HomeMy WebLinkAboutApproval of Adult Life and Resident Monitoring Program (ALARM)CITY OF PALM DESERT
Office of the Assistant City Manager
Community Services Division
Staff Report
REQUEST: Request for Approval of Adult Life and Resident Monitoring
(ALARM) Program
SUBMITTED BY: Sheila R. Gilligan, ACM/Community Services
DATE: March 24, 2005
CONTENTS 1. Memorandum from Sergeant Pete Ortiz Regarding the ALARM
Program
2. Preliminary Minutes of March 9, 2005, Public Safety
Commission Meeting
Recommendation:
By Minute Motion: 1) Concur with the recommendation of the Public Safety Commission
to approve the Adult Life and Resident Monitoring (ALARM) program; 2) direct staff to
implement same.
Discussion:
The Public Safety Commission has been working on the implementation of a program
which would provide the citizens of Palm Desert with three programs that both provide
extra measures of public safety and increase public relations between the Police
Department and the residents of Palm Desert. There are three segments to the program,
each of which is described in a memorandum prepared by Sgt. Pete Ortiz, which is
attached for your review and consideration.
The initial cost of the program would be $2,176, which will provide the first 1,000 residents
with the File for Life envelope, medical information card, and window sticker. This cost will
be bome by the Police contingency fund.
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
RE: ALARM PROGRAM MARCH 24, 2005
At its meeting of March 9, 2005, the Public Safety Commission recommended that the City
Council enact this program. A question was raised as to how the program could be
expanded if the participation level grew to such an extent that the Police Department and
Citizens on Patrol would be unable to meet the demands. The City has been contacted
by a company called "Reverse 911" which has an automated system of contact. The City
could consider this system in the future, depending upon the degree of participation. The
representative of this company was advised that the City was on the verge of inaugurating
its own program; however, she will contact us in five months to determine whether or not
there is a need for her company's service. The Commission concurred with that process.
Lt. Steve Thetford and ! can answer any questions the Council may have during its
consideration at the meeting of March 24, 2005.
Submitted by:
SHEILA R. GILLIGAN
ACM/Community Services
Approval:
CARLOS L. ORTE
City Manager
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Director of Finance
PALM DESERT POLICE DEPARTMENT
Served by the
Riverside County Sheriffs Department
Bob Doyle, Sheriff -Coroner
73520 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, CA 922260
Phone (760) 836-1600 Fax (760) 836-1616
To: Palm Desert Public Safety Commission
From: Sergeant Pete Ortiz
Re: Palm Desert Police A.L.A.R.M. Program
Date: March 2, 2005
The purpose of this memorandum is to introduce the Palm Desert Police Department
Adult Life and Residence Monitoring Program, otherwise know as A.L.A.R.M. The
A.L.A.R.M. Program was conceived by Palm Desert Community Service Officers Morii
Taylor and Kimberly Walton. This program is designed to provide the citizens of Palm
Desert with three programs that provides extra measures of public safety and increases
public relations between the City of Palm Desert, its citizens, and our police department.
Program Overview
The A.L.A.R.M. program consists of three parts: The File for Life program, the You Are
Not Alone program (Y.A.N.A.) and the Vacation and Property Check program. The Palm
Desert Police Department will have sole responsibility for implementing and maintaining
each program. These three programs are as follows:
File for Life -
This program is designed to assist Palm Desert Police and Palm Desert Fire when
responding to assistance calls. The participants fill out a medical information card and
place it in a magnetic envelope, which is then attached to their refrigerator. The
magnetic envelope will be emblazoned with the words: "File For Life Medical
Information with a Palm Desert Police patch below the words. A participant sticker is
also placed on the front door, window or other conspicuous place to alert responding
emergency personnel. The participant sticker will be emblazoned with the words:
"File For Life" and Participant", with a Palm Desert Police patch separating the two
words. The medical information card contains information that should assist medical
personnel in aiding a patient who is non -responsive or unable to communicate their
needs. The information on the card could also help police personnel who respond to a
welfare check or disoriented subject call to help us contact family members or
physicians of the subject. The information can also be used to refer the subject to the
YANA Program.
