Crime Prevention
The Stearns County Sheriff's Office has long been a strong supporter of crime prevention in the local communities. Without this program at work in our communities, there would be more chances for crime to exist. Neighbors watching out for neighbors also provides a means to build stronger relationships with each other, and with law enforcement. The ability for citizens to be able to report suspicious activity to the Sheriff's Office has enabled them to stop crimes from happening in our communities.
When one thinks of Crime Prevention, the first thing that may come to mind is the Neighborhood Watch program. This is a strong resource which enables neighborhoods to come closer together with each other and with the Sheriff's Office. With citizens taking on some responsibility for their neighborhoods, it lets others know that crime will not be tolerated. By simply having a short meeting with one of the Stearns County Deputies, a neighborhood can create a Neighborhood Watch program.
There are also other programs in which the individual can participate. The most notable is Operation Identification. This simple program starts with receiving an ID number from the Sheriff's Office, and inscribing it on all valuables which the individual wants marked. With this ID number on property it makes it possible for law enforcement to track lost or stolen property.
With the way central Minnesota is expanding in population and with society being more mobile, we are bound to have more crimes reported. With the help of citizens, your local law enforcement agencies will be better able to serve the community. We, as law enforcement and neighborhoods, are in the fight against crime together. Without the cooperation between the two, crime will have an easier time existing, but through cooperation we can have a positive impact.