Elmwood Place Police Department
Serving the Community Since 1890
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  • Bicycle Safety – The most fundamental safety concept is that a bicycle must be in good working condition. Our officers go over the basics of bicycle mechanics as well as traffic safety and safety equipment for cyclists.
  • Business Security – Armed robbery, internal thefts, shoplifting and other topics of concern to business owners and employees.
  • Community Action Groups/Community Watch Groups/Enhanced Neighborhood Policing – The concepts of community action groups are explained as well as the role of the Enhanced Neighborhood Policing Advisor in the community. There are 60 neighborhood policing groups that are literally changing the landscape of the community.
  • Carjacking – What to do if you are confronted by a carjacker.
  • Children’s Fingerprinting – Officers fingerprint children in local schools and provide fingerprint cards for the parents.
  • Cons and Con-Artists – A popular program for senior citizens. It focuses on common scams used against the elderly and others in the community.
  • Conflict Resolution – How to resolve conflicts without violence.
  • Drug Education – Focuses on the physical, emotional and sociological impact of drug use. Familiarizes parents and others with the illegal drugs available today.
  • Gun Safety – What a child should do if he or she finds a firearm.
  • Mardi Gras Safety – Important tips for children and adults during the Mardi Gras festivities.
  • McGruff – The famous crime dog teaches our youngest citizens personal safety.
  • Personal Safety (Street Sense) – What to do if crime comes your way and how to avoid it. (At your request, we can focus on any particular crime.)
  • Police Department Tour – Crime Prevention personnel guide small groups through Mobile Police headquarters.
  • Police Relations – Crime Prevention’s own officer-friendly program that introduces law enforcement to young children in a positive way.
  • Residential Security – How to avoid burglaries in your own home.
  • Safety for Seniors – Our Personal Safety program geared toward senior citizens.
  • Stranger Danger – Teaches children what to do if approached by a stranger.

    • General Safety Tips

    General tips for staying safe in a variety of situations including walking, jogging, shopping or riding elevators:

    • Stay alert at all times and tuned in to your surroundings, wherever you are. The wearing of headphones while walking or jogging can reduce your level of alertness.
    • Plan your route in advance, and vary your routes whenever possible.
    • Get to know the neighborhood and neighbors where you live and work. Find out what stores and restaurants are open late and where police and fire stations are located.
    • When walking or jogging, use busy streets; and avoid shortcuts through deserted parks, vacant lots, and unlit passages.
    • At night, walk or jog only on streets with plenty of light and traffic, and avoid walking alone if possible.
    • Walk on the part of the sidewalk close to the street and away from shrubbery, trees, or doorways. On less busy streets at night, it is sometimes safer to walk in the street rather than on the sidewalk.
    • Stand tall and walk confidently. Don't make it obvious if you are in unfamiliar territory.
    • Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, leave right away and get help if necessary.
    • Don't carry large sums of cash. If you do carry cash, do not display it in public.
    • If possible, carry only identification, phone numbers and the credit cards you will need. Keep a list at home of credit cards and other important material you would need to replace in case of loss.
    • Separate your house keys from your car keys. Women should keep their keys in places other than their purses. If your purse is snatched, you will still have your keys.
    • Keep names and phone numbers of relatives or friends on your person, in case of an accident or emergency.
    • Consider carrying a whistle or other noisemaker, and sound it loudly if you are accosted or feel threatened.
    • Beware of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas. Thieves often work in pairs: One may bump you or cut you off, while the other is picking your pocket.
    • A good purse is one with a flap that folds over the opening, fastens at the bottom, and often has an interior zipper. A purse that you can easily open is also a purse from which a thief can easily steal.
    • Purses should be carried close to the body, under an exterior garment, and slung across the body. Flaps should be secured and turned toward the body at all times.
    • Wallets should be carried in an inside coat pocket and cash in a front pants pocket. A rubber band tied several times around a wallet can increase friction and make it easier for you to notice if someone is trying to pickpocket you.
    • Avoid wearing excessive jewelry. In particular, keep necklaces and bracelets inside your clothing.
    • Don't discuss personal information with strangers.
    • Before entering an elevator, look at the persons already in the car. If you are uneasy, wait for the next elevator.
    • If a suspicious person enters an elevator and you are uneasy, then get off right away.
    • If you notice a person in an elevator has not pushed a floor indicator button, do not get off at your floor. Go back to the lobby and report the suspicious activity.
    • Stand near the control buttons. If threatened or attacked, sound the alarm and push several floor buttons if possible.
     