The File For Life kits will be distributed by Palm Desert Police Officers through
patrol contacts with the elderly. Kits will also be given to Palm Desert Fire, and will
be available at the Northeast and Southwest Palm Desert Police sub -stations, and the
Jocelyn Senior Center.
The program will be advertised in the `Brightside" magazine, on the Palm Desert
Police website, in press releases and through media interviews.
You are Not Alone (Y.A.N.A.)-
This program designed to provide daily telephone contact and weekly visits with
Palm Desert Senior Citizens who live alone. Participants will fill out a YANA request
form, which will be reviewed by CSO to determine eligibility. (The form contains
personal and medical info, which can be meshed with File for Life program.) Upon
acceptance to the program, Palm Desert CSO's will compile daily call lists for
participants in the program. Each senior will be called, according to the schedule. If
there is no answer, another call will be attempted in thirty minutes. If there is no
answer, a CSO will drive to participant's home and attempt to make personal contact.
If senior does not answer and it appears they are home, a patrol deputy will be called
to investigate further. Completed calls will be short conversations with senior, such as
plans for day, do they have medications and are they taking them, any upcoming
medical appointments, personal interests, have they heard from their family, etc.
Personal visits with each senior will take place on a weekly basis. Visits will be short
and will include same questions as phone calls. We will also take the opportunity to
look for signs of a senior who is no longer able to care for himself or herself or who is
being taken advantage of by a caretaker, etc. All reports of suspected abuse will be
reported to on -duty watch commander and investigations will be initiated at his
discretion. Reports will be referred to proper agency for F/U, such as APS. All
participants will also be enrolled in File For Life Program. Once the program is
established, we would like to involve the Palm Desert COP program to make calls
and do visits, under the direction and supervision of the Police Department. The
Y.A.N.A. program will be advertised at Northeast and Southwest Palm Desert Police
sub -stations and at the Jocelyn Senior Center. Also will be advertised in the
"Brightside" magazine, on the Palm Desert Police website, in press releases and
through media interviews.
Vacation property check program -
This program replaces the current informal system of calling police department for
assistance when a resident goes on vacation. Participants can sign up at either sub-
station or the police department. The application must be dropped off in person to
sign a liability waiver. The Palm Desert CSO will conduct weekly property checks on
all properties requested. We will be looking for open doors and windows, unusual
activities or signs of tampering. All problems will be noted and the property owner
will be contacted whenever possible. In the case of open doors or windows or obvious
tampering, a patrol deputy will be called to investigate further. All property checks
will be noted on the file submitted by the citizen and a non -criminal incident number
will be generated by Sheriff's Dispatch to have a permanent record of the check. This
program will be advertised at Northeast and Southwest Palm Desert Police sub-
stations, the Jocelyn Senior Center, City Hall and Police Station.
It will also will be advertised in the "Brightside" magazine, on the Palm Desert Police
website, in press releases and through media interviews.
Cost Analysis -
The Vacation Property Check program and the You are Not Alone program will cause an
insignificant increase in printing and paper expenses. The duties will be incorporated into
the daily CSO routine, so no additional increase in staffing will be needed. We anticipate
utilizing the Palm Desert COP program to assist us in the Y.A.N.A. program as well. The
Vial for Life program will have an initial cost outlay of $2,176.00. The City of Palm
Desert will provide the funds. These funds will provide the first 1000 residents of Palm
Desert with the File for Life envelope, medical information card and window sticker.
Additional orders will be made as supplies are depleted.
Recommendation:
We respectfully request your review of these programs and seek your approval and
endorsement. Upon you approval, we anticipate implementing the A.L.A.R.M. Program
in April, 2005.
