Lake County Sheriff's Office

Community Policing / Crime Prevention

   440-350-5514

A message from Sergeant Roger Loveland, Project Coordinator:

        "As the Sheriff's Office co-coordinator for community operations, my various tasks relate directly to our efforts to provide the safest environment for the public.  We assist the public by providing a number of programs and services which are intended to educate the residents on public safety concerns.  Highlighted on this page are some of the initiatives that support our efforts.   Through experience and specialized training in crime prevention,  we are able to offer ideas which can ultimately provide a more secure and safer neighborhood or workplace."
 

Safety Tip 

        The “con artist” is a financial predator that will operate individually or as part of a team to rob people using any number of clever methods.  The “con artist” is another name for what was once called a “confidence man” but regardless of the name given his objective is to gain the confidence of his victim to such an extent that they will willingly surrender hard earned money in exchange for a non-existent benefit.  We must all remind ourselves that con artists practice their game repeatedly and frequently function as part of a team to overwhelm their victims and relieve them of their assets.  Here are a few tips on how to watch out for con artists:

Special Note:

        Now that the nice weather is here we are all anxious to get outside and ride our bicycles after a very long winter.  But before you get on your bike and start riding, remember what my friends at Kids Health (www.kidshealth.org) have to say about bike safety ...

Be Seen, Be Safe!

    Wearing bright clothes and putting reflectors on your bike also can help you stay safe. It helps other people on the road see you. And if they see you, that means they're less likely to run into you.  You'll also want to make sure that nothing will get caught in your bike chain, such as loose pant legs, backpack straps, or shoelaces. Wear the right shoes - sneakers - when you bike. Sandals, shoes with heels, and cleats won't help you grip the pedals. And never go riding barefoot! Riding gloves may help you grip the handlebars - and make you look like a professional!  But avoid wearing headphones because the music can distract you from noises around you, such as a car blowing its horn so you can get out of the way.

For more information on bike safety check out kidshealth.org site on bike safety by clicking the picture at on the left!

Programs Of Interest

Internet Safety For Children and Parents  Sgt. Roger Loveland

        I know that the Internet is expanding rapidly, and presents serious concern for parents in terms of keeping up  with their children's access to the many places one can visit from a home computer, both good and bad.  I have found an excellent site that helps parents to understand the internet, teaches children safe internet usage, and provides easy access for parents to get answers to their questions on Internet access.  The site is called NetSmartz.                                  Click On Picture At Right For Easy Access To NetSmatz

What is NertSmartz?

        The NetSmartz Workshop is an interactive, educational safety resource from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® (NCMEC) and Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) for children aged 5 to 17, parents, guardians, educators, and law enforcement that uses age-appropriate, 3-D activities to teach children how to stay safer on the Internet. Read an overview of NetSmartz age-appropriate materials for each age group.

    The goal of the NetSmartz Workshop is to extend the safety awareness of children to prevent victimization and increase self-confidence whenever they go online. These goals include how to:

Ø                 enhance the ability of children to recognize dangers on the Internet
Ø                 enhance the ability of children to understand that people they first "meet" on the Internet should never be considered
             their friend
Ø                 encourage children to report victimization to a trusted adult
Ø                 support and enhance community education efforts
Ø                 increase communication between adults and children about online safety

The NetSmartz Workshop teaches children three basic rules for online safety.

Ø                I will tell an adult I trust if anything makes me feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused.
Ø                I will ask my parents or guardian before sharing my personal information.
Ø                I won't meet in person with anyone I have first "met" online.

PREVENTING IDENTITY THEFT

        FTC's Identity Theft website is a one-stop national resource to learn about the crime of identity theft. It provides detailed information to help you Deter, Detect, and Defend against identity theft. While there are no guarantees about avoiding identity theft, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk and minimize the damage if a problem occurs. 
Click on the icon at the left for easy access to this valuable information

Residential Security

        Understanding what type of locks, lighting, or other security hardware necessary for your home is important.   These concerns are addressed in a neighborhood watch organizational meeting.   Additionally, this office may be contacted and arrangements made for a residential security survey to be conducted at an individual house.  We can offer ideas specific to your situation that will enhance the security of your home.

Business Security   
              
        Adequate security hardware is equally important for a business as it is in your home.  Target Hardening is a term used to describe methods of increasing the effectiveness of intrusion resistance for a business establishment.  A business security survey can be conducted of your business and can offer ideas for improving the security the premises. 

Personal Safety Education