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The Community Relations Commission
Mayor
In 1990, Columbus Community Relations Com- • Enforce the City of Columbus Civil Rights Code. Michael B.
mission was established to help bring civic leaders,
business leaders, citizens and elected officials together The ABC’s of the CPD & CFD is interactive workshop Coleman
on issues of ethnic, racial and cultural diversity. Mayor designed to educate the community on how the Co- Presents
Michael B. Coleman and Community Relations Com- lumbus Police and Fire Divisions function.
mission Executive Director James L. Stowe are com- • Find out about the responsibilities of police and fire
mitted to opening the doors and neighborhoods of when they are not responding to a call
Columbus to every family. Through the work of the • Obtain fire safety precaution instruction taught inter-
Community Relations Commission our vision of
Building a Community For All can be a reality.
actively by firefighters and paramedics
• Gain a better understanding of the priority call sys-
Southside CAN Edition July 2007
The Community Relations Commission is directed to: tem and how calls for service are answered
• Promote mutual understanding and respect among • Participate in “shoot, do not shoot,” traffic stop and
all racial, religious, nationality, cultural, and ethnic domestic violence scenarios with police officers
groups in Columbus and suggest ways to prevent • Learn about the ways police and fire are working to
discriminatory practices against such behavior. better communicate and address language barriers
• Work with community organizations to develop • View a taser demonstration and ask questions about
programs and educational campaigns devoted to the drug, gang activity and pedestrian safety
elimination of group prejudices, racial or neighbor-
hood tensions, If you are intersted in more events, visit
• Conduct research on the status and treatment of http://community.ci.columbus.oh.us/
racial, religious and ethnic groups in Columbus.
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For more information:
Neighborhood Safety Working Group: Columbus Police: Columbus Fire: Neighborhood Pride:
www.safercolumbus.org www.columbuspolice.org www.columbusfire.org www.columbus.gov
Or call 614-645-3111 for all inquiries
www.columbus.gov www.columbus.gov
16
Welcome to the Southside CAN Neighborhood Safety Academy! There’s no
more important mission than keeping our neighborhoods safe, but our Po- Columbus Department of Health
lice Officers can’t do it alone. With everyone working together we can send Welcomes You
Dr. Teresa Long, Director
a message to criminals to stay off our streets, making the quality of life bet-
ter for all of our families. Working together on shared problems reflects the The Columbus Health Department is a leader in • Reducing deaths from heart disease and stroke
values of Columbus, where we all take responsibility to watch out for others improving the health and safety of Columbus by • Safer and healthier foods
and lift up those in times of need. I’m proud to be Mayor of a community monitoring community health status, identifying and • Safer workplaces
that cares. addressing public health threats, enforcing laws that • Vaccinations
protect the public’s health, and providing services to
prevent and control disease. Structure of Public Health
Street by street, block by block, Neighborhood Pride is working to not only Public health plays a very important role in protect-
ing, promoting, and maintaining the health of entire Public health is generally comprised of health
clean up the neighborhood and fix problems, but also to help you learn how departments at the state and local levels. Nationally,
to keep the Pride going all year around. Please reach out to get your neigh- communities. These communities may be as small as
your neighborhood, or as large as the whole country. each state has several local health departments and one
bors and friends to get involved and join us as we all learn how to increase safety this week. At our Many of public health’s duties are health issues we state agency. Both the local and state agencies provide
Neighborhood Safety Academy, you can learn from our experts and impart the knowledge you receive to face in everyday life-like protecting the drinking water, care and services to the community. One main pur-
or ensuring the safety of food at local restaurants. pose of the national structure is for the purpose of dis-
others in your community. ease surveillance. A doctor or laboratory is required by
Public Health also has a role in areas like dental health,
preventing injuries, preparing for emergencies and dis- law in most states to notify the local health department
Together we are building America’s 21st Century City, and lifting up neighborhoods that were ignored asters, monitoring the leading causes of death, and pre- when cases of certain diseases are identified. The local
for too long. Thank you for your partnership, I look forward to meeting you all on community night as venting the spread of disease. Our role is different than health department then sends this information to the
that of other health professionals because public health state health department. Each week, the state health
we all stand together to make Columbus the best city in the nation to live, work and raise a family. department takes the information received from each
centers on prevention, while the medical community
usually focuses on care for those who are already sick. of the state’s local health departments and sends it to
Sincerely, Public Health is dedicated to the mission of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The CDC then
improving health through many community activities. uses this data to compile national health statistics and
make national health recommendations. This “chain
Impact of Public Health of reporting” is known as the National Notifiable
Diseases Surveillance System.
Michael B. Coleman Public health has played key roles in the increase in
life expectancy and worldwide decrease of infant and Public Health Code of Ethics:
child mortality. The CDC reports that life expectancy
is at an all time high, and the average life expectancy is The Public Health Community abides by the
Thank you to the Neighborhood Pride partners who help make the Neighborhood Safety Academy possible:
now 30 years longer than it was at the beginning of the Public Health Code of Ethics. This code of ethics states
century. key principles of the ethical practice of public health,
Public health has made dramatic strides in improv- and serves as a guide to professionals in the field.
ing community health. Many of the most important This code helps to build healthy community relation-
contributions ensure that our daily lives are safe. These ships. It serves to guide in maintaining the trust of the
include community and making sure that everyone’s culture,
beliefs, and values are respected.