Riverside County Sheriffs Department
PALM DESERT POLICE
Bob Doyle, Sheriff
File For Life
Purpose:
It is the purpose of this proposal to outline the responsibilities and procedures to be followed
during the implementation and operation of the "File for Life" program. The purpose of the File
for Life program is to provide medical information to first responders. This program is a medical
information tool used by residents who wish to make their medical information available to
emergency personnel when they arrive at your home in a time of crisis. The File for Life program
is a free program designed for residents, especially seniors with serious medical conditions who
wish to participate. Residents can pick up the File for Life questionnaire and stickers at Palm
Desert Police Department's offices and Substations and City Hall. It is the goal of this program
that all residents in Palm Desert, young and old, would participate in the File for Life.
Overview:
The File for Life will be a free program for Palm Desert residents. The program materials would
be distributed by the Palm Desert Police Department at many different locations. Community
Service Officers would be responsible for initial disbursement of materials, and would provide
future supplies for distribution within the city. These pickup locations could include the Visitors
Center in Palm Desert and the Joslyn Senior Center and well as the Palm Desert Station and
Police North Substation and Mall Substation. There will not be anyone monitoring this program
as it is a free program offered Palm Desert Police Department. Residents who would like to
participate in the program are responsible for obtaining the materials to join and updating their
medical cards yearly. This program could be marketed by the City of Palm Desert's BrightSide
monthly brochure and possible newspaper press releases. This is a free program which
participants would be responsible for acquiring the materials needed at designated locations listed.
Procedures:
The File for Life is a plastic envelope, approximately 3 inches by 5 inches with a magnetic strip on
the back, in which residents place important medical information, such as: medications, medical
history, etc. on a questionnaire. The File for Life is then placed on the front of their refrigerator door.
This information will assist responding emergency personnel with previous medical history,
medications, allergies, and other related information. Participants will also have a sticker to place on
the front window of their residence, to alert first responders that they are participating in the program.
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If a participant is injured, or suffers from a medical condition that temporarily renders them
unconscious, or otherwise unable to communicate effectively, the File for Life may save their life.
With important information about their medical history, firefighters would be able to quickly
diagnose their condition and provide effective care.
The File for Life would also provide contact information for the participant's doctor, provide
insurance information, and describe any other special circumstances that rescue personnel should
know in caring for them.
In terms of emergency care, The File for Life cards will mean a dramatic improvement, especially
with the elderly. It allows paramedics and Police Officers to immediately react to information,
instead of pulling information out of distressed family members or a neighbor who may not know
their medical history. These cards can be a critical factor in keeping someone alive.
Supplies Needed:
Available support materials include:
Magnetized plastic sleeves
Medical Cards and Questionnaire
Outside weatherproof door/window decals
Inside reminder decals
Considerations
To start a File for Life program, a determination would be needed for the quantity of File for Life
products necessary. City offices could provide the number of households and potential
participants within the city of Palm Desert. For community wide coverage, one magnetized
sleeve, one door decal, and one questionnaire, would be needed for each household. Additional
questionnaires would be needed for additional participants within the households.
If a full community wide program were not feasible, a condensed version focusing on the most at -
risk population segment, mainly senior citizens would be an alternative. The program could be
expanded at a later time, to include the entire community.
Cost Analysis:
Initial Cost of 1000 Kits ordered:
Magnetic Envelopes: $1470.00
Window Stickers: $726.00
Total cost: $2,176.00
The City of Palm Desert will provide the funds for the initial and subsequent orders as supplies are
depleted.
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Other Agencies
This program was reviewed and endorsed by Chief Walt Holloway from the Palm Desert Fire
Department.
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FILE FOR LIFE
Attachments:
1 - Sleeve or pouch
2 - Insert
3 - Insert
- Window sticker
FILE FOR LIFE
MEDICAL INFORMATION
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DICAL INFORMATION (continued,
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Disclaimer: By filling out this form, I agree and understand that it is my responsibility, the
patient, to keep the information on this form accurate and up-to-date. I also understand that
emergency medical personnel may rely on this information to provide treatment and I agree not to
hold them or emergency room staff responsible for inaccurate or out of date information.
Signed
Date Completed
FILE FOR LIFE
PARTICIPANT
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Riverside County Sheriff's Department
PALM DESERT POLICE
Bob Doyle, Sheriff
Y.A.N.A.
