| Phoenix Police Chief Outlines Progress on Council Initiated Improvements | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/city-manager/3298 | City Manager | | 12/11/2024 2:00:00 AM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3298/FullSizeRender.jpg | | Phoenix Police Chief Outlines Progress on Council Initiated Improvements | <div class="ExternalClass59029C0FAA81413CAC0B3E7445B8D284"><html>
<p><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"> </span><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:14.6667px;">Under the leadership of the </span><a target="_blank" href="/mayorcouncil" style="background-color:window;"><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Phoenix City Council</span></a><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:14.6667px;">, the Phoenix Police Department has begun making significant improvements to policy, training and procedure. On Wednesday, December 10, 2024, Interim Police Chief Michael Sullivan and Executive Assistant Chief Dennis Orender presented Council with an update on the improvements made thus far, the initiatives in progress, and plans for future enhancements to public safety.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">“The Council and I appreciate Chief Sullivan's work to help bring about important changes to our police department and to continue fostering additional accountability, transparency and public trust with our community. Today's update shows we are making real progress on the recommendations the Council and I passed in September, and I look forward to seeing more of our initiatives move forward in the coming months," Mayor Kate Gallego said.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"> <span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;">The community will play a significant role in developing the plans for these improvements, with all major policy changes undergoing a period of public comment before finalization. The most recent example of this practice included sending out a draft of the new First Amendment Facilitation and Management Policy in late October. The Police Department received 72 comments from the public over a 30-day timeframe, and City staff are analyzing those suggestions before implementing the policy. The final draft of this policy is set to be completed by March, 2025.</span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"> <span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;">“</span><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;">We are committed to enhancing the service we provide to this community, and I hope this presentation shows we are serious about the work," Interim Chief Sullivan said in City Council Chambers.</span></span></p>
<p></p>
<p> </p>
<p>
<strong>Completed Initiatives</strong>
</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">The first part of the presentation focused on direction from Mayor Kate Gallego and City Council that have been completed in the less than three-months since being approved. These projects include:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Implementation of a policy requiring all public-facing officers, including those in the Special Assignments Unit (SAU) to be outfitted with and use body-worn cameras.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">A new draft First Amendment Facilitation and Management Policy.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Convert temporary positions in the </span><a target="_blank" href="/solutions"><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Office of Homeless Solutions</span></a><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"> (OHS) to permanent roles.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Create four additional civilian positions to make up a compliance analyst team.</span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>
<strong>In-Progress Improvements</strong>
</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Phoenix City Council was presented with updates on many of the initiatives they approved that are currently in progress. Interim Chief Sullivan and Executive Assistant Chief Orender provided estimates and goals for when these projects will be finalized. The timeline for each in-progress enhancement can be found in the presentation itself, on the City's </span><a target="_blank" href="/police/doj"><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">DOJ website.</span></a></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">
<strong style="">Technology:</strong> Explore and begin implementing a new technology which helps those calling 9-1-1 get the help they need more quickly. A new voice activated intelligence system has been approved that will answer roughly 30% of non-emergency calls and free up 9-1-1 call takers to answer emergency calls faster.<br style=""></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">
<strong style="">Professional Standards Bureau:</strong>
The department is focused on several improvements to PSB. Work is underway on updating requirements to provide clear standards on the thoroughness of investigations, improve training for PSB staff, ensure use of force investigations explore whether an officer considered de-escalation strategies and tactics, review all aspects of an incident not just those in the scope of the initial complaint, and provide a written response to any citizen complaint explaining the findings. The Department is also developing a process where if the Chief imposes any employee discipline that is less than what is recommended by the Disciplinary Review Board, it will first have to be approved by the City Manager. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">
