Around the Arch Blog

A unique blog post about preparing for a “Zombie Apocalypse” by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gained a lot of attention this week. The site even crashed due to so many visitors! The post was a creative way to teach people about preparing for any emergency.

Even if a zombie attack doesn’t threaten the City of Reno, you can still make sure you and your family prepare for a more likely situation in our area, such as:

- Wildfires (they’re just as scary, and they do happen around here)
- Flooding (see pic of “the big one” that flooded downtown Reno in 1997)
- Earthquakes (we felt one around here a couple years back, and there’s always a potential)

Preparing isn’t hard; it just takes some effort. Check out Reno’s preparedness webpages to learn more. Get a kit, make a plan, be prepared – for anything!

From Friday, May 13 until Tuesday, June 1, Reno’s famous landmark, the Reno Arch will turn blue to honor fallen police officers.

National Police Week is May 15 through May 21, 2011 and is observed throughout the nation in order to recognize the hazardous work, serious responsibilities, and strong commitment to our nation’s peace officers.

President John F. Kennedy, in 1963, signed the Congressional resolution that each year makes May 15 “Peace Officers Memorial Day” and the calendar week of each year during which May 15 occurs, as “Police Week”, to commemorate those noble officers who have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty.

“I hope everyone will take the opportunity to pause and remember the officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty while serving and protecting our community and state,” advised Mayor Bob Cashell.

To cover the cost for the installation of the bulbs and the lost energy savings in taking out the current LED lights, Reno businessman Eddie Lorton of E T Carpet Cleaning donated $800 and the Reno City Council contributed $700 through their council discretionary funds. In November, community donations paid for the cost of the bulbs when the Reno Arch turned blue in support of the University of Nevada Wolf Pack.

Acting Reno Police Chief Steve Pitts updated the Reno City Council on ideas he is pursuing to enhance efforts to clean up graffiti.

The Reno Police Department led a sweep of the Crest Inn in downtown Reno to investigate criminal and quality of life issues. The teams that went door-to-door at the motel or checked the building included, Reno code enforcement officers and firefighters, Washoe County Health Department staff, OSHA investigators and others.

The Reno Police Department’s Victim Services Unit just launched their first newsletter,  “The New Hope Times.”  This quarterly newsletter is full of great information so please share it with anyone that would be interested.

VSU 1st Edition Newsletter Winter 2010

VSU proudly serves victims of crime, treating them with respect and dignity while responding to their needs and concerns. They educate victims of crime on their rights and are committed to providing the most professional, empowering advocacy possible while assessing each case on an individual basis.

The Reno Police Department is recruiting area residents to be trained as Volunteer Victim Advocates for the Victims Services Unit.

Crime victim advocates provide crisis intervention, coordinate emergency and other support services to victims of intimate partner violence which includes domestic violence, stalking, protection order violations, and others. The Victim Services Unit is hoping to have 12 to 15 volunteers in this training program. Volunteers will receive training that will provide:

• Methods for working with people in crisis situations
• Identification and delivery of community resources available to victims of crime
• Skills and knowledge to develop customized safety plans with victims
• Knowledge of Reno Police Department operations and the criminal justice system, as well as other topics.

The initial training program is 40 hours with sessions that will be scheduled on week nights and weekends.

RPD’s Victim Services Unit Volunteer Coordinator Eunice Peterson says, “The volunteer victim advocate program provides a great opportunity for area citizens to give back to those in a less-fortunate situation, which is priceless.” Peterson says participants will be able to “learn more about the unique career of victim advocacy and be a part of a wonderful team which helps people in need.”

Applications are available at the Reno Police Department at 455 East Second Street, by e-mailing petersone@reno.gov, or online at www.reno.gov (under “Find Services” select “Departments,” then “Police,” and “Victim Services Unit”). Applications must be returned to the Victims Services Unit by December 17, 2010. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, be at least 18 years of age and pass a police background investigation.

For more information please contact Eunice Peterson at 775-657-4519.

- ### -

On October 1, members of the Reno Police Department along with members of Hispanic Juvenile Services and Victory Outreach Church conducted a door-to-door survey to assess the needs and concerns of residents living in the areas of Wrondel Way, Apple Street, Kietzke Lane, and Grove Street.

“Our goal is to build sustainable relationships with the people of this community and to listen to what their concerns are for their neighborhood,” advises Lieutenant Robert Larson. “Once we better understand the concerns we can target those specific areas and work together to come up with solutions.”

In a three day period, approximately 327 contacts were made with residents. Residents had discussions with officers and chose from a list of concerns on a questionnaire. The results showed the biggest concern was gangs, followed by graffiti/vandalism, then drug use/sales, prostitution, lack of youth programs, and safety/police response. Other issues raised included racing/speeding, unsupervised small children, fear of reporting crimes due to retaliation/intimidation, and more police interaction.

The neighborhood needs survey was conducted as a result of the Reno Police Department seeing an increase in crime in this area and wanting to bring awareness of local resources to the neighborhood to help prevent further violence. “We encourage people in the community to continue to build this relationship by reporting crimes in the area and partnering with the Reno Police Department,” advises Larson.

The Reno Police Department advises there have been seven reports within the past week where a suspect has gone into a business under the pretense of being an inspector. The suspect has not claimed any affiliation with any specific company or governmental entity.

“He has been introducing himself as an inspector, usually stating he is there to inspect a leaky roof or check the fire sprinkler system,” said Lieutenant Mohammad Rafaqat. “To add legitimacy to whom he claims to be, he usually carries a clipboard with papers and red colored camera.” The suspect has been taking, or pretends to take, photos of the roof and works his way into the back of the business. He has been seen exiting the businesses with a coat or jacket over his arm, concealing the victims’ purses under it.

The suspect has targeted businesses with a high of volume of customers which keeps the employees busy at the front of the stores. Typical businesses targeted by the suspect have been Starbucks and hair/nail salons.

The suspect has been described as a white male, 35-45 years of age, and 250 pounds with a heavy build. He may have unknown types of blemishes on his face. He does not wear any official uniform and is usually dressed in jeans. He carries a clipboard and a red colored camera. Please see below the two video stills of the suspect from Starbucks.

Officials with the Reno Fire Department, City of Reno Code Enforcement, and the Reno Police Department offer these prevention tips:

 • Be suspicious of anyone not wearing appropriate credentials.
• Be suspicious of anyone not in appropriate or official uniform.
• Be ware of anyone who shows up unannounced or without and appointment to do an inspection. A legitimate inspector will have an appointment.
• A government inspector will be in uniform and will have proper credentials displayed.
• Always ask for person’s identification and the name of the company they are representing.
• If you are suspicious about someone’s claims, have them wait while you call their company for confirmation.
• DO NOT allow anyone access to the unauthorized areas if you are uncertain about their identity or claims.
• Report suspicious activity or individuals to your local police agency.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to call the Reno Police Department’s Detective Division at 775-334-2115 or the Secret Witness at 775-322-4900.