You Are Not Alone"
Purpose:
It is the purpose of this directive to outline the responsibilities and procedures to be followed by Palm
Desert Police Community Service Officers, and/or Citizen's On Patrol (COPS) volunteers, when
participating in the "You Are Not Alone," (YANA) program.
Policy:
The YANA program provides daily telephone contact and weekly visits with seniors who are living
alone and have no family in the local area. All prospective candidates are interviewed by selected
members of the department to ensure that they are aware of their responsibilities and what services
the department will provide them. To assure complete understanding by the YANA member, a "You
Are Not Alone" Request Form is explained and filled out by the departmental interviewer and signed
by the prospective YANA member. This form contains emergency contact persons and health
information.
Program Implementation
The Palm Desert Police North Substation and Mall Substation Community Service Officers will
implement the YANA program. During the infancy of the program, all responsibility for operation of
the program will rest upon the substation CSO's. The appropriate documentation, applications,
current YANA members, and logistical supplies, will be kept on file at the Palm Desert Police North
Substation. After the program has become functional, and the enrollment numbers of YANA members
increases, a transition will be implemented to allow the Citizen's on Patrol (COPS) Volunteers to
become more involved in the operations of the program. After a period of procedural training, it is
anticipated this program can be run both operationally and administratively by members of the COPS
volunteers. A Palm Desert Police CSO will act as a liaison from the department, when the COPS
volunteers staff increases to a level that can service the needs of an increased number of YANA
members.
Applications would be accepted at the Palm Desert Police Department main office, Palm Desert
Police North Substation, Mall Substation and the Joslyn Senior Center. All interviews to enroll in the
program, along with all administrative functions of the program, would be handled at the Palm Desert
Police North Substation only.
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Procedures:
The following YANA procedures shall be closely followed and deviations should be reported to
supervision of the Palm Desert Police immediately. When an application is received in reference to a
new YANA member, staff should inform the designated YANA interviewer of name and phone
number/address of the candidate, so that arraignments can be made to contact the individual and
explain the program to them. After acceptance into the program, a second interview will be
conducted with the YANA member, explaining the procedures and services supplied for their needs.
Each morning, the person responsible for making phone contact shall call each YANA member that is
scheduled for contact that day. A notation shall be made on the YANA calling log, whether or not
the call was completed, and if any problem was noted. Remind the YANA member that departmental
personnel will be calling again on the next scheduled day, unless a visit is scheduled, and determine if
the YANA member will be home. If the YANA member will not be home on that specified day, a
note will be made on the calling log.
On visit days, no calls are required to the YANA member prior to the visit. If, for any reason, the
YANA member requests that no more visits be made, notification to the departmental liaison should
be made immediately.
If a call to a YANA member is not completed, a second call should be made within twenty to thirty
minutes. If there is still no answer, a CSO or a COPS Volunteer, should go by the YANA member's
residence and attempt to find out if the member is home. If no contact is made with the YANA
member, a request should be made for a patrol unit to "check the welfare" of the YANA member.
This activity should be completely documented on the home visit log.
If a COPS volunteer is assigned to make a YANA visit, they shall make sure they are accompanied by
another volunteer, or an assisting departmental staff member. If anything unusual is noted, the on
duty Watch Commander will be notified and a determination made whether to notify the emergency
contact, or a referral agency. This activity should be completely documented on the home visit log.
When visiting the YANA member, be alert for signs that the member is not being properly cared for,
or is no longer able to care for him/herself. Also be alert for signs that someone is taking advantage
of the YANA member by living in the residence, using the residence or garage for storage, or has
gained access to the YANA member's bank account or vehicle. Report any signs of abuse or
intimidation to the departmental coordinator or patrol supervisor.
Cost Analysis:
None. The duties will be absorbed during the regular duties of the Community Service Officers. When
the Citizen's on Patrol (COPS) Volunteers become initiated into the program and accept more
responsibility, as the number of YANA members increase, no associated costs are anticipated. This
program has the potential to be significantly staffed by volunteers, with minimal oversight from a
liaison CSO of the Palm Desert Police.