</span><strong style="font-size:14.6667px;">Oversight:</strong><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"> Efforts are underway right now to revise the Memorandum of Understanding between Police and the </span><a target="_blank" href="/accountability"><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Office of Accountability and Transparency.</span></a><span style="font-size:14.6667px;"> The Department is also implementing systems to provide written updates every three months to both the City Council and the Civilian Review Board on public safety reforms. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">
<strong style="">Interaction with the Community:</strong> The Phoenix Police Department has several enhancements underway to improve interactions with various segments of the community. This includes a compliance framework for all vehicle and pedestrian stops, creating a clear policy on interactions with youth, developing cultural competency training, and making it easier to report complaints of police misconduct with a new hotline.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">
<strong style="">Vulnerable Populations:</strong> In 2025, the Phoenix Fire Department's Community Assistance Program (CAP) will have 24/7 coverage to assist those needing mental or behavioral health support when calling 911. The Police Department will also adopt policies on unattended property to align with those adopted by the Office of Homeless Solutions (OHS).</span></li>
</ul>
<p>
<strong>Upcoming Improvements</strong>
</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Executive Assistant Chief Dennis Orender presented a plan and timelines for improvement initiatives that will be upcoming. The timeline for each of the below in-progress enhancements can be found in the presentation itself, on the City's </span><a target="_blank" href="/police/doj"><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">DOJ website.</span></a></p>
<p>
<strong style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:14.6667px;"> Oversight</strong>
</p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Update City Council and Civilian Review Board every six months on PD's compliance with OAT recommendations.<br style=""></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">The newly created compliance team will regularly audit a sample of police reports to ensure officers are correctly applying the Fourth Amendment.</span></li>
</ul>
<p></p>
<p>
<strong style="color:windowtext;font-size:14.6667px;background-color:window;"> Accountability</strong>
</p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Police will provide a thorough and complete analysis and rationale for investigative findings and conclusions.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Professional Standards Bureau (PSB) will set and publish clear deadlines for completing investigative reports.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">The Police Department will adopt clear standards and accountability measures for PSB investigators, supervisors and Commanders to ensure that all potential law and policy violations are full investigated.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">PSB will collect and record data for all citizen complaints, including the nature of the complaint and precinct and officer(s) involved. </span></li>
</ul>
<strong style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:14.6667px;"> Resource Deployment</strong>
<br>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Adopt policies to allow the Crisis Intervention team to prioritize urgent/time-sensitive matters.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Explore additional services to be provided by civilian staff, rather than sworn Police Department employees.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Train officers on best use of crisis intervention resources as well as services provided by Cap and OHS.</span><br></li>
</ul>
<strong style="font-size:14.6667px;background-color:window;color:windowtext;"> Training</strong>
<br>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Develop biennial training plan for Crisis Intervention Officers.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Enhance customer service training for all personnel that interacts with the public. </span></li>
</ul>
<p>
<span style="font-size:14.6667px;">
<strong> Vulnerable Persons</strong>
</span>
</p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Continue to explore and expand youth prevention programming.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Create policies in relation to interactions, use of force, consensual contacts, and interviews and interrogations with vulnerable persons.</span></li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p>
<strong>Future Community Feedback</strong>
</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">It is now standard practice for the Phoenix Police Department to open up a public input portal for all major policy revisions. The Following policies that the City of Phoenix is planning to send out for community input in the near future as follows. </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Data Collection Policy following stop, searches, and arrests.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Canine Policy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">City of Phoenix Permitting process</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Youth Interactions Policy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Unattended Property Policy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Seized and Impounded Property Policy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">Systems of Accountability Policies</span></li>
</ul>
<p> <br></p>
<p>
<strong>Watch the Presentation</strong>
</p>
<p><span style="font-size:14.6667px;">To watch the entire presentation to Phoenix City Council from December 10, 2024, visit the link below.</span></p>