• Car Safety
• Control of Diseases Columbus Health Department
• Family planning and contraception 240 Parsons Ave.
• Fluoridation of drinking water Columbus, Ohio 43215
• Identifying tobacco as a health hazard www.publichealth.columbus.gov
• Improving the health of mothers and babies
American Whistle Corporation
And thank you to our city departments
www.columbus.gov www.columbus.gov
2 15
Collective Action for Youth and Meet The People In Your Neigbhorhood
Neighborhood Development My name is Officer Joe Donovan, Community Liai-
son Officer for 11th precinct. I have been a member
Crime prevention education and literature is available
By: Regina Mitchell, MCJ through the Strategic Response Bureau to anyone who
of the Columbus, Ohio Division of Police for over 12 is interested. Citizens can get involved with Block watch
What is CAYND? years. I have worked inner City Patrol for 6 of those and Community based programs in their neighbor-
Collective Action for Youth and Neighborhood than 22 years of age, gang researchers and expert years, primarily on the east side, and I worked in Auto hood by simply contacting their area Liaison Officer.
Development (CAYND) is a comprehensive anti-gang practitioners have documented the strong sphere of Theft for five years. I have been the 1st Precinct Liaison
and anti-violence program that utilizes a 4-prong influence that adult gang members have on the targeted Officer since March of this year. My primary respon- Joe Donovan #1813
approach in order to revitalize our community, rectify population; therefore, CAYND will provide compre- sibilities include Block watches, Community groups, Community Liaison Officer 645-1411
and re-direct negative behavior, and reclaim our youth. hensive reentry services to older ex-offenders returning quality of life issues, Community Policing objectives, 11th precinct
CAYND is a strategy identified and further developed to the targeted zone as another component of inter- and assisting Patrol officers in whatever way I can.
by the Neighborhood Safety Working Group (NSWG) vention that directly effects the initially agreed upon
Your Neighborhood Liaison
developed by Mayor Michael B. Coleman and City targeted population.
Councilman Michael C. Mentel and it serves as a The CAYND Program is also forging new collabora-
demonstration/pilot model. Nearly fifty community tions and partnerships on a regular basis in order to
service providers and organizations have committed to fill gaps in services or provide additional services. For To all on the Southside: Vision Planning process and look forward to assisting
collaborate and form an Intervention Team to provide instance, staff is currently developing a Citizen Circle in the economic revitalization of “The Avenue” as
positive alternatives for youth who reside in a targeted in conjunction with the Adult Parole Authority. We I am a Licensed Independent So- well as promoting projects which will assist all of the
area bounded by Mooberry St., Whittier, Parsons Ave., will also launch a Victims of Gang Violence Crisis cial Worker who serves as the Neigh- Southside. I have also taken a leadership role in work-
and Rhoads Ave. CAYND will collectively provide and Response Team in the near future. borhood Liaison for the Southside ing to promote the attendance of Southsiders at the
strategically implement a comprehensive network of For more information, to enroll or participate in (Area 5) and the coordinator of the Regional Neighborhood Network Conferences which
intervention and prevention programs, focusing pri- the program and/or volunteer services, contact Regina South Side Neighborhood Pride are designed to provide training and leadership to
marily on youth less than 22 years of age, to decrease Mitchell, CAYND Program Director at (614) 253-4448 Center, a one-stop shop for city neighborhood leaders. This year’s conference will be
criminal activity (particularly gang violence) in the or email at rmitchell@apdsinc.org. services. The Pride Center is located in Louisville, Ky.
targeted area. Although our targeted population is less at 310 E. Innis Avenue in the South I received a BA in Political Science from Longwood
Side Settlement House. The Pride University in Farmville, Virginia and my MSW from
The rewards of Adoption Center collocates the services of a Nurse and Social
Worker from Columbus Public Health, Community
The University of South Carolina where I also received
a Certificate in Gerontology. I have worked for the city
Franklin County Children Services Liaison Officers from the 11th and 13th precincts, a of Columbus since October 2000. Previously I served
representative from the Columbus Division of Fire, and as the Executive Director of the National Association of
Adopting a child through Franklin County Children To be approved for adoption through Franklin Code Enforcement Officers. Rounding out our team Social Workers for S.C. and Ohio, as well as the advocacy
Services can be a rewarding and heartfelt experience County Children Services: are a City and Regional Planning Intern, frequently group Help End Lead Poisoning (H.E.L.P.) Other
. . . both for the adopted child and for the adopting • Applicants must live in Franklin, Madison, Fairfield, a Social Work Student, and a great VISTA Volunteer. employment includes working for three county depart-
parent. There are presently more than 200 children in Delaware, Pickaway, Licking, and Union County. Please call us – we look forward to assisting you. ments of social services, and a county nursing home
the permanent custody of Franklin County Children Applicants not living in these counties must be ap- The boundaries of Area 5 are Livingston Avenue on as a social worker. I have a married son who lives in
Services waiting to be adopted. proved in their own counties and have a copy of the North, the city limits on the South, the Scioto River Roanoke, Virginia.
their home study sent to Franklin County Children on the West, and Route 33/Alum Creek to the East.
• Eighty percent of those waiting for loving homes are
Services for matching purposes; In this capacity I work with over 20 civic associa- Sincerely,
African American children age 3 and older, and white
• Applicants may be single, married, divorced, or widowed; tions, architectural review commissions, business asso-
children age 8 and older.