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PALM DESERT POLICE
"YOU ARE NOT ALONE" (YANA) REQUEST FORM
Name (Member) Phone#
Address City Zip
Start Date End Date
Day of week for visit
Requested by
Emergency Contact Relationship
Address City Zip
Phone# Home Work Pager
Alternate Emergency Contact Relationship
Address City Zip
Phone (Home) Work Pager
Name of Closest Neighbor
Address Phone
Doctor's Name Phone
General health concerns
A Community Services Officer (CSO), or a Citizen's On Patrol (COPS) Volunteer will place a telephone
call to the YANA member between the hours designated in the procedures. If there is no answer to the
phone call, a "check the welfare" investigation will be generated to the Palm Desert Police Department.
Participation in the YANA program does not establish a special relationship between theYANA member and
the Palm Desert Police Department. A duty to call the YANA member on the phone, or respond to their
fesidence, or summon emergency aid, if the YANA member fails to answer the phone, is not established.
The Palm Desert Police and their volunteers will not be liable to the YANA member for any act, or omission,
which proximately causes injury or property damage to the member, or others, as a result of the YANA member
not being called, or for failure to respond to their home, if they do not answer the call.
Signature of person making request Date
Signature of Member Date
Taken by I.D.# Date
Revised 5/26/04
"YOU ARE NOT ALONE"
REQUEST FORM PROCEDURES
The "You Are Not Alone" (YANA) request form is used to enroll people into the YANA
program. A friend or relative can fill it out by the YANA members or. If a friend or
relative makes the request, make sure they have discussed the program with the YANA
member. We will not enroll anyone into "You Are Not Alone" program unless they are a
willing participant. The Palm Desert Police Community Service Officer (CSO), or
Citizens on Patrol Volunteer (COPS), will explain the full YANA program to the person
making the request and later to the YANA member. The following is a step-by-step
guide to completing the "You Are Not Alone" request form.
1. Name of person to be enrolled into YANA
2. Address and telephone number of YANA member.
3. Date that YANA member is to begin program
4. Date that YANA member is to quit program; -leave blank if no end date.
5. Preferred day and time of visit
6. Name of person making request
7. Address of person making request
8. Relationship of person making request to YANA being enrolled
9. Home and work phone number of person making request
10. Date and time of request
11. Name of secondary emergency contact (if available)
12. Address of secondary emergency contact
13. Relationship of secondary emergency contact to YANA
14. Home and work phone numbers of secondary emergency contact
15. Name of YANA member's doctor
16. Doctors telephone number
17. General information about YANA member (e.g., doctors name, health problems,
good day to make visits, etc.)
18. Miscellaneous comments about YANA member, emergency contacts, visiting
procedures, etc.
19. Name of person taking the request
20. Signature of person making request
While not required by law, the YANA program is a firm commitment between the
Palm Desert Police Department and the elderly and disabled citizens of our
community. It is imperative that Community Service Officers, and/or COPS
Volunteers, follow all YANA procedures carefully and that accurate records are kept,
beginning with this form.
PALM DESERT POLICE
YOU ARE NOT ALONE (Y.A.N.A.)
ENROLLMENT QUESTIONAIRE
WHO HAS ACCESS (A KEY) TO YOUR RESIDENCE?
NAME RELATIONSHIP
DO YOU HAVE A HOUSEKEEPER?
NAME WHEN
DOES THE YANA MEMBER MAINTAIN GOOD HYGIENE?
YES/NO
DO YOU HAVE ANY ANIMALS LIVING WITH YOU?
TYPE
WHAT TYPE OF MEDICATION DO YOU TAKE?
TYPE:
DO YOU SUFFER FROM ANY SIDE EFFECTS FROM THE MEDICATION?
TYPE:
IF YOU DO NOT TAKE YOUR MEDICATION, DO YOU SUFFER ANY E11 ECTS?
TYPE:
DO YOU SUFFER FROM ANY ILLNESS THAT CAUSES MEMORY LOSS?
