Holly Police Department - Crime Prevention Effort

Village of Holly, MI - November 4, 2007

The Police Department is always exploring new ways to prevent crime. Recently Chief Rollie Gackstetter implemented a crime prevention strategy that has worked well in other communities, the "COURTESY CITATION". A Courtesy Citation is not a ticket it is a friendly reminder to residents from the local police about how to better protect themselves and their property. Chief Rollie W. Gackstetter said, "This community engagement program will reduce the opportunity for bad people to do bad things."

Officers while on patrol often observe conditions that might be attractive to persons with unlawful intent. These conditions include things like unlocked cars parked on the street, open garage doors at night or leaving a bicycle outside overnight. Holly Officers have always addressed these conditions by locking the doors or securing the articles when they can, but usually they do not have the opportunity to speak with the resident.

The new "COURTESY CITATION" form will give officers a way to communicate directly to the residents about crime prevention tips and advise. When patrolling officers observe a condition that needs the resident's attention, they will complete the simple form and leave it on the door or car for the owner to review.

The "COURTESY CITATION" form will give Officers a way to communicate directly to the residents about crime prevention tips and advise. When patrolling officers observe a condition that needs the resident's attention, they will complete the simple form and leave it on the door or car for the owner to review.

The "COURTESY CITATION" is white with a checklist of common conditions on one side, and crime prevention advice on the other.

Chief Rollie W. Gackstetter said, "The key to crime prevention is working together, the police and the community. "For a crime to occur three things must exist; the VICTIM, the OFFENDER and the OPPORTUNITY , the Courtesy Citation Program will work to eliminate the opportunity for a crime to occur."