<h1 style="">
<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFT98yoUn6I&t=1s">
<strong style="font-size:17.3333px;">Phoenix City Council Work Study Session and Policy Meeting - December 10, 2024</strong>
</a>
</h1>
<p> </p>
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<p>
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</p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/citymanager | News | city-manager |
| City of Phoenix Christmas Holiday Notice | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/city-manager/3116 | City Manager | | 12/9/2024 5:30:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3116/Newsroom_CityHall.jpg | | City of Phoenix Christmas Holiday Notice | <div class="ExternalClass8F7CB7ED32794FA9BA2A42EB2C3A61D1"><html>
<p></p><p>City of Phoenix offices will close at noon on Tuesday, December 24 and remain closed all day on Wednesday, December 25, 2024 in observance of the Christmas holiday. Here's how City services are affected: </p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Solid Waste Collection:</strong> Curbside collection will not be provided on <strong>Christmas Day</strong> (Wednesday, December 25). Solid waste collections will be pushed back by one day, starting with Wednesday's collections being provided on Thursday, December 26 and ending with Friday's collections being provided on Saturday, December 28.</p><p><strong>Transfer Stations:</strong> Both the 27th Ave. and North Gateway transfer stations will close at noon on Tuesday, December 24 and remain closed all day on Wednesday, December 25.</p><p><strong>Public Works Customer Contact Center:</strong> The Contact Center will close at noon on Tuesday, December 24 and remain closed all day on Wednesday, December 25, 2024. It will reopen at 7 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26. Residents can call 602-262-6251.<br></p><p><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong>Library:</strong> All Phoenix Public Library locations will close at noon on Tuesday, December 24 and remain closed all day on Wednesday, December 25, 2024. Visit <a href="https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/" target="_blank">phoenixpubliclibrary.org</a> for more details. Phoenix Public Library book drops and digital/eResources are available 24/7.<br></p><p><strong>Parking Meters:</strong> All parking meters are enforced 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, including weekends and holidays. </p><p><strong></strong><span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong>Parks and Recreation Facilities:</strong> City of Phoenix Community centers will close at noon on Tuesday, December 24 and remain closed all day on Wednesday, December 25, 2024. Parks and trails will be open for regular hours, but please review “<a href="/parks/trails" target="_blank">Take a Hike. Do it Right</a>." safety guidelines before visiting a trail.<span id="ms-rterangepaste-end"></span></p><p><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong>S'edav Va'aki Museum</strong> will closed be on both Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 25, 2024. </p><p><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong>Public Transit:</strong> On Tuesday, Dec. 24 both bus and light rail will operate on a weekday schedule with no Express or RAPID bus service. Customer Service will be open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. On Wednesday, Dec. 25 both bus and light rail will operate on a Sunday schedule and Customer Service is closed. The following public transit centers will also be closed: Ed Pastor, Sunnyslope and Central Station. Check valleymetro.org for schedules. </p><p><strong></strong><span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span><strong></strong><span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span><strong>Dial-a-Ride service</strong> will be available, by reservation, between 5 a.m. to 11 p.m on Dec. 24 and 25. To learn more about the Dial-a-Ride service, visit <a href="/dial-a-ride" target="_blank">Phoenix.gov/dial-a-ride</a>. <span id="ms-rterangepaste-end"></span> <span id="ms-rterangepaste-end"></span> </p><p><strong></strong></p><p><strong>Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport:</strong> If you plan to park at the airport, reserve your parking in advance. Book your parking at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.skyharbor.com/parking/">skyharbor.com/parkphx</a>. Come early even if you have a reservation.</p><p>Passengers can view security checkpoint wait times on <a target="_blank" href="https://skyharbor.com/">skyharbor.com</a> or on one of the flight information display boards in each terminal. You can use any security checkpoint in Terminal 4 to access any gate. </p><p>The PHX Reserve program allows guests to schedule a specific time for their TSA security screening. All you need to do is reserve your time and show up at your assigned checkpoint at your appointment time. Register at <a target="_blank" href="https://skyharbor.com/phxreserve">skyharbor.com/phxreserve</a>. </p><p>Confirm flight status with your airline before heading to the airport, then give yourself plenty of time. Arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight departs if you are flying domestically, three hours if you are flying internationally. </p><p>Finally, look for Navigators dressed in purple. Navigator volunteers serve all over the Airport by providing directions, information, and friendly assistance. They serve as a welcoming presence to more than 130,000 passengers each day, truly making it America's Friendliest Airport®.<br></p></html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/citymanager | News | city-manager |
