We can’t stress enough the importance of reporting suspicious behavior. Sometimes, people are reluctant to call 9-1-1 about behavior they feel is suspicious because they believe their call will be a burden or unnecessarily tie up police resources. In fact, reporting suspicious activity immediately can help police prevent or interrupt crime.
What is suspicious behavior? If it’s suspicious to you, it’s worth reporting it to 9-1-1.
Examples include:
- Unusual noises, including screaming, sounds of fighting, breaking glass
- People in or around buildings or areas who do not appear to be conducting legitimate business
- Unauthorized people in restricted areas
- Vehicles driving slowly and aimlessly through neighborhoods, around schools, or parking lots
- People peering into parked vehicles that are not their own
- People who change their behavior when they notice they have been seen
- People dressed inappropriately for the weather or occasion, (i.e., heavy coat in warm weather)
When to report suspicious behavior?
Call 9-1-1 when:
- You believe someone is in physical danger
- You believe a specific crime is happening
- You believe something is suspicious
What makes it suspicious? Be able to explain to the 9-1-1 call taker why the behavior you are seeing/hearing is suspicious. What gives you the feeling that a crime is in progress or about to occur? Don’t doubt your instincts; call 9-1-1 and let our RPD evaluate and respond to the information you provide.
Additionally, it is important to visit the Village web site and sign up for police department press releases. Once there, locate connect, select receive notifications, and then go to news flash and select Riverside Police Department News Releases, The police department releases all information related to traffic offenses, traffic enforcement, and police department initiatives we are undertaking to keep the community safe and issues relevant to criminal activity.
You can also follow Riverside Police Department on Twitter @pdriverside. If you do not have a Twitter account, you can go to www.twitter.com and set one up for free. The police department uses Twitter for short blasts of information that the community needs on a timely basis.