    Banking and ATM Safety


    Automatic teller machines (ATMs) have revolutionized the personal banking industry, providing unprecedented ease and convenience. However, they have also created new opportunities for thieves and robbers. Here are tips to keep you and your money secure while conducting all types of banking transactions.

    • Never walk away from the teller's window or an ATM with cash still in hand. If you are going to count your money, do so at the window or the ATM. Take the time to put your money in your wallet and put your wallet in an inside pocket or pouch before leaving.
    • Be aware of your surroundings while making transactions at an ATM. If you feel uneasy, end the transaction as quickly as possible and leave the area.
    • Look around before entering a secured ATM center. Never hold the door open for someone else entering an ATM location. You could be letting in a possible offender.
    • If someone follows you into an ATM center and you feel uncomfortable, leave right away.
    • Avoid using an ATM at night.
    • Fill out deposit slips before beginning your transaction (not in plain view). Complete your transaction quickly.
    • Use your body as a shield when making a transaction at the bank teller or the ATM.
    • Keep your Personal Identification Number (PIN) private. Never affix it to your card or keep a copy in the same wallet as your card.
    • Take all receipts with you. You don't want to let a potential criminal know how much money you have withdrawn or how much you have in the bank.
    • Avoid large cash withdrawals.
    • When making an ATM transaction from your car, be aware of your surroundings. Keep your eyes and ears open, and keep car doors locked.
     
     

    Driver Saftey

    Auto Thefts, Car Jacking and Thefts from Vehicles

    • Always remove your key from the ignition and lock your car, regardless of the time you expect to be away from your car. Nationally, 13 percent of the cars stolen have the keys in it.
    • Make it difficult for a thief to tow your car by parking it with the front wheels turned sharply to the right or left and apply the emergency brakes. Nationally, 10 percent of all stolen vehicles are towed away.
    • Install and use anti-theft devices.
    • Avoid dark, isolated areas. Park only in well lit areas. When parking in a public garage, leave only the ignition key. When returning to your car, do not approach if a suspicious person is nearby.
    • Keep packages out of sight or locked in the trunk.
    • Never roll down your window to a suspicious person. Drive with your windows up and doors locked.
     


    Home Security Tips / Property ID Form

    A Property Identification Record can make all the difference to you in the event of a burglary to your home or business. So often, the police will impound stolen goods, but lack of identification records or identifying features will make it impossible to determine ownership. We suggest that you either engrave an identifying mark on your property, or be prepared to furnish identification records, such as the one available below.

    Help the police to help you!


    Doors, Windows, Locks and Keys

    • All doors that lead to the outside should be metal or solid-core, 1-3/4 inch hardwood. Most hollow doors can be easily broken through.
    • Each door should fit in its frame with no more than 1/8 inch clearance between the door and frame. A metal lining on the inside of an exterior door can prevent drilling, sawing, or kicking through.
    • Make sure all doors to the outside have good locks -- deadbolt locks with a minimum 1-1/2 inch bolt. Make sure locks are also installed on screen and storm doors, garage doors, cellar doors, patio doors, and any other door that leads to the outside (including second-floor patios or decks).
    • Always use the locks you have, on both your home and your garage. Lock up every time you go out, even if it's only for a few minutes. Almost 50 percent of burglars enter homes or property through unlocked doors or windows.
    • Locks on doors should be placed at least 40 inches away from windows, glass panels, and other potential openings such as mail slots. Make it hard for a burglar to reach in and unlock your door. Or install double cylinder, deadbolt locks that need to be opened with a key from the inside as well as the outside.
    • Door hinges should always be on the inside and designed so that hinge pin cannot be removed from the outside.
    • Never hide keys outside, such as under a bush or in a flower pot. Burglars know where to find "secret" hiding places. It's much better to leave a key with a trusted neighbor.
    • Don't place identification tags on your keys or key rings; if you lose them, you give potential burglars help.
    • Secure sliding glass doors with commercially available bars or locks, or put a wooden dowel or broom handle in the door track. Burglars look for sliding glass doors because they are the easiest to open.
    • Secure roof openings and exhaust systems.
    • Make sure windows, especially those at ground level, have good locks-and always use the locks you have.
    • The center thumb-turn locks on many standard windows can be easily pried open or reached through a broken pane. For especially vulnerable windows, install key locks or consider installing grates or grilles (but make sure the devices can be easily detached to allow quick escape during a fire or other emergency). Glass block windows offer excellent security for basement windows.

    Shrubbery and Lighting

    • Make sure all porches and other possible entrances are well lit, with at least 40-watt bulbs. A well-lit house is far better protected than a house without lights.
    • Overgrown bushes, tree limbs, or landscaping can provide cover for burglars. Trim them to the height of porches or windows.

