Report crime as soon as possible

Neighbors sometimes don’t report criminal activity because they don’t want to bother the police. They assume police are too short-staffed to respond, or they believe that there isn’t much an officer can (or will) do about a given problem. Whether the issue is graffiti, petty vandalism, or something much more serious, police can’t act without first hearing about the problem from you. Calling won’t guarantee the police can fix the problem, but failing to call makes it likely that they won’t. Don’t assume someone else has called. Make the call yourself: 911 or the non-emergency number (619) 531-2000. Some nonemergency crimes can be reported by filing a police report online:
https://www.sandiego.gov/police/services/nonemergencies

Fix the broken window

Report nuisances and other non-criminal problems promptly. Examples: junked cars on front lawns, abandoned autos in the streets, old mattresses left to rot in a backyard, or garbage dumped illegally in a vacant lot. When you find yourself thinking, “Someone ought to do something,” do something.

Call Code Enforcement, (619) 236-5500 to file a complaint, or complete the Request for Investigation Form and submit online, or print and mail. The Request for Investigation Form in Spanish is available in a PDF format. The form is also accessible at any City of San Diego library computer by going to the Code Enforcement website Any forms submitted via regular mail should be addressed to:

Code Enforcement Division
1222 First Ave., Fifth Floor, MS 511
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 236-5500

Due to the existing case load and staff constraints, the complaint you file should be for those properties where the violations directly affect you.

Community-initiated complaints will usually receive a higher priority than individual complaints. 

Use the City of San Diego Get It Done app to report nonemergency problems to the City of San Diego

You can report the following via the app:

• Abandoned Vehicle
• Curb/Gutter
• Dead Animal
• Graffiti
• Illegal Dumping
• Pothole
• Sidewalk
• Storm Drain
• Street Light
• Traffic Sign
• Traffic Signal
• Tree Hazard

Apple version
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/san-diego-311/id1065050595?ls=1&mt=8

Android version
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.connectedbits.sd311

Take away the opportunity for crime

Think about your home, your vehicle, and even your lifestyle and ask what you could change to take away the opportunity for crime. Lock your vehicle and never leave valuables, even for a few minutes, in a vehicle where would-be thieves might see them. Bushes or trees on your property offer a convenient hiding place for thieves. Trim trees and bushes that block a clear view of your front door and address from the street or make it difficult for a person to see out of the windows in your home. In short, make your front porch visible and make sure your home looks like it has its “eyes” (windows) open.

Get out and walk around the neighborhood

It sounds simple enough, but neighborhoods benefit over time when residents walk around more. Taking a walk around your block can be particularly valuable, for those who feel comfortable doing it. Take a moment to chat with neighbors when the opportunity arises. It’s not only good for the community, it is a healthy habit.

Drive slowly on neighborhood streets

Often, the community asks for stop signs and speed bumps, but we sometimes forget that we can facilitate a means of slowing down neighborhood traffic ourselves. Remember it is legal to drive a few miles per hour below the speed limit in your neighborhood! For example, if the speed limit is 25, try 20 instead. Regular slower driving on neighborhood side streets by multiple neighbors will dampen the desire of racers to use your street. It isn’t as fun to cut through a neighborhood if the likelihood of being stuck behind a car traveling at a more respectful pace has increased.

Take ownership

Pick up the litter near your home, even if you didn’t put it there. Most people are less likely to litter where they don’t see litter already. You can help stop the growth of trash in your neighborhood by picking up litter when you see it. Try taking a litter bag with you on your walks and watch what a difference your efforts make.

Help our community council or volunteer groups

If you’re willing, decide what greater contribution you would like to make – then take the lead and do it. If leadership isn’t your desire, at least make sure someone in your household attends our community council meetings when possible. You’ll be kept better informed of the issues facing the neighborhood and how you can help. Even more importantly, you’ll have the chance to shape, guide, and participate in the future of your neighborhood.

Email rpcc2003@gmail.com if you’d like more information.

Know your ordinances and laws

To become more informed about the local ordinances within the City of San Diego, you can view the City of San Diego  Municipal Code in its entirety at:
https://www.sandiego.gov/city-clerk/officialdocs/legisdocs/muni

Reach out!

Get out and meet your neighbors and the kids who live in your neighborhood.

Find a community that has turned around a problem area and you will find a community that really knows the people who live there. Did you grow up in a neighborhood where “everyone knew each other,” but find today that your neighborhood isn’t like that? That’s the case for many people, but think of it as something you can fix! If you don’t know your neighbors’ names and contact information, you can’t call them about a concern or let them know about a neighborhood problem.

Adapted from training materials for: Community Involvement Training. Copyright 1999-2000 © Campbell DeLong Resources, Inc.