National Night Out Only The Start Of Crime Prevention

National Night Out, to be held Tuesday, brings together residents and local law enforcement to address neighborhood crime prevention. It serves as a great opportunity to meet neighbors and Oak Creek city leaders, learn about local programs and enjoy refreshments.

The event begins outside the and ends with a flashlight walk to the high school football field for fireworks around 9 p.m.

In honor of National Night Out, here’s a look at some of Oak Creek's year-round crime-prevention efforts.

Neighborhood Watch 

Since law enforcement can't be everywhere, neighbors can help keep their community safe with an ever-vigilant eye. 

"The best tool ever made was a friendly neighbor," said Kim Bogadi of the police department's community resource bureau. "They can watch your home for suspicious behavior when you're out, as well as inside your house."

To start a neighborhood watch program, one can volunteer to be a block captain. This person will connect with their neighbors, host a training session with local law enforcement and pass out quarterly security newsletters. Observation training increases the community's ability to protect itself from suspicious behavior.

Concerned Parents Program 

This program helps families with teenagers prevent underage-drinking parties. By informing the police an adolescent is home unsupervised, the parents can choose which vehicles and people are permissible in the home. This way, if an underage drinking party is held, the police already know to investigate complaints.

"Parents are liable for underage drinking parties even if they're not present," Bogadi said. "This program is a preventative tool that is very easy for everyone. Parents can leave without worry and their teenager can stand up to a pressuring friend and say, ‘No, I can’t have a party here - the police department knows my parents are out and have a key to my house.'" 

Charlie Check First Safety Talks

Charlie Check First is curriculum aimed at children and replacing the notion of "stranger danger."

"A child is used to the message 'don’t talk to strangers,'" Bogadi said. "The problem is, who is a stranger to a child? Children generally describe bad guys in fairy tales. Sadly, the reality is 98.8 percent of molestations and abductions occur from people they know, such as relatives or friends."

Charlie Check First teaches children that they need approval from mom and dad before saying yes to anyone and anything. If they can't check first, then no is the answer to taking candy, money or a free ride.

Security Survey

When requested, a police officer will conduct a survey on a home or business. They will examine a building for properly-installed locks on doors and windows, property visibility and anything preventing maximum security. The officer will then send the owner suggestions of what should be changed.

The Oak Creek Police Department also offers free danger awareness and self-defense seminars. Two courses - a two-evening course and a day-long course - will be offered this fall.

To learn more about any of the following programs contact Bogadi at (414) 766-7624.