Crime Prevention 101

BUT…criminals can take advantage of this by assuming the identity of legitimate business representatives so be curious and vigilant. “After all, if a criminal looked like a criminal no one would have any trouble finding them!”

The given answer, "Suspicious activity," is the most appropriate explanation for the listed behaviors. Each of the described actions, such as a stranger entering an unoccupied house, someone peering into parked cars, or the sound of broken glass, can be indicative of potentially illegal or harmful activities. These behaviors are not considered normal or innocent, but rather raise concerns and should be treated as suspicious.

All of the choices mentioned in the question can be considered as "suspicious activity". Vehicles moving slowly and without lights or following an aimless or repetitive course can indicate potential criminal activity. Occupied vehicles parked at unusual hours can also raise suspicion, as it may suggest illicit activities. Similarly, vehicles being loaded with valuables in front of closed businesses or untended residences, even if they appear legitimate, can be considered suspicious. Therefore, all of the given choices can be deemed as suspicious activities.

There are many things to look for when determining if a situation is suspicious or simply innocent. One thing to keep in mind when you see something happening that may or may not be "right," is if it seems even slightly "out of place" for the area or during the time of day it occurs.

A male juvenile walking through a parking lot is not suspicious, but a male juvenile walking through a parking lot in between cars and peering into windows is! Notice the difference?

A dark vehicle with dark tint driving through a neighborhood is not suspicious, but a dark vehicle with dark tint is driving slowly through a neighborhood at night with no headlights on is!

Every police department should posses an alternate number for citizens to contact for anything that is NOT an emergency. The Temple Terrace Police Department's non-emergency number is (813) 989-7110.

If you are not sure whether your situation is an emergency or not, call 911 anyway, you will NOT be punished! The Communications Officer will simply transfer you over to the non-emergency line.

Temple Terrace is a non-solicitation city however, if you register through the city, obtain a solicitation badge through the City showing proper identification and displaying that badge in a visible location on your person...soliciting is legal.

If you do not see an official Temple Terrace solicitation badge, call the police!

A. When reporting suspicious activity you can remain anonymous or refuse police contact however, if a situation arises where charges are made, a victim must be present and provide their information.

B. Never assume that police have already been contacted. Think about what COULD happen in a questionable situation where police were never contacted because you assumed someone else called!

C. Never be embarrassed or scared to contact police, that is what we are here for! To serve and protect :) If a situation occurs where police are contacted and it turns out to be nothing; no harm, no foul. At least the situation was resolved and everything is okay.

This question was tricky. Yes. The main purpose of the Police is to reduce crime. However, it is the responsibility of the community to help Police reduce criminal activity by observing an reporting. We need your eyes and ears to help serve and protect our citizens, so help the Police help YOU!

Any law enforcement agency cannot function effectively without the assistance of its citizens. It is the eyes and ears of local residents that are consistently present in their neighborhoods and know if something is unusual. Police need YOU to call and notify of anything suspicious.

All of these descriptions are vital regardless of how insignificant they may seem. It's always important to get at least an approximate height, weight, race, age, and sex of a suspect. However, unique characteristics on a suspect can be just as important if not more useful than the obvious. Things like tattoos and even scars are characteristics that are more likely to be permanent and difficult to conceal and/or change.

When reporting an incident, do your best to prepare answers for the "who, what, where and when" questions. This will help Dispatch and the Police to help you more quickly and efficiently.