• Applicants must be at least age 18; ciations, and residents to address issues and concerns Jo Anne St. Clair, LISW
• Children waiting to be adopted are sibling groups,
• Applicants must complete a 24-hour training course, relating to housing, code enforcement, police issues, Neighborhood Liaison and Manager of the
teenagers, and children who have special needs
which includes several background checks; economic development, etc. A major role is to be an South Side Neighborhood Pride Center
(physical, emotional, or mental disabilities or sibling
• Applicants must be self-supporting; and applicants advocate for the neighborhoods I serve and to help Neighborhood Services Division
groups who should remain together).
must have room in their homes for the child or chil- them become a great place “to live, work, and raise a 645-8097
Adoption today is quite different from years past. dren they wish to adopt. family.” I have worked closely with the Parsons Avenue jastclair@columbus.gov
Family structures have changed to include divorced
There is no fee for adoptive placement, and financial
parents, single parents, and alternative life styles.
help is available. Getting started is easy . . .
The request for infants is still on the rise, but the lack City Employees Working In Your Neighborhood
of availability for this age group has left many families Contact Franklin County Children Services at
waiting or selecting from another age group of children. 614-341-6060 Neighborhood Liaison – Jo Anne St. Clair
Children Services seeks families or single adults who e-mail us at vjmccrut@fccs.co.franklin.oh.us or Solid Waste Inspector – Joe Collins
will love and share their homes with waiting children. e-mail AdoptOhio at www.state.oh.us/odhs/oapl Code Enforcement Supervisor – Tony Arnold
Code Enforcement Officer – Mike Sweeney
www.columbus.gov www.columbus.gov
14 3
Your Community Leader Natural Crime Prevention
Southside CAN By: SGT Tony Luzio, Columbus Division of Police, Community Liaison Section
Hello my name is Debera Diggs, I am currently serving on the Parsons Ave. Vision Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design By selectively placing entrances and exits, fencing,
as an activist for the community I Plan, Area Commission/Civic Association work group (CPTED) is the proper design and effective use of the lighting and landscape to control the flow of or limit
am always excited to see Positive (co-chair), Chair of the Columbus South Side Area built environment which may lead to a reduction in access, natural access control occurs.
changes and see the sense of Pride Commission Task Force along with many other volun- the fear and incidence of crime and an improvement of
that comes from neighbors coming teer opportunities. the quality of life. • Keep front and back doors visible and well lit.
together to solve an issue. I have been I am an activist because I am a campaigner, protester, The best time to apply this philosophy is in the design • Use low, thorny bushes beneath ground level win-
the president since January, 2005. objector and looking forward to advance my commu- phase, before a building or neighborhood is built. dows.
As the president I have received nity into a futuristic, unbiased highly developed and However, you can also successfully apply it later by • Eliminate design features that provide access to roofs
recognition from Central Com- ahead of its time community. I enjoy the action of see- making simple changes like landscaping and lighting. or upper levels
munity House as a “Village Maker” ing things happen. You are part of the problem or part • In front yard, use waist-level, picket-type fencing
embracing “It takes a village to raise a child”; Regional of the solution. Be a solution in your community. Three Basic Principles along residential property lines to control access,
Neighborhood Network Conference “Doing good in encourage surveillance.
Natural Surveillance: • Use a locking gate between front and backyards.
the neighborhood—Stella Stewart” award; Parsons Debera Diggs We need to create environments where there is plenty
Ave Merchant Association and Council of South Side Southside CAN • Use shoulder-level, open-type fencing along lateral
of opportunity for people engaged in their normal residential property lines between side yards and
Organizations volunteer awards. behavior to observe the space around them. By design- extending to between back yards. They should be suf-
ing the placement of physical features, activities and ficiently unencumbered with landscaping to promote
Neighborhood Pride people in such a way to maximize visibility, natural
surveillance occurs.
social interaction between neighbors.
Neighborhood Pride is a team effort by City depart- making Columbus a great city. Residents’ active par- Lighting – street lights should be well spaced and in Natural Territorial Reinforcement:
ments, neighborhood groups and individual citizens, ticipation in this process—and other aspects of Neigh- working order, alleys and parking areas should also An environment designed to clearly delineate private
businesses and other partners to make our neighbor- borhood Pride—is essential for Pride to be a success. be lit. Lighting should also reflect the intended hours space does two things. First, it creates a sense of owner-
hoods safer and cleaner, keys to a more vibrant and Citizen participation in Pride is necessary before, of operation, i.e. lighting of playfields or structures in ship. Owners have a vested interest and are more likely
exciting future for Columbus. For one week, an intense during and after Pride Week. Neighborhood Pride is local parks may actually encourage after hour criminal to challenge intruders or report them to the police.
delivery of City services, including the cleaning of al- the beginning of a long-term process for changing the activities. Motion-sensing lights perform the double Second, the sense of owned space creates an environ-
leys, mowing high grass in the public right-of-way and way the City does business with its customers to the duty of providing light when needed and letting tres- ment where “strangers” or “intruders” stand out and
neighborhood recreational areas, replacing burned out benefit of residents. Citizens’ concerns change with passers know that “they have been seen.” are more easily identified.