| S'edav Va'aki Museum Appoints New City Archaeologist | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/sedav-vaaki-museum/3296 | S’edav Va’aki Museum | | 12/6/2024 9:30:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3296/CityArchaeologist_SVM_001.jpg | | S'edav Va'aki Museum Appoints New City Archaeologist | <div class="ExternalClassBF6935888A844CE3B76D6FDD1FEB1997"><html>
<p dir="ltr" style="text-align:left;"><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">S'e</span><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;text-decoration-line:underline;">d</span><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">av Va'a</span><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">ki Museum is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Christopher W. Schwartz, Ph.D., RPA as the new City of Phoenix Archaeologist. Dr. Schwartz moved to Phoenix in 2001 from Rancho Palos Verdes, California and has lived in Arizona ever since. He attended Arizona State University, where he earned B.S., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees in Anthropology with a specialization in Archaeology. He has conducted archaeological work in Arizona and New Mexico, as well as in the Mexican States of Sonora, Chihuahua, Zacatecas, and México. </span></p><p></p>
<p></p>
<p> <span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">After completing his Ph.D. in Anthropology, Dr. Schwartz was a postdoctoral researcher at Arizona State University and lecturer at Northern Arizona University. His academic research examines the social impacts of long-distance exchange and long-term human-animal relationships in pre-Hispanic North America and has been funded by various institutions, including the National Science Foundation, National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Society for American Archaeology. He works primarily in the U.S. Southwest and Northern Mexico and specializes in zooarchaeology, isotopic systems, and Geographical Information Systems. He is the lead editor of </span><em style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">Birds of the Sun: Macaws and People in the Pre-Hispanic U.S. Southwest and Mexican Northwest</em><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">, published by the University of Arizona Press. He has won various awards for scholarship and teaching, most recently including the 2021 Powers Prize at the Pecos Conference and the 2022 Book Subvention Award from the Arizona Archaeological and Historic Society.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p> <span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">Most recently, Dr. Schwartz has been leading a cultural resources department for a private company. He was responsible for the management of more than $3 million of cultural resources projects, oversight of archaeological field operations, compliance and report preparation, and the management and development of a team of 14 archaeologists and specialists.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p> <span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">When he's not out doing archaeology, you can find him on the soccer field, on the trails, or enjoying a cup of coffee with a good book.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p> <span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;">We are excited to welcome Dr. Schwartz to the Museum and to City Archaeology on December 9, 2024</span><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:10pt;"></span></p>
<p>
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</p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/parks/arts-culture-history/sedav-vaaki | News | sedav-vaaki-museum |
| Know Before You Go: APS Electric Light Parade | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/parks-and-recreation/3294 | Parks and Recreation | | 12/6/2024 12:00:00 AM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3294/Newsroom Image (3).png | | Know Before You Go: APS Electric Light Parade | <div class="ExternalClass8C138E26EFFF4074840C42FD51699F3C"><html>
<div></div><div><span style="font-size:13.3333px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">The lights and sounds of the annual APS Electric Light Parade are returning this holiday season! Arizona Public Service (APS) and the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department would like to invite you to join us for a night of community and celebration. Entrants will interpret the theme of "Let Every Holiday Shine” and are sure to light up the streets of central Phoenix on Saturday, Dec. 7, with their visually stunning displays!</span></div><div><span style="font-size:13.3333px;"><br></span></div><h3><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">Know Before You Go</span></h3><p><strong style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:17.3333px;">Street Closures</strong></p><div></div><div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">Road closures and restrictions affect all parade areas hours before the event; come early and expect delays. The following roads are closed from 5- 11:00 p.m. <br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">Central Ave: From Camelback to Bethany Home Road<br style=""></span></div><div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">7th Street: From Indian School to Osborn Road<br style=""></span></div><div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">Camelback Road: 1st Avenue to 7th Street<br style=""></span></div><div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;"><span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span><strong style="color:windowtext;background-color:window;">Parade Route</strong><span id="ms-rterangepaste-end"></span><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">The 2.3 mi. parade route starts at Central Ave. and Montebello Ave., travels south to Central Ave. and Camelback Rd., heads east along Camelback Rd. to 7th St., and continues south along 7th St. to its conclusion at Indian School Rd. