Crime Prevention Programs

The Department sponsors a host of crime prevention programs which include security surveys providing individual crime vulnerability assessments and recommendations for crime safety improvements/enhancements for homes and businesses; coordination of neighborhood watch programs;

The house watch program for residences, the TRIAD program for senior citizens and the “Officer Friendly” program which provides crime prevention and safety information for children and teens through school and youth group/club presentations. See Crime Prevention Tips below

For further information, or to arrange for a crime prevention meeting, presentation or survey please contact Officer Amy Divine at (601) 856-6111.

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House Watch Program

As a service to the community the Police Department performs house watch patrols of residences while citizens are out of town. To request a house watch patrol of your residence, download the House Watch Request Form (located below). Complete the form and bring it to the Police Department at 2001 Main Street (at Crawford Street) prior to your scheduled departure date.

Upon your return to your residence it is important that you phone the Police Department to notify the dispatcher of your return. If you have any questions regarding the House Watch Program you may call the police dispatcher at (601) 856-6111.

Housewatch Request Form

TRIAD

TRIAD is one of the fastest-growing crime prevention partnerships in the country. It is a cooperative effort of law enforcement agencies (police/fire/sheriffs), senior citizens, and senior organizations, focused on reducing crimes against our most vulnerable citizens: our seniors. In 1988, the American Association of Retired Persons, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the National Sheriff’s Association realized that the baby boomers would soon be retiring and would be in need of protection from con artists and other criminals who would seek to separate them from their hard-earned savings. These three groups formed the first TRIAD in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana, bringing together seniors and law enforcement in a cooperative effort to fight crime. The TRIAD concept has since spread to 47 states, Canada, and England. The TRIAD program has been active in the City of Madison since 1998.

The goal of TRIAD is to reduce the fear of crime and victimization among seniors by increasing awareness of scams and frauds targeting them, strengthening communication between the law enforcement and senior communities, and educating seniors on local and state resources that are available in their community. This goal is accomplished through speaking engagements, community collaborations, targeted trainings for seniors and law enforcement practitioners.

TRIAD meetings are held at the City of Madison Justice Complex, 2001 Main Street, on the 4th Tuesday of every month at 10:00 A.M. All are invited. The contact person for the Madison TRIAD program is Investigator Vickie Currie, (601) 856-6111.

Crime Prevention Tips

• At your residence keep your bushes and other landscaping trimmed so it does not hinder your sight upon approach to your residence. If you own a business keep front windows clear of clutter or other items so police officers on patrol can easily see what’s going on inside your store or office.
• Get into the habit of locking your vehicles. After a while you’ll find yourself locking the doors without even thinking about it. This prevents thefts of opportunity from the interior of your cars or trucks. Keep garage doors closed, even when you’re home. This also helps to prevent crimes of opportunity.
• While stopped at a traffic signal, stay far enough away from the vehicle in front of you to see its rear tires. This affords you space to maneuver and flee the scene if someone tries to get in your vehicle. The distance may also help you to not hit the vehicle in front of you if you are rear ended in an accident.
• Ensure there is adequate lighting around the exterior of your home. Exterior lighting kits are relatively inexpensive. This will help you to observe what is going on around your house when you arrive home. It will also provide a safer atmosphere for the walk from your vehicle to the interior of your house