street light bulbs, offering block watch and fire preven- time, as neighborhoods are living, evolving communi- By using buildings, fences, pavement, signs, lighting
tion outreach and evaluating exterior housing for code ties. A strong, ongoing partnership between a neigh- Landscaping – Generally uniformly shaped sites are and landscape to express owners and define public,
compliance. borhood and the City enhances the effort to deliver safer than irregularly shaped sites because there are semi-public and private space, natural territorial rein-
Prior to each “Pride Week,” City employees reach out services in a more timely, efficient and responsive man- less hiding places. Plants should follow the 3-8 rule of forcement occurs.
to neighborhood groups in the Pride District to help ner to a neighborhood. thumb; hedges no higher than 3 feet, and tree canopies
craft the specifics of each Neighborhood Pride effort. A changing city demands flexibility from Neighbor- starting no lower than 8 feet. This is especially impor- • Front porches and apartment balconies add to street
City staff members make presentations at area commis- hood Pride. Accordingly, Pride is designed to be an tant around entryways and windows; do not block surveillance.
sion, civic association, business ever-evolving program to meet the access. • Maintained premises and landscaping such that it
associations and other groups changing needs of citizens and the Fencing – Fences should allow people to see in. Even communicates an alert and active presence occupying
to introduce Pride to the neigh- times. Lessons learned during each if the fences are built for privacy, they should be of a the space.
borhood. More importantly, City out- Pride effort have spawned a more design that is not too tall and has some visibility. • Clear transitions between private, semi-private and
reach staff field residents’ questions and ask efficient and stronger version of Neighborhood Pride public areas.
citizens to identify their concerns in the area so Pride since its inception in the spring of 2000. This change Windows – Windows that look out on streets and
can efficiently and effectively address those priorities. for the better, coupled with department reorganiza- alleys are good natural surveillance, especially bay Why the emphasis on “Natural?”
Before each Pride Week, neighborhood leaders and key tions through the City’s Operations Review effort, has windows. These should not be blocked. Retirees, stay at Historically, the emphasis has been on the target
City staff board a City vehicle and drive every street realigned City government to become more citizen home parents, and people working from home offices hardening approach to crime prevention. Relying on
and alley of a Pride District. During this “Pride Tour,” friendly and accountable to the foundation of City can provide good surveillance for the neighborhood mechanical (locks, security systems, alarms, monitor-
neighborhood leaders are asked to point out specific government: its citizens. during the day. ing equipment, etc.) and organized (security patrols,
concerns that will be addressed during Pride Week. For more information about Neighborhood Pride, law enforcement, etc.) crime prevention strategies
This is a key to Pride’s success. Each neighborhood is visit www.columbus.gov or call 645-0837. Natural Access Control: means to make the target harder to get into and can
unique and has vital attributes to contribute toward Most criminal intruders will try to find a way into an create a fortress effect. This traditional approach tends
area where they will not be easily observed. to overlook the opportunity for natural access control
Limiting access and increasing natural surveillance and surveillance.
keeps them out altogether or marks them as an intruder.
www.columbus.gov www.columbus.gov
4 13
American Red Cross “Safe on My Own” The Neighborhood Safety Working Group
Have you ever found yourself in a situation you tention to providing disaster education and emergency www.safercolumbus.org
thought you were prepared for but when it really got preparedness information to children and youth. Some
down to it, you weren’t as prepared as you should have of the programs we’ve provided in the past are ones Mayor Michael B. Coleman’s Neighborhood Safety neighborhoods safer. As part of the Working Group’s
been? Maybe it was a test or exam? Perhaps a report on fire safety; disaster supplies kits and education on Working Group (NSWG) is a committee composed of effort, Neighborhood Safety Academies (NSA) are con-
that needed to be completed? Maybe it was an inter- response to specific disasters and emergencies. community leaders, agency heads, and local law en- ducted in neighborhoods across Columbus. The Safety
view? Last year was the first year that we worked with forcement that carefully consider multiple solutions to Academies teach residents practical skills that can be
Worse yet, maybe it was an emergency situation that the Neighborhood Safety “Kids” Academy and we’re help decrease the amount of crime in the community. used to enhance safety in the neighborhoods.
required you to think and react all at the same time pleased to bring our safety education to the program This multi-jurisdictional, interconnected plan of crime The Neighborhood Safety Academy trains citizens
and depending on your response it could make the dif- again this year with a program called “Safe on my control focuses on a strong collaboration between law on safety issues and problem solving. Classes include
ference between being better or worse off. Even more Own”. The program is designed to give children skills enforcement officials, city government, social service building mediation skills, personal safety education,
serious, it could mean the difference between life and they need to help them feel more confident about networks, area churches, and citizens of the commu- resident involvement
death. Now, think about this from a child’s perspective. taking care of themselves when they are home alone. nity to offer alternative solutions to crime. strategies, creating safe environments, and strategies
Imagine you’re eight-, nine- or ten-years-old and have Some of the information contained in the presentation The Working Group utilizes the expertise of individ- to help youth stay safe. Graduates of the academy join
younger brothers or sisters to look after too. Would includes getting ready for school, walking home from uals on the panel to develop and focus the strategies. block watches, mentor neighbors, and promote pride
you know what to do then? school, response to strangers at the door, telephone The Working Group also taps data and best practices in their neighborhood. The NSA’s empower citizens to
The primary function of the Community Disaster tips and first-aid pointers. We hope that you will take information from other cities as it creates aggressive, keep themselves safe in everyday situations by teach-
Education Unit of the American Red Cross of Greater the information presented in the program and review pro-active plans. ing them how to avoid becoming victims of violence.