YES/NO DEGREE
DO YOU HAVE ANY DAILY OR WEEKLY APPOINTMENTS?
What Type: When
(Doctor's, Beauty Salon, Bingo, Senior Center?)
Prepared by : ID#
Date
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Y.A.N.A CALLER PROCEDURES
1. The Palm Desert Police Community Service Officer (CSO), or Citizens on
Patrol Volunteer (COPS) will check the YANA member book to obtain
which member should be called on that day.
2. Start calling member's from the YANA telephone log.
3. Note date, time, visit day, and any comments in member telephone log.
4. Be sure to remind those YANA member's of their visit day.
5. Any special notation should be made with a "post it" for future reference.
6. Do not allow any YANA member to be unaccounted for.
7. If need be, contact emergency contacts.
8. Advise dispatch via cell phone or radio upon arrival at the member's
residence. Follow normal procedures.
9. Just prior to going to YANA's house, log date/time of your visit for
documentation in member home visit log book.
10. Record CSO, or COPS volunteer, name who called the YANA member, in
telephone log.
11. Record all calls made to each YANA member in telephone log.
Y.A.N.A. CALLER
DISCUSSION SUGGESTIONS
Identify yourself and why you are calling
Check for upcoming birthdays?
Do you have plans for the day?
Do you have medications and have you been taking them?
Do you have any upcoming doctor appointments?
Depending on the weather, has your house been comfortable?
Remind the YANA member of the time and date of their scheduled visit.
Have your heard from your family?
If the YANA member has a caregiver, make sure we have the pertinent information.
Talk about the YANA member's interest, sports, cards, plants, etc?
Emergency Contact:
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Palm Desert Police Department
"YOU ARE NOT ALONE"
The "You Are Not Alone" (YANA) program is designed for local seniors who live alone
and would benefit from having someone check on their welfare on a daily basis.
Members of the Palm Desert Police Department and the Citizen's On Patrol program
make daily phone calls to YANA members, and visits if the YANA member does not
respond to the call.
To register as a YANA member, a senior must complete a short request form, participate
in an interview with the YANA departmental coordinator, have an emergency contact
person, and be willing and able to respond to phone calls, and weekly home visits.
If citizens are interested in enrolling themselves, or someone they know, they are asked to
call the Palm Desert Police Department at (760) 200-5579 or (760) 200-5639.
Bob Doyle, Sheriff
Riverside County Sheriffs Department
PALM DESERT POLICE
Vacant Property Security Check Program
Purpose:
The following procedure is to establish a program to provide vacant property checks to the
citizens of Palm Desert while they will be away from their residence for any period of time.
Background Information:
The Palm Desert Sheriff's station currently accepts requests from citizens regarding security
checks of their property while their residence is vacant. These requests are then read during pre
shift briefings by the patrol sergeants. Time permitting, the beat deputies patrol the
neighborhood and check the status of the vacated property. At this time, logs are not kept
indicating the dates, times and status of the vacant property. This protocol would designate
weekly checks of the vacated properties. Times, dates and security status would be recorded in a
log book
Procedure:
The Palm Desert Substation will serve as headquarters for the vacant property checks. Residents
of Palm Desert can fill out request forms and leave them at the substation. Request forms will be
processed by the Community Services Officer assigned to the Palm Desert substation. The Palm
Desert Substation will file and hold ALL vacant property requests at the substation. Requests left
or taken at the Palm Desert station will be forwarded to the Substation. It will be the
responsibility of the substation Community Service Officer to check for any vacant property
requests made or dropped off at the Palm Desert station. Each week, the substation Community
Service Officer will check with the front desk at the Palm Desert station for any vacant property
requests.
A Non -Criminal property check file will be generated for each vacant property check form that
we process. This will keep record of all the vacant properties that we will be monitoring.
The Vacant Property Request must be dropped off in person in order for the citizens to sign a
liability waiver attached to the request form. The waiver simply states that The Riverside
Sheriffs Department will not monitor the vacant property 24 hours a day and does not assume
responsibility in the event a crime occurs.
