Crime Prevention

The College Place Police Department works collaboratively with the community to prevent and reduce crime through the deployment of various crime prevention strategies. As a community oriented agency, we believe keeping our city safe is everyone’s responsibility.

There are things you can do to reduce or eliminate crime in your neighborhood. To learn more about these programs please read below or contact our  Records Supervisor Marianne Barr who will assist you or direct you to an officer.

Marianne Barr                                         
Records Supervisor                                            
Crime Prevention Coordinator                   
Phone: 509-394-8550                                      

2018 Crime in Washington Annual Report
2019 Crime in Washington Annual Report
2020 Crime in Washington Annual Report
2021 Crime in Washington Annual Report

Community Programs

Community Meetup Spot - If you are purchasing or exchanging an item through an Internet business, classified website or need a location for child custody exchange, we have a dedicated community meetup spot in front of the Police Department. We have 24 hour monitored security cameras and officers in and around our facility. We hope this provides a level of protection and security for both parties conducting business.

House Check - Going on vacation? Request a CPPD Officer  check your house while you are away. Click here to download request form  Upon request, officers will routinely visually check and inspect your residence while you are away. 

Block Watch:  Everybody can play a part in crime prevention. As Mcgruff would say, “Take a bite out of crime” and learn how you can help protect your neighborhood through collaboration with the police department and by watching out for neighbors. To start a block watch program simply contact the Police Department and request attendance to your neighborhood meeting.

For further information about Crime Prevention programs, please visit:

Washington State Crime Prevention Association
National Crime Prevention Council
Alarms.org

Nextdoor:  is the private social network for you, your neighbors and your community. It's the easiest way for you and your neighbors to talk online and make all of your lives better in the real world. And it's free. You can sign up here: https://nextdoor.com/city/college-place--wa/

Nextdoor's mission is to bring back a sense of community to the neighborhood, one of the most important communities in each of our lives. Thousands of neighborhoods are already using Nextdoor to build happier, safer places to call home.

People are using Nextdoor to:
•             Quickly get the word out about a break-in
•             Organize a Neighborhood Watch Group
•             Track down a trustworthy babysitter
•             Find out who does the best paint job in town
•             Ask for help keeping an eye out for a lost dog
•             Find a new home for an outgrown bike
•             Finally call that nice man down the street by his first name 

Crime Free Rental Housing

The Crime Free Rental Housing program involves collaboration between the Police Department, landlords and property managers working together to keep rental housing crime free. Across the country, Crime Free rental housing programs have assisted communities reduce and deter crimes associated with home rentals.

The College Place Crime Free Housing Ordinances assist the Police Department, property owners and renters the ability to establish a safer rental environment, reduce crime and help create a safer community. This is done through rental contracts, tenant background checks, reporting illegal activity and improved understanding of rental laws such as eviction processes and landlord vs. tenant rights.

Information and education will be provided free to property owners and tenants through a volunteer training program. The goal is to help the city of College Place reduce crime and foster a safer community.

Training – The College Place Police Department is in partnership with the Walla Walla Police Department. To schedule training please visit the Walla Walla Police Departments Landlord/Tenant Training site for crime-free rental housing.

For additional information click on: Crime Free Housing Ord No. 17-011

Portable Speed Trailer

Speed problems in your neighborhood? Call the College Place Police Department to utilize our speed trailer. The Radar Reader Board routinely hits our streets and neighborhoods to remind neighbors to keep to the speed limit. Please contact SEO Ron Nordman to request its use.

Bicycle License

Did you know the college Place Police Department recovers nearly 50 stolen bicycles a year that go unclaimed? We can help identify and return your bicycle by participating in the bicycle license program. The $5 fee will provide you a lifetime registration for your bicycle that will allow us to contact you when a bicycle has been recovered. For more information on how to purchase a bicycle license please contact the police department during normal business hours or email Marianne Barr.

Home Security Surveys

Should you have concerns about the security of your home, or should you desire to enhance the security of your residence and surrounding buildings associated with your property, the Police Department encourages you request what is referred to as a “Home Security Survey.”  An officer will set up an appointment with you to come to your home, examine your doors, windows, and other points of vulnerability and provide suggestions on how to “harden the target” or in other words, make it more difficult for an unwanted person to surreptitiously enter your house.

You are under no obligation to implement the recommendations. However, you will at a minimum have the information should you choose to act on it at a later time.

Crime Prevention Tips:

Car Prowls

Car Prowls continue to be a problem in our city. You can help us reduce instances of car prowls by implementing the following strategies:

1)      Lock your vehicle and remove all valuables.
2)      Make your vehicle less appealing by removing contents from eyesight.
3)      Park in well-lit and heavily traveled areas.
4)      Avoid placing items in trunk after parking. Someone could be watching for opportunities. Plan your                        storage of items ahead of time.
5)      Use a car alarm.
6)      Park in areas with video surveillance system.
7)      Keep vehicle within secured garage while home.
           If you are a victim of car prowl please report it immediately to the Police Department.

Burglary

If you see something suspicious report it to the Police Department immediately. You can also implement the following strategies:
1)      Light up your residence
2)      Lock your doors and windows
3)      Always make your home appear occupied.
4)      Install a burglar alarm system
5)      Install a video security system
6)      Prevent the build-up of mail and newspaper deliveries when away.
7)      Have a neighbor look after your home while away.
8)      Request the Police Department to check your residence while away.
9)      Do not post vacations on social media – Wait to share upon your return!
10)   Hire a house sitter to stay at your residence while away.

Tips to reduce package theft:  

1. Send packages to your work.
2. Require a signature for delivery.
3. Inform a neighbor you are expecting a package.
4. Do not schedule deliveries when you are away.
5. Install a home video surveillance system.
6. Use locker delivery services.
7. Have products shipped to in-store pickup.
8. Use PO Box for deliveries.
9. Install a secure package box.

Phone Scams & Fraud

Phone scams have increased with the amount of information available on social media and the internet. Often times, the criminal will find the victims phone and name from a simple internet search. Many criminals will collect information to include photos from social media and attempt to use it as leverage against the victim. These criminals are very convincing and know how to invoke people’s emotions. If you receive a phone call where you question the credibility please contact the Police immediately. 

Tips - The College Place Police Department suggests conducting a Google search on yourself routinely to see what information is available online. Many people are unaware you may select to opt out of many web pages that publish personal information. You should also make sure to select “Private” on your personal social media site. 

Other information on how to protect yourself from scams can be found here:
Federal Trade Commission web page at Consumer.ftc.gov/scam-alerts .
U.S. Government scam and fraud warnings: https://www.usa.gov/common-scams-frauds

Auto Theft Prevention
The National Insurance Crime Bureau or NICB suggests the following to help prevent theft through a layered approach:

LAYER 1: Easy habits

• Lock your doors
• Remove your keys from the ignition
• Close your windows completely
• Park in well-lit areas

LAYER 2: USE A VISIBLE OR AUDIBLE DEVICE 

• Audible alarms
• Steering column collars
• Steering wheel/brake pedal lock
• Brake locks
• Wheel locks
• Theft deterrent decals
• Identification markers in or on vehicle
• Window etching
• Micro Dot marking

LAYER 3: INSTALL A VEHICLE IMMOBILIZER

• Smart keys
• Fuse cut-offs
• Kill switches
• Starter, ignition and fuel disablers
• Wireless, ignition authentication

LAYER 4: INVEST IN A TRACKING SYSTEM
Invest in a tracking system: Onstar, LoJack or others