COPS CORNER
Happy Holiday season to all! Hard to believe we are into the winter edition of the Chippewa Life magazine.
Some information to help us help you protect your finances:
There has been a significant increase in fraud and scam cases throughout the nation—Chippewa is no exception to this. We encourage anyone that receives suspicious phone calls, emails, mailings or in-person contact, to report it to the police immediately.
Do not engage in dialogue with potential scammers over the phone or internet—DO NOT give out your Social Security number, financial account information, gift card info, etc.
Some of the most common scams:
- Phone call from grandson indicating he was in a bad vehicle accident; someone was hurt, and they need money for attorney and for bond.
- Attorney calls stating he is representing a family member and he needs funds to cover his service to represent family member.
- Call from IRS advising you that you are in trouble, but if you pay them immediately you will not be arrested.
- Call advising you that your account has been hacked and they can remotely fix your issue—these folks talk the victim into gaining access to their computer over the internet. This has occurred using the scam of Amazon, PayPal, internet service, etc.
These scammers attempt to get your personal information and/or they request you go to store and buy gift cards (usually green dot gift cards). They tell you to pay them with gift cards and ask that you take a picture of the gift card (front and back with pin number) and send them. Do not fall prey to these scams. When in doubt—check it out!
Remember, there are all types of scams—for a complete list of the scams and the DOs and DON’Ts—go to: usa.gov/common-scams-frauds
UPDATES
As many are aware, the Chippewa Police are now staffing a police officer in the Blackhawk School District during the school day. This officer is serving in the role as a temporary School Resource Officer, building relationships, mitigating violence, serving as defense against an attack, etc. We have seen tremendous benefits of having an officer in the school.
Recent Police Training:
Active Assault Training Session—the Chippewa Police Department held a large training session with the Blackhawk School District administration and staff.
This training entailed classroom instruction, work session, and scenario-based exercises inside the school. Current police academy recruits participated as role players.
Field Training Officers:
Recently promoted Corporals/First Line Supervisors have successfully completed Field Training Officer training—this will enhance our ability to thoroughly evaluate and train officers and maintain a higher standard of personnel.
School Resource Officers:
A School Resource Officer (SRO) is a law enforcement officer permanently assigned and specially trained to provide coverage to a school or a set of schools. The SRO works in the area where education, delinquency prevention, school security, and law enforcement come together. The SRO serves as a visible deterrent against violence and threats and is a readily available asset to address an armed subject who intents harm.
Three Chippewa officers have completed and received School Resource Officer certification in accordance with the existing statutes in Pennsylvania. This allows these officers to serve as School Resource Officers on a full-time basis. Having a school resource will enhance school security while providing rapid response to threats.
Drug Recognition Expert:
We currently have one certified Drug Recognition Expert—at the time of the article, we have a second Drug Recognition Expert pending certification.
The Drug Evaluation and Classification Program (DECP) focuses on training police officers to recognize when an individual has been driving under the influence of drugs and to identify the type of drug causing impairment. The DECP was developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and approved by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).
Active Shooter Symposium:
We participated in active shooter symposium held at Penn State Beaver campus—hosted by the Beaver County District Attorney’s Office. Chief Eric S. Hermick of Chippewa Police was a presenter regarding police response to churches, businesses, and large venues.
The program was well attended and received. The goal is to help staff and venues reduce the risk of violence and to best be prepared/trained to handle an act of violence.
