--- title: "Service area 630: University Heights" type: "pdf" year: "1996" canonical: "/projects/1123" --- # HERMAN GOLDSTEIN EXCELLENCE IN PROBLEM SOLVING AWARD ![img-0.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/96-49/img-0.jpeg) Jerry Sanders, Chief San Diego Police Department July, 1996 # Table of Contents - [HERMAN GOLDSTEIN EXCELLENCE IN PROBLEM SOLVING AWARD](#herman-goldstein-excellence-in-problem-solving-award) - [SERVICE AREA 630](#service-area-630) - [Introduction](#introduction) - [Scanning](#scanning) - [The goal of this project was to:](#the-goal-of-this-project-was-to) - [Analysis](#analysis) - [Response](#response) - [Assessment](#assessment) - [Philosophy and Organization](#philosophy-and-organization) - [RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS (632) AND NORTH PARK (631)](#residential-burglaries-university-heights-632-and-north-park-631) # SERVICE AREA 630 ![img-1.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/96-49/img-1.jpeg) # Introduction This project was a combined effort of community leader Nan McGraw and Officer Ken Hofer. The project began in November 1995, in an effort to reduce residential burglaries in the community of University Heights. Between February and March 1996, there were no burglaries reported in our target area. At the same time, Neighborhood Watch groups were increased and invigorated. A problem-solving partnership was established and maintained between the Police and the community. The partnership continues today and has resulted in University Heights having one of the lowest crime rates in the City of San Diego. ## Scanning University heights is a residential community in the City of San Diego. It is comprised of about 10,000 residents, with a majority of the residents owning their homes. University Heights is surrounded by canyons, with heavy vehicle traffic from Adams Avenue. Crime statistics are low compared to the city average. However, University Heights is prone to residential burglaries. The burglars tend to be transients who live in the nearby canyons. ## The goal of this project was to: - Reduce residential burglaries in University Heights - Increase and invigorate Neighborhood Watch groups - Establish a problem-solving partnership between residents and Police Officers to solve future crime concerns The problem of residential burglaries was identified by the community and Community Relations Officer, Ken Hofer. Community leader Nan McGraw met with me several times to discuss various solutions to the problem. The University Heights Community Association began seeking solutions and ideas to reducing residential burglaries. I began working with Nan McGraw and the community association to develop an action plan. At the same time we began looking for ways to increase Neighborhood Watch and develop a problem-solving partnership with the residents. # Analysis The burglary victims were University Heights residents. Most of the residents lived in their homes for over twenty years and had a strong sense of "ownership" in their community. Many of the homeowners were burglarized more than once, especially those residents who lived adjacent to a canyon. Many victims identified the burglaries as their main crime concern at monthly community association meetings. By enlisting the aid of our Crime Analysis Unit, I began gathering information on the burglaries. I discovered the burglaries occurred between 1000-1500 hours, Monday through Thursday. Small items were taken with little or no forced entry. Over half of the homes were entered through an unlocked door or window. Most victims claimed to be involved with Neighborhood Watch on their street. However, when I inquired how active their group was, many victims acknowledge they had not had a Neighborhood Watch meeting or exchanged information between themselves in years. Many did not know who their Neighborhood Watch Block Captains were and all of the victims said they had no training or guidance in problem-solving within their neighborhood. # Response I enlisted the aid of community leader, Nan McGraw. Nan is a University Heights community resident for over twenty years. She is familiar with the neighbors and active in previous Neighborhood Watch issues. I also sought assistance from our Neighborhood Policing Team. The eight officer, pro-active team is headed by Sergeant Gary Jaus. The Neighborhood Policing Team is a resource for our division and the community. Their goal is to solve community crime concerns. Sergeant Jaus and his team began high visible patrol in University Heights. They conducted field interviews with the transients living in and near the canyons. At the same time, the Neighborhood Policing Team began walking and going door to door informing the neighbors of the burglary problem and discussing home security measures. Nan McGraw alerted residents via flyers and telephone calls. The flyers described the burglaries and asked residents to remain alert and to survey their homes for security improvements. Nan and I developed an action plan to increase Neighborhood Watch groups in University Heights. We began instructing residents on how to use the "SARA" model and "C-POP, citizen oriented policing. At University Heights Community Association meetings I introduced and instructed the residents how to identify, recognize, and seek crime solutions by using a problem solving approach. Our idea was to bring crime information directly to the neighbors. Each month, on an announced Saturday, Nan and I selected three (3) key intersections to meet with the residents. Each location was selected because of recent burglaries in that particular area. Next, Nan made flyers to announce the time, locations, and dates for every Neighborhood Watch sign up. We spent twenty minutes at each location, before moving to the next stop. Patrol Officers stopped by to answer questions and gather information on recent burglaries. # Assessment The Saturday Neighborhood Watch sign ups generated a tremendous response from the community. To date, over three hundred (300) new residents have enrolled in both Neighborhood Watch and Citizens Patrol. Citizens Patrol is a mobile Neighborhood Watch on wheels. Citizens drive in vehicles and use cellular telephones to alert Police Officers of criminal or suspicious behavior. Information was developed from the community which enabled Sergeant Gary Jaus and his Policing Team to arrest several people responsible for the burglaries. The suspects were responsible for other burglaries in the nearby community of North Park. The community partnership was so successful that University Heights reported zero burglaries from February 16 through March 15, 1996. This is truly remarkable considering the community is comprised of about 10,000 residents. Nan and I have organized a Neighborhood Watch subcommittee through the University Heights Community Association. The new committee advises neighbors on current crime trends and involves the citizens in the problem solving process. With the combined help of our Neighborhood Policing Team, community residents, and Nan McGraw, University Heights now has one of the lowest crime rates in San Diego. Neighborhood Watch has been invigorated by teaching problem solving skills to the residents and by bringing the information directly to the neighbors through Nan's Neighborhood Watch sign ups. A continued partnership has resulted from this project. University Heights and Police Officers are now working together on a daily basis. # Philosophy and Organization As a San Diego Police Officer, I have received extensive training in problem solving and the use of the SARA model. Our department has given training to all Police Officers, supervisors, and support staff. I'm in the process of training citizens through Neighborhood Watch on how they can do problem solving. "C-POP", or citizen oriented policing, is now being taught in various neighborhoods in San Diego. Community leader, Nan McGraw has received P.O.P. training through the San Diego Police Department, Nan has been using problem solving methods in University Heights for the last few years. The success of our project was due to the combined partnership of Police and most importantly, the attitude and willingness of the entire community to get involved. No problems were encountered with the problem solving model. # RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS (632) AND NORTH PARK (631) ![img-2.jpeg](https://popdatasets.blob.core.windows.net/popdatasetmdimgs/96-49/img-2.jpeg)