Columbus is to provide information to the community your child’s “home alone” responsibilities. The NSWG uses a strategic, data-driven problem Columbus Police officers teach prevention of robbery
on how to prepare for, respond to and recover from For more information on these and other programs solving process to develop crime suppression and pre- and rape, strategies for avoiding identity theft, identify-
disasters before a disaster actually happens. offered to youth, please feel free to contact the Com- vention strategies. The Working Group works with the ing and combating gangs, and how to protect kids from
Disaster Education is aimed at everyone in the com- munity Disaster Education Unit of the American Red Columbus Division of Police and other law enforce- internet predators. Code enforcement officials teach
munity, but we’ve made it a priority to pay special at- Cross of Greater Columbus at 253-2740. ment agencies to identify the crimes, locations, and citizens how to protect their neighborhood from Gen-
demographic information about offenders. The data eral deterioration. They explain how to avoid a “broken
Internet Safety Important For All
is utilized to develop innovative policies for battling windows” atmosphere which contributes to a sense of
crime in neighborhoods. lawlessness, by explaining who citizens can call for City
CMDR Richard Bash, Columbus Division of Police The Neighborhood Safety Working Group develops assistance in dealing with abandoned houses, street
crime suppression and preventions strategies, light outages, and local fire traps.
When the children of Columbus are on- The congressionally funded study including those that residents can use to make their
line alone, they are out in public, alone. I referred to was conducted by I-SAFE
Personal Safety Is Everyone’s Business
All of us, as parents, need to understand America Inc., a federally funded, non-
that protecting our children when they profit organization that specializes in
are on the Internet is a very important, Internet safety training for parents and Officer John Mancini, Columbus Division of Police
yet difficult issue. When our kids are in children. We would not stand by and
cyberspace, they may as well be in a dark watch a child get abducted on our streets, Understandably, no one wishes to believe they might and one violent crime every 23.1 seconds. Here’s the
alley, as they could be almost anywhere, so why are we doing the equivalent on become a victim of a crime; however, denial of the breakdown:
talking to almost anyone. Now do I have the information superhighway? With problem solves nothing and may actually place you at • There was one larceny / theft every 4.5 seconds
your attention? our help, local children will receive the greater risk of becoming a victim. • There was one burglary every 14.7 seconds
A recent congressionally funded study foundation for being safe online. With You must be prepared to be safe. Prevention is always • There was one motor vehicle theft every 25.5 seconds
shows that 92 percent of parents say they our help, they will be empowered to take better than reaction. Learn to practice safety every • There was one aggravated assault every 36.9 seconds
have rules for their children regarding the control of their Internet experience. With single day! While things like personal alarms, tear gas, • There was one robbery ever 1.3 minutes
use of the Internet. The very same survey our help, our children will have the critical a weapon or even self defense tactics may help in a • There was one forcible rape every 5.6 minutes
reveals that more than one third of their decision making tools they need to rec- bad situation, it is important to understand they are all • There was one murder every 32.6 minutes
children say that parents have not established rules for ognize, and avoid dangerous, destructive, or unlawful reactive, designed to be utilized when the problem is
Crime pervades our lives! But there are some things
Internet use. Surprisingly, both numbers are true. online behavior. With our help, parents will not feel actually occurring. It is significantly more effective to
you can do to lessen your risk of becoming a victim.
More than half of the children in the study gave their helpless when it comes to protecting our children. prevent the problem from occurring in the first place.
The following information, while not all-inclusive,
name, sex and age over the Internet. 40 percent of Through the Internet, our children can explore the The FBI publishes an annual “Crime in the United
will provide valuable suggestions in regard to making
these children say their parents would be concerned marvels of the world and travel to the furthest reaches States” report. There were 16,137 murders in the
yourself and your family safer. Nothing is 100% effec-
if they knew what they did, where they went, or with of our galaxy. But, if they are not aware, they can be- United States in 2004, 350 fewer than in 2003: The
tive. However, well learned and utilized safety tips will
whom they chatted on the Internet. Our children come entrapped in the darkest, most detestable realms FBI report also includes a “Crime Clock” that shows
certainly improve your opportunity to Live Safely!
don’t always understand that the virtual world is every of human imagining. As with anything, awareness how frequently crimes were committed in 2004: there
was one property crime in the U.S. every 3.1 seconds continued on page 6
bit as real as the physical world, and has consequences comes through education, and education comes from
that can be just as fatal. For the sake of our families, parents, educators, and community leaders. Not one.
our future, and the Columbus community, these num- Not some. All.
bers have to change. www.isafe.org
www.columbus.gov www.columbus.gov
12 5
Personal Safety Is Everyone’s Business Helping Neighbors Help Each Other
continued from page 5
South Side Pride Make It Known Citywide is the cry in a number of community activities. One was the clos-
Personal Safety Crime Prevention Tips: Parking Lot Safety from the south side. SouthSide Community Action ing of Stewarts Food (aka Bull Dawg corner store) for
• Use your senses – Sight, Hearing, and Smell. In most Network is a small 3.2 mile area bounded by E. Whittier being a nuisance to the community.
