permanently affixed to one location.
• Educate the members of your home or business on how to manually operate the alarm system and what to do if the alarm is accidentally activated. • Close all windows and doors before activating the alarm. • Keep pets out of rooms with motion sensors. • Check for drafts that can move plants, curtains, signs, holiday decorations and other items in motion sensor areas. Fans, heaters, air conditioners, open windows can all cause drafts. • Don’t try to beat the system! If you need to re-enter after arming the system, disarm and start over. • If you accidentally set off your alarm … don’t panic! • Enter your disarm code carefully. • If you subscribe to an alarm service, do not leave the premises until you have spoken with them.
door to a stranger at home. Once the threshold of safety is open, a child’s weight will not hold back an adult intruder. Consider the height of your child when installing a peep-hole in your front door. Teach your child how to work the
Fees for False Alarms The following fee schedule applies if the alarm operator has a valid permit: First Alarm Second Alarm Third & Fourth Fifth & Sixth Seventh & Eighth Ninth & Tenth
The fee for a non-permitted alarm system or an alarm system with a revoked permit is $200.
Revocation of Alarm Permit The Sheriff may revoke an alarm permit if there is a false statement of a material matter on the alarm permit application or 10 or more false alarms have occurred. For more information, contact the Martin County Sheriff’s Office False Alarm Reduction Unit at (772) 2207140.
door and window locks and make sure to use them. For more information or to schedule a presentation regarding child safety, please contact the Crime Prevention Unit at (772) 320-4949.
www.sheriff.martin.fl.us
Free $25 $50 $75 $100 $150
2009
MARTIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
www.sheriff.martin.fl.us
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MARTIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
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2009
Martin County Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency Phone Directory Sheriff Non-emergency Switchboard ........(772) 220-7000 Administration ............................................(772) 220-7025 Air Division ..................................................(772) 220-7097 Animal Control Citation Payment .............(772) 288-5545 Animal Control Enforcement .....................(772) 463-3211 Animal Licensing.........................................(772) 288-5600 Animal Impoundment (Humane Society) (772) 223-8822 Animals - Lost (Humane Society of the Treasure Coast Animal Shelter.............................. (772) 287-5753 Animals – Strays/Pick-Ups ........................ (772) 463-3211 Booking Desk .............................................. (772) 220-7220 Chaplain...................................................... (772) 320-4777 Chief Deputy................................................(772) 220-7003 Citizen Academy .........................................(772) 320-4749 Civil ..............................................................(772) 220-7030 Community Emergency Response Team ..(772) 419-2665
Community Policing ...................................(772) 220-7013 Courthouse Security ...................................(772) 220-7038 Crime Prevention ........................................(772) 320-4749 Crime Scene.................................................(772) 320-4778 Data Processing...........................................(772) 220-7120 Desk Sergeant ..............................................(772) 220-7009 Detective Bureau.........................................(772) 220-7060 Directed Operations....................................(772) 220-7146 Dispatch.......................................................(772) 220-7170 Evidence.......................................................(772) 220-7090 Finance .........................................................(772)220-7135 Identification ...............................................(772) 220-7056 Indiantown ..................................................(772) 597-2102 Jail.................................................................(772) 220-7200 Media Relations...........................................(772) 320-4736 Narcotics ......................................................(772) 220-7160
Neighborhood Watch..................................(772) 320-4749 Personnel .....................................................(772) 220-7004 Purchasing ...................................................(772) 220-7130 Radio Shop...................................................(772) 220-7096 Records.........................................................(772) 220-7050 Road Patrol...................................................(772) 220-7140 Road Patrol – Traffic Enforcement .............(772) 220-7144 Sheriff Administrative Assistant.................(772) 220-7024 Technical Services .......................................(772) 220-7125 Teen Programs (Explorers) .........................(772) 220-7062 Training Division.........................................(772) 220-7007 Victim’s Advocate ........................................(772) 220-7178 Volunteer Opportunities.............................(772) 320-4749 Warrants.......................................................(772) 220-7020 Web site www.sheriff.martin.fl.us
Useful Web sites • Martin County Sheriff’s Office ................................................... www.sheriff.martin.fl.us • Martin County Board of County Commissioners.................................. www.martin.fl.us • Florida Department of Law Enforcement ........................................ www.FDLE.state.us • National Sex Offender Registry.............................................................. www.nsopr.gov • Consumer Information Center ...................................................... www.pueblo.gsa.gov • National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.............................. www.ncmec.org • Federal Bureau of Investigation .................................................................. www.fbi.gov • Immigration and Customs Enforcement .................................................... www.ice.gov
Sheriff Robert L. Crowder
Other important phone numbers • Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers.............(800) 273-8477 • Department of Children and Families Hotline.....................................(800) 96-ABUSE • 211 Information and Crisis Services......................... 211 • Office of the State Attorney......................(772) 288-5646 • Clerk of the Circuit Court.........................(772) 288-5576
NO TAX DOLLARS WERE USED TO PRINT THIS PUBLICATION Photos that appear on pages 4, 7, 13, and 14 courtesy of Steven Martine Photography.
www.sheriff.martin.fl.us