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A Community Services Officer will conduct vacant property checks on a weekly basis. The
checks will include ensuring that all doors, garage doors and windows are secure. The lawn and
backyard is checked for water leaks, plumbing problems, or unusual activities. Community
Services Officers will note all problems found with the properties. When possible, they will make
every possible attempt to notify the property owner of the problem.
In the event of an open door found to the property or of a suspicious circumstance, the
Community Service Officer will notify dispatch and request that a deputy respond to investigate.
The Community Service Officer will log the incident in the log book and pull a file pertaining to
the incident. If the deputy finds that a crime has been committed, the deputy will write a report
and the Community Service Officer will provide a supplemental report.
Cost:
None. The duties to facilitate this program will be absorbed into regular duties of the CSO and
Deputies.
Resources:
Free publication in the Palm Desert publication "The Brightside"
Local Media
Attachments:
1. Current Vacant property report form (to request service)
2. Proposed checklist for property checks (to be completed by Community Service Officers)
3. Example of existing checklist used in the city of Indian Wells
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PALM DESERT POLICE DEPARTMENT
VACATION/PROPERTY CHECK REQUEST
Name: Phone Number:
Address: Zip: Cross Street:
Date/Time Departure: Date/Time Return:
LOCAL EMERGENCY CONTACT: You must designate a local contact person
Name: Phone Number:
Address Zip: Do they have a key?
AUTHORIZED VEHICLES ON PROPERTY:
Year: Make: Model: Lic # & State:
Year: Make: Model: Lic # & State:
Year: Make: Model: Lic # & State:
ALARMS:
Premise Alarm Yes No
Company Name and Phone Number:
PERSONS ALLOWED ON PROPERTY: (Lawns, pet care, etc.)
Name: Name:
Name: Name:
Please answer yes or no to the following questions:
Broken windows or screens? Where?
Pets in yard? What type?
Rear Yard Locked? Mail/Newspaper Stopped?
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The Palm Desert Police Department will not monitor the vacant property 24 hours a
day. The signature on this form releases the Palm Desert Police Department of all
Liability or damages occurring during this time period.
SIGNATURE: DATE:
ADDRESS:
DATES VACANT:
DATE:
TIME:
j CHECKED BY:
REMARKS OR CONDITION:
Owner
Notified?
PRELIMINARY MINUTES
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MARCH 9, 2005
Indio Date Festival. Upon question by Commissioner Nethery as to
the 42% increase in patrol assists from 2003 to 2004, he responded
that this was due to more aggressive enforcement by patrol officers
and the Target Team.
Commissioner Nethery moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Palm
Desert Target Team Monthly Statistics for December, 2004, and January and February,
2005. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carried by a 4-0 vote, with
Vice Chairman Lebel ABSENT.
C. Palm Desert Station - Traffic Collision Statistics for December, 2004,
and January, 2005
Lt. Thetford reviewed the reports. He noted that with regard to the
recent traffic safety checkpoint at Fred Waring and Highway 111, 13
citations were issued (six for speeding, five for following to close, and
two for unsafe lane changes). The program was supposed to go for
four days; however, it was only done for three days, as one of the
officers involved in the program was injured while off duty. He said
they would be coming back to work that intersection on a regular
basis in the future, as it is the intersection in the City which has
consistently had the highest number of collisions.
Commissioner Kirkwood moved to, by Minute Motion, receive and file the Palm
Desert Traffic Collision Statistics Rerpot for the months of December, 2004, and January,
2005. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Butzbach and carried by a 4-0 vote, with
Vice Chairman Lebel ABSENT.
D. Adult Life and Residency Monitoring (ALARM) Program
Lt. Thetford introduced members of his staff who were present at this
meeting and who were dedicated to the City of Palm Desert: Sgt. Pete
Ortiz, Crime Prevention Officer Rob Bishop, Community Service
Officer Morii Taylor, and Community Service Officer Kimberly Watson.
