Crime Prevention

Crime Prevention Unit
Click Here to access on-line applications to participate in the Citizen Police Academy, join the Star City Business Watch, start a neighborhood watch group, or to report possible criminal activity occurring in the City of Roanoke.

The Crime Prevention Unit is responsible for establishing, managing and maintaining programs and initiatives related to crime prevention. The unit is dedicated to preventing and reducing the opportunity for crime to occur. Crime problems and trends are addressed through a cooperative effort from various government agencies, private corporations and the community. In addition, the unit remains in constant contact with neighborhood watch groups and the Star City Business Watch. The unit’s duties associated with these groups include conducting requested training and making presentations. Various officers within the department conduct presentations. Presentations often include the following topics:

· Child Safety
· Fraud and Identity Theft Prevention-Get tips on how to protect yourself
· General Personal Safety
· Personal Safety for Women
· Rape Aggression Defense System (RAD, 8 hour women's self-defense course)
· Workplace Violence
· Shoplifting Prevention
· Drug Awareness for parents and adults
· Vacation Safety
· Child Internet Safety

The Crime Prevention Unit also conducts security assessments for home and businesses owners, conducts security checks of homes and businesses when the owners are away for an extended period of time, and installs child safety seats. Officers outside the Crime Prevention Unit can assist with these duties, and also attend regular meetings of neighborhood watch groups as often as possible. To request additional information on any of the services listed above contact the Northeast Satellite Office of the Roanoke Police Department at 853-2132.

Project Lifesaver
Another responsibility of the Crime Prevention Unit is maintaining Project Lifesaver. The Roanoke Police Department launched the program in September 2002. Project Lifesaver uses technology to assist caregivers of people who suffer with Alzheimer’s, Downs Syndrome, Autism and other related mental dysfunction disorders. Those utilizing the program wear personalized radio transmitters. The Crime Prevention Unit can track individual transmitters, allowing officers to quickly locate someone who is lost or has wandered away. The program is free of charge. The Roanoke Police Department also allows citizens in near-by jurisdictions to obtain transmitters.

National Night Out
The Crime Prevention Unit also participates in National Night Out, which is held on the first Tuesday in August each year. The annual event allows neighborhood watch groups throughout the city to take a public stand against crime.

Roanoke Valley TRIAD
On September 15, 2009, the Roanoke Police Department took part in the TRIAD/SALT conference held at the Roanoke Civic Center. TRIAD is a national organization coordinated in Virginia by the Office of the Attorney General. The group has been operating in the Roanoke Valley since 1995. TRIAD provides seniors, their caregivers, and their families with information regarding criminal activity that targets the elderly. The SALT, or Seniors and Law Enforcement Together, Council coordinates monthly programs and special activities throughout the year for seniors. The TRIAD/SALT Council meets every fourth Thursday from 11 a.m. to noon at the Pheasant Ridge Retirement Residence Community Room. For more information click on the Roanoke Valley TRIAD link.