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">The first parade will begin at <strong>7 p.m.</strong> and take approximately 60 minutes to reach the end. It is strongly recommended that attendees arrive several hours in advance of the start of the parade to secure a viewing location.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;"><strong style="">Arrival/Parking</strong></span></div><div><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:17.3333px;">Parking is available on City streets around the parade route and is on a first-come, first-served basis. Private lots near the parade area often offer parking for a fee.<br></span></div><div><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:17.3333px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:17.3333px;">Consider taking Valley Metro Light Rail to the event to avoid traffic congestion. The parade route runs near the Light Rail stop at Central Ave., just south of Camelback Rd.</span></div><div><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:17.3333px;"><br></span></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;"><strong style="">Reminders & Helpful Tips</strong></span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size:17.3333px;"><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;"></span><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;">The parade is a </span><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;text-decoration-line:underline;">rain or shine event</span><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;">. </span><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;">Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">Spectators often start arriving hours prior to parade time to reserve <span style="color:windowtext;background-color:window;">a spot; arrive early for the best view!</span></span></li><li><span style="color:windowtext;background-color:window;font-size:17.3333px;">Spectators are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs for seating.</span></li><li><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">Coolers are permitted, but alcoho<span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;">l and glass containe</span><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;">rs are prohibited.</span></span></li></ul></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;"><strong style="">Parade Broadcast</strong></span></div><div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">Can't attend the parade in person? ABC15 will broadcast the parade live and will stream the event on the following dates: </span></div><div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-size:17.3333px;">Facebook Live: ABC15 will air the parade on Facebook Live on December 7.</span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">Sunday, December 15 on ABC15 from 4-5 p.m.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">Wednesday, December 25 on ABC15 from 9-10 a.m. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">Wednesday, December 25 on Arizona61 from 12-1 p.m. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">PHXTV will air the parade throughout the month of December on Channel 11.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:17.3333px;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-size:13.3333px;"><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">The parade will be available for view on the APS Electric Light Parade website: </span><a href="https://phoenix.gov/elp" target="_blank"><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">phoenix.gov/elp</span></a>.</span></div><p><br></p>
</html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/parks | News | parks-and-recreation |
| Holiday Safety and Crime Prevention Tips | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/police/3295 | Police | | 11/27/2024 5:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/3295/Newsroom holiday safety (1).jpg | | Holiday Safety and Crime Prevention Tips | <div class="ExternalClassD45CE7962AAC4DC3A9E2D58321C522E5"><html>
<span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:17.3333px;">As the holiday season approaches, the Phoenix Police Department is sharing vital safety tips to help residents protect their homes, belongings and loved ones. Whether you're traveling, shopping or enjoying festivities at home, these tips can help ensure a safe and joyful holiday season.</span><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
</span><br style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:17.3333px;"><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
</span><br style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:17.3333px;"><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
</span><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:17.3333px;">Online shopping is convenient, but packages left on your doorstep can attract thieves. Protect your deliveries with these simple tips:</span><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
</span><br style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:17.3333px;"><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
</span><ul><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
<span style="font-family:Calibri;">
<li>
<span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-family:Calibri;font-size:17.3333px;">Schedule deliveries for when someone is home or have them sent to your workplace.</span>
</li>
<li>
<span style="color:windowtext;background-color:window;font-family:Calibri;font-size:17.3333px;">Ask a neighbor to pick up your packages.</span>
</li>
<li>