Be Street Wise and Safe cases these are your only tools. As always, Stay Alert Street on the north, Frebis Ave. on the south, Parsons SouthSide CAN is part of the South Side Coalition
• Stand tall and walk confidently. Watch where you to your surroundings. Ave. on the west and Lockbourne Road on the east. which includes representatives from various civic and
are going and what is happening around you. • Park in well-lighted areas; make sure you lock your SouthSide Community Action Network aka CAN was community organizations. The Coalition has hosted a
• Stick to well-lighted and busy streets. Walk with car door(s) at all times. established in 1991 by neighbors wanting to see things Housing Summit with Senator Ray Miller, members of
friends. Avoid shortcuts through a dark alley or a • Do not leave valuables inside your car, lock them in different. City Council, City Attorney, Code Officers and employ-
deserted street. the trunk. Gone are the good ole days, gone are the police walk- ees of the City of Columbus. Also the Coalition hosted
• If harassed from a vehicle, walk quickly or run in the • Have your keys ready In Hand when approaching ing the beat, gone are the store owners who knew your a candidate’s night which drew 29 of the 32 candi-
opposite direction to safety. If you are really scared, your car. family (therefore would not sell youth alcohol and dates. At one of CAN’s Community Meeting State Rep-
scream. • Be aware of what is going on around you, people tobacco products), gone are the days when older youth resentative Tracy Heard came to share with residents
• Never hitchhike; accept rides only from people you near your car or you, etc. watched out for younger youth, gone are the days from the south side. Members of City Council came to
know and trust. • Check the exterior of your car; check the interior of when people walked to church in the community and the south side to meet with residents.
• Do not flash your cash; carry only money you need your car before entering. sometimes worked in the community. Gone are the
for the day. Always have emergency change for a • If you are threatened, yell “Help”, “Fire” or anything days when you knew your neighbors name and contact What we tolerate we encourage. We have tolerated a
telephone call; plan on your cell phone not working to draw attention. Don’t take chances! You do Not information. One thing that is not gone is that South lot and it is time to stop.
when you really need it. have to get out of your car if you do not feel safe. If Side PRIDE whether living in a single home, double or
• Know your neighborhood! What hours are stores unsure, drive up to the front of a store or business duplex residents are proud of their community. Does Join SouthSide Community Action Network on the
and restaurants open? Where are the police and fire and summon help, then notify police. not matter if you are renting or buying you are living it Second Monday from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Corpus
stations, libraries, and schools? You might need them
in and it is your responsibility to do your best to make Christi Church 1111 E. Stewart Ave. (corner of Linwood).
in an emergency. Other Considerations it presentable.
• If you go out for a late snack or a midnight movie,
• Do not overload yourself with packages or bundles. SouthSide CAN consists of a number of block watch- southsidecan@yahoogroups.com or southsidecan
take a friend. Do not go alone. Most assaults happen
Lessen the time it takes you to get into your car. Carry es overseeing activities in their neighborhood and shar- yahoo.com or 614 598-2237 or
to a lone victim.
only the items you need in your purse and carry your ing at the community meetings. SouthSide CAN Civic Post Office Box 06490, Columbus, Ohio 43206.
• Let someone know where you are going and when
purse under your coat or close to your body. Don’t Association membership has been busy participating
you will come back. Call if you are going to be late.
leave your purse lying around. Consider wearing a
When jogging or bicycling: belt bag or “fanny pack”. Record all credit card and
• Go with a friend and take a familiar and well- bank information in case of theft.
traveled route. • If you work late or at inconvenient times for safety, call
• Do not jog or bike at night. ahead and let someone know when you will be arriv-
• Refrain from using your stereo headphones. It is ing and have them look out for you. Use security per-
safer to remain alert to what is around and behind sonnel if available to escort or watch you to your car.
you. • You may wish to consider carrying a can of tear gas.
If so, you need to train with it before you need it.
When Driving Equally important, the tear gas must be in your hand
• Plan your route. (not in the button of your purse) when you are in a
• Don’t drive in unfamiliar areas. Avoid “trouble” situation and/or area where you might need it
areas. Look in the rear view mirror often and watch • When you are walking to your car, whether at night
around you – Stay Alert! or during the day, try to walk with others. Again, if
• Try not to travel alone. you are suspicious or worried, do not go out to your
• Keep your door locked and your windows rolled up. car at that time. If available, ask a security officer to
If you do not have air-conditioning, then at least accompany you to your car.
keep the windows rolled up enough to make it diffi-
cult for someone to reach inside and take your purse, If Confronted Getting Out Of Your Car Southside CAN Southside Pride Center
wallet or keys.
• Avoid any verbal/physical confrontation. Cooperate,
• Alter your routine. Change daily patterns and if pos-
move quickly away from your car. Walk/run away
sible, take different routes to work or to school.
from the immediate area, call the Police immedi-
• Always leave room ahead of your car to escape (don’t
ately! Provide the descriptions of the suspect(s)
box yourself in).
and/or vehicle(s). If at all possible, Never go with the
• DO NOT stop to help stranded drivers – call the
suspect(s)!
police for them. If affordable, a cellular phone can be
a valuable safety tool. continued on page 7
www.columbus.gov www.columbus.gov
6 11
Enforcement And You
Code Code Enforcement Manager
By: Dana Rose,
Personal Safety Is Everyone’s Business
continued from page 6
Property Maintenance Inspectors (PMI) work in nine Common Code Violations: If you are a victim of crime:
geographically defined code enforcement areas. In each The following is a listing of the most common viola- • Try not to panic if someone attacks you. Look at the safety are more important!
