Riverdale Takes A Bite Out Of Crime

citizen |

by SheRico Jones

In recent years, many south suburban neighborhoods have seen a sharp increase in crime. While communities are fighting back, Riverdale is combating the problem with increased patrols and by breathing new life into the C.A.P.A. (Community Awareness Policing Academy) by recruiting new volunteers.

CAPA was first offered to Riverdale citizens in the late 90s. The police department stopped offering the program for a while but reinstated it in 2008 under the direction of one of the original founders. CAPA is a 12-week program that meets on Thursday evenings. Over the course of those 12 weeks, a selected group of individuals, who live and work in the village, get a behind the scenes to look at how the police department operates as a business. The program is designed to enhance awareness of police procedures.

A lot of people misunderstand how CAPA works, Officer Beatty of the Riverdale PD said. You cant just walk in off the street. You have to sign up and pass a background check. Only the people who are selected are allowed to attend.

During the course of the program, participants go through different scenarios and receive training similar to that of a police officer. While there is no firearm training, participants get to see exactly what it is that Riverdale police officers do on a day-to-day basis. A lot of block club members attend because the program gives them a higher sense of awareness in how to structure their clubs.

This years CAPA program has already started, but anyone who is interested in the next session should contact Officer Beatty at: (708)841-2203 extension 2.

Officer Beatty said one of Riverdales biggest crime issues is domestic battery; meanwhile the village has seen a notable decrease in car thefts. Beatty also stated that burglaries have been an issue too but the solution is simple: nosy neighbors he said.

Some of our best arrests have come from neighbors calling in suspicious activity or a burglary in progress. Because of them, we were able to make solid arrests, Officer Beatty said. If something seems suspicious or looks, funny call us. Dont wait. Some people wait before they call because theyre not sure. Dont wait, call us immediately.

With warm weather and the end of the school year approaching, community safety is a concern everywhere. Residents want to have faith that their police department is working diligently to serve and protect them. According to 20-year Riverdale resident Latoyia Fuller, Riverdale is not horrible, it was actually worse when I was a teenager, she said.

Officer Beatty says, It starts at home.

Be a nosy parent. Ask them where theyre going and who theyre going with. Look through their stuff. Know their friends first and last names and where they live. [Your childs friends] nickname might be Ray Ray, but you need to know his real name, he said.

Another measure that Riverdale is taking to fight crime is the Crime Free Housing program. This program combats illegal activities in rental property by requiring owners to run background checks on potential renters. It is extended from the old HUD law, according to Officer Beatty who is also the programs coordinator.

Under the Crime Free Housing ordinance, if a renter or anyone who lives at or frequents the residence is convicted of a felony; or if the police are constantly called to the residence, the renter is evicted. Also any activities perceived as a nuisance to the neighborhood are grounds for eviction. This ordinance was passed in 2007. Property owners are required to take and pass a course; the next course will be offered on May 4th. For more information, contact Riverdale PD.

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