Stafford Police Department

Crime Victims Assistance Program

The Crime Victims Assistance Program was created in 1996 to increase accessibility and improve communications with Stafford residents.

The goal of the Crime Victims Assistance Program is to protect the rights of and provide immediate services to victims and survivors of violent crime. Although services are tailored to meet the individual needs of the victim, the Program consists of crisis intervention counseling, advocacy, education, referral, and follow-up checks. The liaison not only offers emotional support to victims, but also step-by-step assistance in making necessary arrangements following the crime. Referrals are often necessary for counseling, abuse shelters, legal aid, and more. The officer works closely with local social service agencies to help crime victims return to their prior level of wellbeing. The liaison also provides information about the Crime Victims Compensation Act, a state program that reimburses victims for certain expenses related to violent crime. By ensuring victims' rights and offering emergency assistance, the Crime Victims Assistance Program facilitates cooperation from crime victims and increases their level of satisfaction.

Please contact Raphael Virata at the Stafford Police Department, 281-261-3950 or rvirata@staffordpd.com, for additional information.

Community Services Program

The Community Services Program, also created in 1996, aims to educate and empower residents and business people in the fight against crime. Citizens can get involved in numerous programs and classes to better protect themselves and strengthen their community.

CRIME PREVENTION FOR RESIDENTS

Security Surveys:

This service consists of an on-site examination of your home and surrounding property to identify loss potential and to recommend steps to minimize criminal opportunity. The surveys are conducted by police officers who are certified crime prevention practitioners. Insurance reduction surveys, in accordance with State Insurance Board requirements, are also available.

Neighborhood Watch:

This program uses citizen involvement in a single neighborhood to secure each other's homes and personal property and to report suspicious activity to the Police Department.

Operation Identification:

This program provides information on how to inventory property to discourage theft and facilitate the return of recovered property. Engravers are made available for loan to participants, and stickers and forms are provided for free.

Crime Prevention Education Presentations:

These presentations, made by a crime prevention officer or the Community Services Coordinator, are available to community groups or civic clubs and cover the following topics:

• Parents' Guide to Teen Substance Abuse
• Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention
• Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention
• Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention
• Gang Awareness and Prevention
• Handgun Laws and Safety
• Senior Citizens and Crime Prevention
• Personal Safety
• Vehicle Crime Prevention
• Avoiding Scams and Rip-Offs

Presentations last 30 to 45 minutes and must be scheduled two weeks in advance. Handout materials are provided.

Positive Interaction Programs (P.I.P):

This program unites the efforts of the police and residential communities to prevent crime in Stafford. At each of the quarterly P.I.P. meetings, crime data for all neighborhoods is distributed. The meetings also include presentations on crime prevention topics.

The Community Services Coordinator serves as liaison for Stafford residents experiencing ongoing, crime-related problems in their neighborhoods and is available to help residents develop strategies to resolve these problems.

CRIME PREVENTION FOR BUSINESS OWNERS
AND MANAGERS

Security Inspections:

Similar to the home surveys, business security inspections consist of inspecting the interior and exterior of the building to ensure that it is properly secured. The inspections are conducted by the police officers with advanced commercial crime prevention training.

Business Crime Prevention Alliance:

This program consists of quarterly meetings for the business community so that the business owners and managers can share ideas and information about crime prevention. Representatives from the Police Department are on hand to answer questions and address concerns. Meetings include one or two presentations on various crime prevention topics. Information about crimes occurring at Stafford businesses is also provided.

Crime Prevention Education Presentations:

These presentations are made at places of business so that employers and employees can receive information on the following subjects:

• Robbery Prevention
• Vehicle Crime Prevention
• Personal Safety
• Shoplifting Prevention
• Check Fraud
  

CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY

The Citizens Police Academy was created in 1994 to promote a better understanding of the Police Department. Members will graduate with greater insight into the Police Department's operations and personnel.

The Academy's 10-week program consists of weekly 3-hour long classes that provide an overview of the day-to-day operations of the Department and the responsibilities of the different divisions. Some of the topics include: emergency communications, narcotics, hostage negotiations, special weapons and tactics team, gangs, patrol procedures, and investigations. Those who desire will be allowed to complete an 8-hour tour of duty with a patrol officer and attend the shooting range with a firearms instructor.

Additional programs or services may be developed at the request of Stafford citizens, depending on public interest. Contact the Community Services Coordinator, Raphael Virata, at 281-261-3950 or rvirata@staffordpd.com to make a request or to obtain information on any of the existing programs or services.