Anticipating Trouble

A day in the life of a police officer is not usually what’s featured on today’s fast-paced cops-and-robbers TV. Instead of adrenalin-pumping chases and big busts, most police work involves a good deal of routine patrols and inquiries. Of course, the occasional significant crime gets law enforcement’s undivided attention in Clovis, but that nuts ‘n bolts work, too, – though not necessarily exciting – is a priority for the department. That’s because of one big reason. Taking care of the little incidents helps to prevent big problems.
 
A prime example is the police department’s efforts on behalf of the Property Maintenance Nuisances ordinance. Officers enforce the law because evidence shows that appearance and maintenance of real property – including houses, yards and business properties – affects the general health, safety and welfare of the community. Overgrown weeds, an abandoned car or other large debris often signals trouble or at least potential trouble, and Clovis police officers address those situations with the same commitment to the well being of the public.

A crime prevention officer meets monthly with the managers of apartment complexes, which, as in most cities, are more common targets of crime than single-family homes. Safety issues ranging from tenant alerts to details on dumpster diving, the latest way criminals obtain information for forgery or identity theft.