area the inspectors are sensitive to the needs of the citi- tions found during a code enforcement inspection of attacker carefully so you can give a good description • If a gang harasses you, go to an open store, gas sta-
zens, community groups and area commissions. the exterior of a property. to the police. Try to remember key things like ap- tion, firehouse or any place where there are people
Each inspector is responsible for identifying code
proximate age, gender, race, complexion, body build, present and contact law enforcement
violations and working with the responsible parties to Housing clothing, approximate height and weight, hair eyes or • Report all crime to law enforcement. For non-emer-
get the violations corrected. Appropriate court action
Exterior: unusual features. gencies in Columbus, call 645-4545. For life-threat-
may be initiated when the violations are not corrected
• Vacant structures not secured or maintained to code • If the attacker has a weapon and only wants your ening emergencies call 911.
in the allotted time.
standard money or possessions, do not fight. Your life and
Inspectors enforce the City’s Housing, Zoning,
Graphics, and Health, Sanitation and Safety Codes. • Roof, gutters and downspouts, chimneys, porches
Inspectors are also responsible for enforcing specific and stairways
sections of the City’s Planning and Plotting, Streets, • Siding, windows, doors, foundation Know Your Neighbor,
Know Your Neighborhood
Parks, and Public Properties and Building codes. • Exposed and untreated wood surfaces
The Environmental Unit of the Code Enforcement • Accessory structures: garages, sheds and fences, side-
section includes Environmental Blight Abatement, walks, yard maintenance, dead or unsafe trees SGT Robert Strausbaugh, Columbus Division of Police
Solid Waste Inspection, and Weed and Solid Waste
Abatement and demolitions Zoning Reporting Suspicious Persons And Activities or forceful, appears hesitant, does a lot of unneces-
• Outdoor storage of junk, salvage, auto parts, appli- sary looking around, or asking unusual questions
Code Enforcement Process ances, furniture Reporting suspicious activities requires raising your concerning you or your neighbor’s daily schedule or
• Parking vehicles in restricted yard areas awareness level. That is, knowing what is normal or habits.
This is a short description of the process used by the • Parking commercial vehicles on residential lots what is out of place; having a suspicion or a gut feeling
Code Enforcement section when a violation is discov- • Parking boats, campers, RV’s, trailers in restricted something is wrong. The goal is to reduce criminal op- When Reporting This Information,
ered in a neighborhood: areas portunities by reporting these suspicions to the police. Remember You Should Attempt To:
• A Code Enforcement Officer (CEO) issues a notice of • Motor vehicles repair garages in residential districts This requires that you be both observant and aware of
violation upon finding a code violation. The notice • Illegal businesses in residential areas persons and events in your neighborhoods, work loca- • Get an accurate description of the individuals and
allows reasonable time for compliance. • Prohibited yard sales tions, and travels throughout the city. You must also vehicles involved, including license plate numbers.
• The CEO attempts to contact anyone who receives a • Prohibited signage/graphics overcome any reluctance you might have in reporting • Remain as calm as possible and give the dispatcher
notice to work with them to resolve the violation. • Site plan violations these observations to the police. the details of your observations; the dispatcher relays
• The citizens that receive notices have the right to ap- • Inoperable motor vehicles on private property the information to patrol cars that are en route to
The following is a general list of activities, which investigate.
peal notice before the Property Maintenance Board
should be reported: • Relay the exact location where the activity is occurring.
or the Board of Zoning Adjustments. 85% of the Building
cases are complied, however, if the violation is not • Altering or building structures without permits or • Suspicious person(s) engaged in the following: • It would be helpful if you provided your name, ad-
resolved the CEO may recommend a legal action be registration certificates • Forcing entry into a house, garage or vehicle. dress and phone number in case some of the infor-
heard before the Environmental Division of the Fran- • Home improvement contractors performing work • Running from a house. mation needs later clarification. However, this is not
klin County Municipal Court. without licenses • Walking around a house, checking doors, windows, absolutely required.
etc. or who appear to be attempting to hide from view. • You can remain anonymous but be advised that this
shingles cover
all the roof • Loitering in the neighborhood, appear out of place will limit the actions an officer can take. The impor-
A Proud Home home address is
tant factor is to call anytime, day or night. You may
clearly marked or are unknown to you.
doors are
gutters and downspouts • Anyone with a weapon. be preventing a crime in progress or helping in the
are securely attached
securely attached • Any unusual noise, regardless of the time of day; apprehension of a criminal.
stairs, handrails and porch exterior paint is for example, a scream, breaking glass, loud crashing
are safe and sound not severely peeling sound, prying or any audible alarm. Street Crime Personal Safety Tips:
no broken windows • Suspicious persons carrying what might be loot; as
fence is • Hold meetings or safety seminars on a routine basis.
an example, radios, TV’s, stereo equipment, large
trees and bushes don’t straight Discuss problems and make suggestions. Awareness,
and sacks, bags or pillowcases which appear to be full
block the sidewalk
intact communication and some other personal safety con-
trash containers are might be indicative of criminal activity.
siderations would have to include the specific street
not left at curb • Any suspicious vehicle(s) parked on the street or in
crimes of Strong Arm Robbery, Purse Snatching and
your neighbor’s driveway.
Armed Robbery.
