Community Learns How to Prevent Crime and the Proper Use of 911

When should I call 911? Does a neighborhood watch really work? These questions were answered during this week's academy session.

"You do play an important role in keeping your community safe," said Margo Beauchamp, a crime prevention specialist for the O.C. Sheriff's Department. "Get to know your neighbors and create a neighborhood watch. It can be just a street, but it will prevent crime. The lieutenant and sergeant will definitely say 'yes' when asked if it does prevent crime."

Beauchamp also taught the class the importance of 911 and how it should only be used during life-threatening emergencies.

"We have people who call 911 and ask for directions, and even what the number to Macy's is," she said. "If you accidentally call 911, stay on the line and tell the operator it was a mistake. That way deputies will not be sent to your house, and we won't think you've collapsed."

She also stressed that the public know the non-emergency number to the Sheriff's Department in Aliso Viejo: 949-770-6011.

This line should be used in cases such as filing police reports, and non-life-threatening emergencies. Do not call 911 for frivolous things such as a cheeseburger (which can be heard here).

"During a disaster, do not call 911," she said. "Everyone else will be calling, and all the lines will be tied up. The best thing you can do is to listen to the radio or TV. That's where we will be broadcasting information to keep you updated."

Beauchamp also said cell phones have a limitation during an emergency that landlines don't.

"With a landline, all your information is shown to us when you call," she said. "The dispatcher will ask for that information just to make sure. With cell phones, we do get coordinates of your location, but not all of them are equipped with GPS."

She also had advice for those who need to call 911:

"Designate someone to call 911 during an emergency," she said. "Take a deep breath and remain calm. Just follow the dispatcher's lead so that they can get help to you as quickly as possible. Also, please, do not scream." The dispatchers, she said, are already under a lot of stress.

Administrative Sgt. D.J. Haldeman was also at this week's class and gave crime statistics about the city and showed how the city would operate during an emergency.

"If our major problems are parking violations, juveniles and vandalism, I'm having a good day," said Haldeman. "When the FBI publishes its list of America's 'safest cities' it usually shifts between Irvine and Mission Viejo because they use cities with populations of 100,000 and over."

According to FBI uniform crime statistics for 2009, Aliso Viejo ranks in the top five safest cities in the county, topping even Mission Viejo and Irvine.

Aliso Viejo residents pay $147 per resident to keep Police Services active. Other cities range from $237 per resident up to  $539, according to Haldeman.

According to Haldeman, if a major disaster were to occur, the Sheriff's Department  would take command. Deputies throughout the county would be dispatched to areas where they are needed the most, but some would remain in the city to keep it safe.

Wrapping up the second week's presentation was Steve Rhyner, the emergency management coordinator with the OCSD.

"During a major disaster, you will have to be the first line of support," he said. "We encourage people to work in teams."

He also stressed the importance of signing up for AlertOC, the county's latest effort at providing emergency information to residents as quickly as possible.

To start a neighborhood watch in your community call Margo Beauchamp at 949-425-2563, or e-mail her at mbeauchamp@ocsd.org.

Also, visit alertoc.com to learn more about the system and sign up in case one does occur so you can be informed.