<span style="color:windowtext;background-color:window;font-family:Calibri;font-size:17.3333px;">Track your packages so you know when to expect them.</span>
</li>
<li>
<span style="color:windowtext;background-color:window;font-family:Calibri;font-size:17.3333px;">Install security cameras for added protection and register your systems with <a href="/police/virtualblockwatch" target="_blank">Virtual Block Watch.</a></span>
</li>
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</span></ul><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
</span><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:17.3333px;">“Some online retailers use branded big box trucks, but some don't," said Sergeant Rob Scherer. “Many seasonal employees deliver this stuff in their personal cars, so be vigilant about that, recognize people that seem like they don't belong. If their head seems on a swivel that lends you to believe they're looking for something to take, that's when you call 911, that's when you let neighbors know something might be up."</span><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
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</span><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:17.3333px;">Crowded malls and busy parking lots are common during the holidays. Stay safe while shopping with these tips:</span><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
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<li>Be aware of your surroundings at all times and limit distractions, like cell phones.</li>
<li>Park in well-lit areas, lock your car and hide gifts and bags in the trunk or away from view.</li>
<li>Have your keys ready when heading to your car and lock the doors immediately after getting in.</li>
</span>
</span></ul><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
</span><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:17.3333px;">"It's a crime of opportunity," Sgt. Scherer said. “If I'm a criminal and I'm rolling by your car and I don't see readily available elements to take, I'm probably not going to mess with your car. If I see them out, it's almost like a beacon to criminals."</span><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
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</span><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:17.3333px;">Criminals often take advantage of the holiday spirit, so be cautious of fake solicitors or couriers:</span><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
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<li><span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-family:Calibri;font-size:17.3333px;">Always verify the identity of anyone coming to your door.</span></li>
<li>Donate only to trusted charities and never share personal or financial information with strangers.</li>
</span>
</span></ul><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
</span><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:17.3333px;">Scammers often prey on people's goodwill during the holidays. Keep these tips in mind:</span><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
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<li>
<span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-family:Calibri;font-size:17.3333px;">Don't share personal or financial information over the phone.</span>
</li>
<li>Remember that government agencies will never call asking for payment.</li>
<li>Consider placing a “No Soliciting" sign on your property.</li>
</span>
</span></ul><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
</span><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:17.3333px;">Before you pack your bags, take these precautions before you leave:</span><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
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<li>Lock It Up: Ensure all doors and windows are locked securely.</li>
<li>Neighbors Can Help: Ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your home, collect your mail, and park in your driveway occasionally.</li>
<li>
<span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-family:Calibri;font-size:17.3333px;">Set Timers: Use automatic timers for lights, radios, or TVs to make your home look occupied.</span>
</li>
<li>
<span style="background-color:window;color:windowtext;font-family:Calibri;font-size:17.3333px;">Stop Deliveries: Pause your mail and package deliveries or ask someone to collect them.</span>
</li>
</span>
</span></ul><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
</span><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:17.3333px;">Don't let a Grinch steal your holiday cheer! Keep your decorations safe:</span><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
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<li>Turn off outdoor light displays at night.</li>
<li>Use security cameras and motion-activated lights to monitor your yard.</li>
<li>
<span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:17.3333px;">Stay connected with neighbors and neighborhood apps to stay informed about suspicious activity.<br></span>
</li>
</span>
</span></ul><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
</span><span style="font-family:Calibri;font-size:17.3333px;">By following these tips, you can help ensure a safe and happy holiday season for yourself and your community. If you see any suspicious activity, don't hesitate to call 911.</span><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
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</span><p><span style="font-size:17.3333px;">
<span style="font-family:Calibri;">For more safety tips and resources, visit Phoenix PD's <a href="http://phoenix.gov/police" target="_blank">website </a>or follow us on social media.</span>
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