WCSO NEWS RELEASE
Washoe County Sheriff’s Office volunteers will be walking the Virginia Foothills area on Saturday, June 2nd from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. as part of a community-wide “Knock and Lock” campaign to encourage citizens to keep their homes and vehicles locked and provide seasonal safety information to residents and their families.
“Information is power” said Sheriff Mike Haley. “Empowering the public is what public safety is all about.”
Approximately forty Sheriff’s Office Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers will be walking neighborhoods door-to-door to provide residents with timely information on the latest threats, trends and tools in crime prevention.
Information offered includes:
- An emergency preparedness guide provided by Washoe County Emergency Management that helps prepare family, friends and pets for most emergency situations including fire, flood and earthquakes.
- Tips to reduce the risk of vehicle burglaries which historically rise in the warmer spring and summer months.
- Child safety tips parents can follow to protect their children at home, on the street and on the internet.
- AlertID, a free online service that allows residents to receive and exchange critical information happening in their neighborhoods that help keep families and neighborhoods safe.
Volunteers will carry CERT credentials to identify themselves as Sheriff’s Office volunteers. A Command Post will be set up at Brown Elementary School (13815 Spelling Court, Reno) for all residents, regardless of where they live, who would like to receive these crime prevention materials.
Captain Darin Balaam hopes to reach at least 500 homes within the five hour outreach campaign. “Prevention is the key,” said Balaam, “we hope that residents will take a few minutes to review the materials and prepare a plan in the event of an emergency.”
The Sheriff’s Office monitors emerging trends through a nationally recognized data-driven approach and works creatively with community and media partners to mobilize efforts, and resources to proactively reduce crime and increase public safety.
The Sheriff’s Office hopes to initiate several neighborhood “Knock and Lock” outreach campaigns during the warmer summer months.
Residents can also stay informed by signing up for a monthly “Community Partnership Connection” e-newsletter at www.washoesheriff.com. These monthly email publications offer practical and valuable information that can help keep residents safe while also providing resources and contact information to help them make informed decisions. It’s also an opportunity to learn more about Sheriff’s Office programs, services and the partnerships within the community.
