Prospective residents or current residents responding to a neighborhood call for information often request statistics on the occurrence of crime in a particular area. These statistics are available through the Crime Prevention Section. A phone call is all that is required to receive data on the types, frequency, and areas where specified crimes have occurred. To request crime statistics, contact the Crime Prevention Section at (248) 871-2750.
The Vacation Hotline, (248) 871-2762, is a direct line to a Crime Prevention Section voicemail recorder. It is designed to provide responding officers with contact information should they be called to an emergency at the house while the resident is on vacation. It does not provide for special attention or extra patrol.
When you call the Vacation Hotline, be sure to include your name, address, dates of departure/return, a contact person in case of emergency, and any other pertinent information such as cars left in the driveway or lights on timers.
Scheduling a Presenter or Tour
Tours of the police facility may be scheduled by contacting the Crime Prevention Section. Tours are available to school groups, scouting troops, and other organizations and include a view of Operations, Records, Communications, the detention area, and the firing range.
Tours may be requested through the Crime Prevention Section at (248) 871-2750.
Landscape Design Principles for Crime Prevention
Stopping crime before it happens is an important goal for the City of Farmington Hills. The City believes that a safe community is a desirable community. The Farmington Hills Police Department has established a Crime Prevention program designed to help members of the community identify practical and meaningful methods to address safety concerns in their environments. Often, the methods involve simply re-thinking the way we place things in the environment.
Below are some guidelines and suggestions to consider when designing new landscapes or preparing maintenance plans:
- Avoid planting evergreen shrubs beneath windows and around entranceways. If evergreen shrubs are present already, prune them at the bottom so that objects or people can be seen beneath and behind them.
- Keep shrubs pruned to no more than 4 1/2 feet in height around entranceways and windows, where possible. Trim them up from the ground and keep them below window level.
- If shrubs are planted beneath windows, consider planting shrubs that are ‘prickly’ or have thorns to discourage people from hiding behind them.
- Police officers in vehicles can patrol the City more efficiently if they can see into developments from the street. When designing landscapes in apartment or condominium complexes, consider the following:
- Solid walls provide concealment. Although they offer privacy, they also create a security risk. Use walls cautiously. A see-through fence (i.e. wrought iron with decorative brick pillars) can provide the separation desired without blocking important views.
- Trim the bottom branches of evergreen trees around doorways, carports and between public thoroughfares and parking lots.
- Carports provide good protection for cars. They also provide a great place for people to hide. If carports are part of a development, make sure the inside of the carport can be seen from the street.
The Neighborhood Watch Program is an effective means of crime control and neighborhood cohesiveness. It is a program that informs citizens how to help themselves by identifying and reporting suspicious activity and utilizing crime prevention best practices in their neighborhoods. Neighborhood Watch is a national program that has proven to help make neighborhoods safer and improve quality of life. For more information on Neighborhood Watch in your subdivision, please contact Crime Prevention at (248) 871-2750.
The Crime Prevention Section offers free security surveys to Farmington Hills residents and businesses. The survey identifies potential security risks and recommends cost effective solutions. Appointments may be made by calling (248) 871-2750.
The Police Department utilizes NIXLE, a community information system that facilitates the delivery of timely public safety information to residents via e-mail and text messaging. NIXLE has proven to be a valuable tool to inform residents of certain crime occurrences, missing or endangered persons, and hazardous conditions. Residents can subscribe to this free service by visiting: www.nixle.com.
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
In compliance with Michigan law, the City of Farmington Hills has a FOIA policy. For more information, click here.