The Jerome Police Department takes its role in keeping the community safe very seriously. Members of the Police Department are encouraged not only to respond to crime but also to work with the community and other entities to reduce the effects and fear of crime. Police Officers are not merely enforcers of the law, but problem solvers who strive to find reasonable solutions to issues of concern. It is the intent of the Police Department to work with others to ensure the City of Jerome is a place where we ourselves, as members of the community, wish to live and raise our families. We have gathered a variety of useful tips and techniques the help prevent crime.

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-Crime Prevention Brochure

-Office of the Attorney General (Excellent manuals about internet safety, consumer protection, and identity theft)

Burglary Prevention

Our homes can never be 100% safe.  One serious crime to which every person is vulnerable is burglary.  If someone wants to enter your house, they will find a way inside. What can you do? Slow them down! Every home has the means of slowing down a crook.

Most commonly, burglaries are crimes of opportunity. An open garage door, an accumulation of newspapers or darkened houses in the early evening are open invitations to a would-be burglar. If unattended, keep your garage doors closed. Have a neighbor pick up your newspapers, put a timer on an interior light if you are going to be away, and don't forget to use double key deadbolts on your exterior doors.

Remember to report all suspicious activity, and if it can be done safely, record license plates of suspicious vehicles that you may see.  Below are some tips to help discourage a would-be burglar.

Locks

Always lock doors, windows, and gates.

- A "Thumb Turn Deadlock" can be used on all exterior doors where windows are not in or near the door. Exterior doors should be of "solid core" construction. The bolt should have at least a one inch "case hardened" throw and the strike plate must be attached securely through the door frame into the home structure using at least 1½ inch "case hardened" screws.

-Sliding Glass Doors: The most inexpensive way to secure a sliding glass door is to insert 1½" pan head (large head) sheet metal screws into the top of the door frame at both ends and in the middle. In addition, insert a dowel stick into the door track. This will keep the door from being lifted and removed from the track and from being forced open. The most effective protection for this type of door is a sliding bolt with a locking device.

-Double Hung Sash Windows: An easy, inexpensive way to secure your windows is to use the "pin" trick. Drill an angled hole through the top frame of the lower window partially into the frame of the upper window. Then insert a nail or an eyebolt. The window can't be opened until you remove the nail. Make a second set of holes with windows partly open so you can have ventilation without inviting intruders. Eyebolts can provide strong resistance against jimmying. If you live in a high crime area, it might be best to use them.

-Casement or Louvered Windows: Removing the crank handle when the window is closed will offer some protection by preventing the entire window from being opened once one section is removed. When the handle is removed, keep it at least forty inches (40") away from the window so that it is out of the burglar's reach.

Alarms

There are many types of alarms available commercially. The most important factor in selecting an alarm is to determine what your individual needs are and then select an alarm which will best meet these needs.

Lighting

To prevent a burglar from concealing activities, exterior lighting should be installed to illuminate all doors and windows. Numerous commercial ornamental and functional lights are available with sensors or timers which will turn the lights on and off.

Yards

Thick foliage provides the burglar with a place to work undetected. Keep shrubs away from all doors and windows. Large trees near the house should be well pruned so that the tree will not provide access to the second floor of the residence. Keep all ladders locked inside the garage when not being used. Make your home look like someone is there even when you are gone by having the grass cut in summer months and the snow removed from the sidewalk and driveway in winter months.

Mailbox

Do not display your name on the mailbox. A burglar will be able to locate your telephone number from it and call your house to see if you are home.

Garage

Remember to always keep your garage door closed. This will prevent thefts from your garage. When it is left open, a burglar can tell by the number of cars who is and who is not at home. Once a burglar is inside the garage, he can work on your house or property undetected.

Solid Doors

The insertion of an inexpensive door viewer will allow you to determine in advance whether the door should be opened for an otherwise unknown person ringing your bell.

Neighborhood Relations

Your best security device is your neighbors. Arrangements should be made with your neighbors to report any person or condition which is not consistent with the neighborhood. Statistics show that in neighborhoods where residents are concerned with their mutual safety crime rates are lower. Advise your neighbors when you will be gone for an extended period of time. Ask them to report anything out of the ordinary to the police immediately.

Key Security

The best lock available will not prevent a burglary if the security of the key is neglected. An experienced burglar is aware of the common places a resident chooses to conveniently "hide" a house key. Instead of trying to hide a house key, trust a neighbor and give them the extra key for your house. Remember to remove other keys from your ring when cars are taken in for service and left in parking lots. Burglars have been known to duplicate house keys while the resident never realized what happened.

If you return home and you find a door or window unexpectedly left open or broke, do not go in.  Call the police immediately.  

Child Safety Seats

Always show you love your children.  Always buckle them up.  Please remember the safest place for your child is in the back seat.  The proper use of a child safety seat is critical.  If you have question or would like to have an Officer properly install your carseat, please call the Jerome Police Department at (208) 324-4328.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has current guidelines for child safety seats.  You can also visit the Idaho Transportation Department for more information.

Personal Safety Tips

-Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.  Know who is in front of and behind you.

-Walk in groups or ask for someone to walk you to your vehicle at night.

-Trust your instincts.  If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, leave.

-Remember, your common sense is your best weapon.

For Children:

Outline what your child should do if they become separated from you. If separated while shopping, the child should not look for you but go immediately to the nearest checkout counter and ask a clerk for assistance. Tell them never to go to the parking lot.

-Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle.

-Advise your child to walk and play with other children if you are not around.

-Be sure your child's school or daycare center will not release them to anyone but you or someone designated by you. Set a code word with your child to be used as a signal if you send an unfamiliar adult to pick them up.

-Tell your child that no one has the right to touch them or make them feel uncomfortable or ask them to keep a secret from you.

-Report to the police any incident where a stranger tries to join in children's play, offers your child money or gifts, asks your child to go any place with him or her, or tries to talk to or touch your child.

Domestic Violence

-If you are a victim of violence and are in fear for your life, contact authorities now and ask for help. Dial 9-1-1.

Domestic violence is abuse between family members or related persons.  Domestic violence may come in many forms: physical abuse, threats of physical abuse, emotional abuse, threatening telephone calls, disturbances at place of work, stalking, and other forms of dominance and control.  Anyone can be a victim. 

If you are being abused, REMEMBER:

-You are not alone

-It is not your fault

-Help is available

Domestic Violence website:

Crisis Center of Magic Valley

Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence

The National Domestic Violence Hotline

Domestic Violence

Identity Theft

What is identity theft? Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. The crime takes many forms. Identity thieves may rent an apartment, obtain a credit card, or establish a telephone account in your name. You may not find out about the theft until you review your credit report or a credit card statement and notice charges you didn’t make—or until you’re contacted by a debt collector.

There are many ways you can protect yourself against identity theft.

-Never give out personal information over the phone, through an e-mail, or the internet unless you know exactly who you are dealing with.

-Always protect your social security number. Never carry your social security card with you.

-Always shred documents that contain any personal or financial information.

The Federal Trade Commission website is an excellent source of information.

-Identity Theft Victims Packet

-Identity Theft Affidavit

-Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act (FACTA) Law

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), is seeking your assistance in locating HSI fugitives for prosecution.  HSI is responsible for combating a broad range of crimes against the United States and will apply all appropriate means to prosecute those who perpetrate them.  In doing so, HSI is vigorously pursuing efforts to apprehend, or assist other law enforcement agencies in apprehending fugitives who are deemed threats to national security.

HSI's Most Wanted