• A solicitor who does not appear to have a valid rea-
son for coming to your door, seems overly aggressive continued on page 8
sidewalk is free from car is parked in garage,
holes & hazards driveway or street
www.columbus.gov www.columbus.gov
10 7
Know Your Neighbor, Know Your Neighborhood
continued from page 7
Fire Safety In The Home
LT David B. Sawyer, Division of Fire
• Purse snatching, the most frequent street crime, is next to the street. If followed by a car, turn and walk The Columbus Division of Fire’s Community Rela- instead of emptying them right into the trash. Make
usually a hit and run operation in which speed is quickly in the other direction. tion’s Office addresses the Fire Safety concerns of the a check of couches and chairs checking for dropped
of the essence. Most purse-snatchers are fleet footed • Be aware of where you are and where you are go- community. Their mission is to minimize injuries, cigarettes or ashes.
teenagers who take advantage of an opportunity. By ing. Don’t flash your cash or other valuables. Avoid death and loss of property through public education. If a cushion, chair or couch has been burned or
carrying your purse under your coat or close to your traveling alone. Avoid dark places, short cuts, alleys, Although not a crime, fire safety affects the lives of scorched, soak it well with water and place at the curb.
body (not dangling from your hand or arm), you thick trees or bushes and sparsely traveled areas. thousands of Columbus residents every year. Fire is A smoldering fire can easily result. As for smoking in
already lessen the risk. As stated previously, avoid Have your keys ready at hand. among the leading causes of accidental deaths in the bed, do not do it. Many people would tell you it isn’t
carrying irreplaceable items and unnecessary cash or home each year, yet many deaths or serious injuries due worth the risk, if they were still here!
credit cards as well. Minimize the loss if you should If You Resist a Crime to fire could be avoided with a few When used correctly, fire extin-
become a victim. simple considerations and/or precau- guishers can keep small fires from
• A strong-arm robbery or “mugging” is robbing by • Understand that to resist a thief is a personal decision.
However, if confronted by a weapon, consider if what tions. becoming large ones. However,
force or threat of force while armed robbery involves Smoke detectors are your early always notify your fire department
the use of a weapon, usually a knife or gun. Again, you are protecting is worth the risk. But always, pre-
vention is the key to living safer. warning system. Since most fire immediately! There are 3 types
carry no more cash or credit cards then are actually deaths are caused by asphyxiation, of fire extinguisher. “A” type for
needed. Be Alert! • Report all crime to law enforcement. For non-emer-
gencies in Columbus, call 645-4545. For life-threat- and usually when people are sleep- ordinary combustibles, “B” type for
• When walking, don’t give people opportunities to ing, smoke detectors are the most flammable liquids and “C” type for
commit crimes. Stay away from buildings, and walk ening emergencies call 911.
effective pieces of fire fighting equip- electrical fires. There is also a mul-
ment you can have in your home. tipurpose dry chemical extinguish-
Smoke detectors should be installed er labeled A-B-C that is effective
City’s 311 System Getting Results and outside of each separate sleeping
area in the immediate vicinity of the
in putting out most types of fires.
Check with your fire department
Answers for Residents bedrooms and on each additional
story of the family living unit. After
for further information.
Never store flammable liquids in
Created to give residents a simple way to contact the Residents who want to file a complaint, request installation, smoke detectors should the home near water heaters, the
City of Columbus for their questions, complaints and help or track an issue can do so on-line or by call- be tested at least once a month. furnace or any other device with a
requests for services or information, 311 is entering ing 311, or 614-645-3111. The 311 Call Center has 25 The growing problem of Arson and spark or flame. Store gasoline and
its second year. As promised, the 311 Call Center and employees, including three bilingual Somali repre- fatalities from fire incidents still con- other combustibles in tight metal
computer tracking system are helping make City gov- sentatives. The Call Center extended its hours during tinue. The six-part message that we containers designed for storing
ernment more efficient and effective, as well as allow- the week until 1 a.m. Staff came in on the weekend of deliver, to reduce injuries and fatali- flammable liquids. Throughout
ing the Mayor to hold Departments more accountable President’s Day to handle snow and ice complaints. ties, is as follows: the home, make sure all tools and
for the quality of services in neighborhoods. Tracking numbers are assigned to citizens so they appliances have a testing agency
1. Get Out and Stay Out label (UL or FM). Frayed or worn
The majority of requests to 311 ranges from con- can follow on-line the progress of their service requests 2. Crawl Under The Smoke
cerns over trash collection, abandoned cars, code and it was this ability to track requests that in Decem- cords and plugs should be re-
3. Stop, Drop and Roll placed. Never plug more appliances into a socket than
enforcement and neighborhood safety. 311 Call Takers ber earned the 311 Call Center a national “Special Men- 4. Evacuation Plan
handled 249,169 calls in 2006, creating some 160,000 tion Award” from Public Works magazine’s Depart- it is designed to accommodate safely.
5. Fire Drill Teach and practice these fire safety techniques and
service requests. An additional 18,766 service requests ment of the Year contest. 6. Smoke Detectors
were made on-line at www.columbus.gov. escape plans so they become “second nature”, espe-
Implementing these six steps into your family’s train- cially with children. Feel free to contact the Division
ing can increase their chances of survival from a fire. of Fire if you require assistance!
Be careful of Smoking and Ashtrays. When cleaning For more information: www.fire.ci.columbus.oh.us
up after a party, put the ashtrays in the sink overnight
www.columbus.gov www.columbus.gov
8 9
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