    Other Tips

    • Always lock up ladders and tools. Don't give a burglar the resources to break into your home.
    • Window air conditioning units should be bolted to the wall to prevent them from being easily removed from the outside.
    • If you have recently purchased a television, stereo equipment, or other household item, do not throw the empty boxes in the alley garbage. This is a sure sign and strong temptation for burglars.
    • Turn the ringer on the telephone down low. If a burglar is around, he won't be alerted to your absence by a ringing phone.
    • If you are out during the day or on vacation, use an automatic timer to turn on lights and a radio at different times of the day. It is an easy way to disguise the fact they you aren't home.
    • Have a trusted neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers every day while you are on vacation. Have a neighbor use your garbage cans occasionally. During the winter, arrange to have snow shoveled.
     

    Public Transportation Safety

    Reports of crime on Mobile's buses have declined over the last several years. Nevertheless, you should always remain alert when riding public transportation. Here are some tips for remaining safe:
    • Plan your trip.
    • "Call backs" are a good idea. Advise a family member, friend or co-worker of your travel route and time. Call them when you arrive safely.
    • Have your exact fare ready before you leave your home, office or a store. This way you won't have to fumble for your money at the fare box or display extra cash.
    • Use a busy and well-lighted bus stop to get on and off a bus. If you must wait, stay near the attendant's stand or in a well-lighted area.
    • Find a seat on the aisle if possible. This allows you to observe everything around you, and to avoid getting "boxed in" against the window.
    • Sit near the driver or operator, but avoid sitting right next to the door. Thieves may try to snatch jewelry or personal belongings from people near the door and exit quickly.
    • Don't doze off on a bus or become too engrossed in a book. It can make you an easy target.
    • Keep your purse, shopping bag, backpack, packages or other belongings in your lap, on your arm, or between your feet. Do not leave them on an empty seat.
    • Avoid displaying expensive looking watches, rings, necklaces or other jewelry. Don't invite trouble.
    • Be wary of noisy passengers arguing or causing a commotion. This could be staged to distract you while others are trying to steal your valuables.
    • Observe the behavior of those around you. If you feel uneasy or threatened, change your seat or alert the driver.
    • Minimize the chances of losing your property by avoiding crowded buses.

     

    Types of Frauds

    IDENTITY THEFT/ PREVENTION OF CREDIT CARD FRAUDS/CHECK FORGERIES

    • Those receiving checks in the mail on a regular basis should consider the use of Direct Deposit to prevent your checks from being stolen from the mail.
    • Check all monthly statements carefully for charges/checks not authorized by you.
    • Do not give your checking/charge account numbers over the phone to someone you do not know.
    • Do not have Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) written where others can get them. It is best to have them memorized, not written down.
    • Destroy unneeded receipts to keep unauthorized persons from obtaining card numbers.
    • IF YOUR WALLET OR PURSE IS STOLEN, IT IS A POTENTIAL GOLD MINE FOR A THIEF.  HERE IS WHAT YOU MUST DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF.
    1. File a report with the police immediately. Get a copy in case your bank, credit card company or insurance company needs proof of the crime. Copies are available at the Police Department, Monday through Friday, 2460 Government Blvd.
      Case Number: _____________________.
    2. Cancel each credit and charge card. Get new account numbers.
    3. Call the fraud departments of the major credit reporting agencies to prevent misuse of your credit cards.

      Equifax:               (800) 525-6285  
      Experian:             (888) 397-3742
      TransUnion:         (800) 680-7289

    4. Ask the credit bureaus for copies of your credit reports. They are free. Review the reports to make sure no additional fraudulent accounts have been opened in your name or unauthorized changes made to your existing accounts. Recheck in a  few months. Credit reports also  are available at: annualcreditreports.com.
    5. Report the loss to your bank if your wallet or purse contained bank account information, including account numbers, ATM cards or checks. Cancel checking and savings accounts and open new ones. Stop payments on outstanding checks.
    6. Contact the major check verification companies to request that retailers be notified not to accept the stolen checks.

      Telecheck: (800) 710-9898
      Certegy Inc.: (800) 437-5120

    7. 7. To find out if bad checks have been passed in your name, call SCAN at (800) 262-7771.
    8. Get a new ATM card, account number and PIN or password.
    9. Report a stolen driver’s license to the Department of Motor Vehicles (251) 660-2330. Replacement cards are available through the License Commissioner, 574-8562. 10. Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213, for replacement of Social Security and Medicaid cards.