Crime Initiative

The Frederick Police Department encourages citizens to be vigilant in protecting their neighborhoods and neighbors. With the recent increase of crimes against citizens the members of the Frederick Police Department would like the community to know that the

FPD is using every available resource to reduce street crimes in the City of Frederick.

A few tools used by the Department to combat this increase include the following:

• Increased visibility in areas identified by FPD Crime Analyst
• Plain clothes surveillance and decoy operations
• Increased Field Interviews of persons acting suspicious in targeted areas
• Crime prevention tips available to public
• Provide whistles for Whistle Defense initiative.
• Upon arrest, the Community Prosecutor/Edward Lulie will ensure the proper follow-up and aggressive prosecution of those arrested.
• Requested the assistance of Maryland State Police for increased visibility in the Rt. 40 area during the months of October, November and December.
• Detailed Crime Analysis and comparison with surrounding jurisdictions.

Please assist the Frederick Police Department with protecting our quality of life. We encourage all citizens to report suspicious activity at 301-600-2100 emergency call 911 or e-mail drug tips to www.fpddrugtip@fredco-md.net .

Crime Prevention Tips:

Personal Safety Tips on the Street

• If possible, don't walk alone during late-night hours. Walk in groups whenever you can—there is always safety in numbers.
• Let a family member or friend know your destination and your estimated time of arrival or return. That way, the police can be notified as quickly as possible if there is a problem.
• Stay in well-lit areas as much as possible. Avoid alleys, vacant lots, wooded areas, and other short-cuts or secluded areas. They are usually not well-lit or heavily traveled.
• Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible. Walk close to the curb, avoiding doorways, bushes, and other potential hiding places.
• If you have to walk in the street, walk facing traffic. A person walking with traffic can be followed, forced into a car, and abducted more easily than a person walking against traffic.
• Walk confidently, directly, and at a steady pace. Don't stop to talk to strangers.
• Wear clothing and shoes that give you freedom of movement. And don't burden yourself with too many packages or items.
• Always be aware of your surroundings. If you are wearing headphones, don't turn up the volume so high that you cannot hear outside noises.
• Never hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.
• Report any suspicious activity or person immediately to the Frederick Police Department at 301-600-2100 Or, if it is an emergency, dial 9-1-1.
• Avoid carrying large sums of cash, or displaying expensive jewelry in public.

Basic Street Smarts

• Wherever you are—on the street, in an office building or shopping mall, driving, waiting for a bus or subway—stay alert and tuned in to your surroundings.
• Send the message that you're calm, confident, and know where you're going.
• Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uneasy, avoid the person or leave.
• Know the neighborhoods where you live and work.
• Check out the locations of police and fire stations, public telephones, hospitals, and restaurants, or stores that are open late.

If Someone Tries to Rob You

• Don't resist. Give up your property—don't give up your life.
• Report the crime to the police. Try to describe the attacker accurately. Your actions can help prevent others from becoming victims.

Safety in Your Vehicle

The crime of “carjacking” – which is stealing a car by force – captures headlines across the country. Statistically speaking, however, your chances of being a victim of carjacking are very slim, and taking preventive measures can reduce that risk even more.

• If the carjacker threatens you with a gun or other weapon, give up your car. Don’t argue. Your life is definitely worth more than a car.
• Get away from the area as quickly as possible.
• Try to remember what the carjacker looked like—sex, race, age, hair and eye color, special features, clothes.
• Report the crime immediately to the police.