Deputy Bishop gave an overview of the Adult Life and Residency
Monitoring (ALARM) Program, noting that it consisted of three parts:
— "File for Life" — designed to assist Palm Desert Police and Fire when
responding to assistance calls. Participants would complete a
medical information card and place it in a magnetic envelope, which
would then be attached to their refrigerator. A sticker would also be
placed on the front door, window, or other conspicuous place to alert
responding emergency personnel.
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— "You Are Not Alone (YANA)" — designed to provide regular
(hopefully daily) telephone contact and weekly visits with senior
residents of the City who live alone. Participants would complete a
YANA request form containing personal and medical information,
which could then be meshed with the "File for Life" program. Each
senior would be called according to the schedule; if there is no
answer another call would be attempted approximately 30 minutes
later. If still no answer, a Community Service Officer (CSO) would
drive to the participant's home and attempt to make personal contact.
If the participant appears to be home but does not answer, a patrol
deputy would be called to investigate further.
— "Vacation Property Check Program" — This program would replace
the current informal system of calling the Police Department for
assistance when a resident is gone on vacation. Participants would
sign up at the Police Department or substation, and the Community
Service Officers would conduct weekly checks on all properties
registered. Problems would be noted, and property owners would be
contact whenever possible.
Deputy Bishop noted that the Vacation Property Check Program and
the YANA program would cause an insignificant increase in printing
and paper expenses, and the duties would be incorporated into the
daily CSO routine, so no increase in staffing would be needed;
however, the initial cost for the File for Life Program would be
approximately $2,176.00, which would provide the first 1,000
residents with the File for Life envelope, medical information card, and
window sticker. The cost would be borne by the Police contingency
fund. Upon approval by the Public Safety Commission, followed by
approval by the City Council, he anticipated the ALARM Program
would be implemented in April of 2005.
Upon question by Mr. Larsh, Deputy Bishop responded that Police
Department personnel would be available to go out and assist people
in signing up for these programs.
Upon question by Mrs. Gilligan as to whether or not the Citizens on
Patrol were partners in this program, Lt. Thetford responded that the
plan was to get the program up and running initially; then perhaps
members of Citizens on Patrol could provide some assistance, such
as the property checks.
Mr. Nethery questioned the ability for Police Department personnel to
call 1,000 residents every day. Lt. Thetford responded that probably
Pnot all 1,000 residents would be called every day but that the calls
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PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MARCH 9, 2005
would be spread out. He noted there was no guarantee that residents
would be called every day. He added that perhaps the Citizens on
Patrol could help in that area as well. Mr. Nethery said he felt it was
important to make it very clear to participants that they may not
receive a call every day. He added that he felt this was a wonderful
program to be involved with.
Mrs. Gilligan said she had received information about a computer -
generated program called "Reverse 911", and she felt this was
something that perhaps could be considered down the road if
participation in the ALARM program got to be quite large.
Mr. Butzbach asked what kind of marketing tools would be used to get
the information to the community.
Lt. Thetford responded that it would be advertised in newspapers, on
television stations, and in the City's newsletter, as well as at public
events. In addition, the Joslyn Senior Center would be a sign-up
location.
Mr. Butzbach asked if consideration had been given to interfacing with
private security companies, since there are so many gated
communities in the City which use this type of security. Lt. Thetford
responded that he felt this was an excellent idea to consider.
Commissioner Nethery moved to, by Minute Motion, approve the ALARM Program
and its related initial cost as outlined by Deputy Bishop and Lt. Thetford. Motion was
seconded by Commissioner Kirkwood and carved by a 4-0 vote, with Vice Chairman Lebel
ABSENT.
E. Informational Items:
1. Request for Palm Desert Police Bicycles for Date Festival
Lt. Thetford noted that this was being brought to the Public
Safety Commission as an informational item only, as the Date
Festival concluded on Sunday, February 26, 2005. He noted
that while the City of Palm Desert provided direct financial
support of the Date Festival, it also provided "in -kind" support
by supplying Police Department bicycle patrol. Those services
were valued at approximately $26,000. Upon question by
Commissioner Nethery, he responded that these services had
been provided to the Date Festival for the last three years.
Mrs. Gilligan added that the City Council had approved
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