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Community
Alerts - Records are listed
with the most current at the top. There are 10 records per page. |
Records 1 to 9 of 9
| Date | 11/11/2009 7:13:22 PM | ||
| Alert Title | Holiday travel at the Colorado Springs Airport | ||
| Alert Area | Community | Neighborhood | |
| Alert Description | Make Your Trip Better Using 3-1-1 3-1-1 for carry-ons = 3.4 ounce bottle or less (by volume) ; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger placed in screening bin. One-quart bag per person limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring. 3.4 oz. container size is a security measure. Consolidate bottles into one bag and X-ray separately to speed screening. Be prepared. Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and easier checkpoint experience. 3-1-1 is for short trips. If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage. Declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. Declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint. Come early and be patient. Heavy travel volumes and the enhanced security process may mean longer lines at security checkpoints. If you have additional questions in regards to the TSA requirements you can contact them on the Web at www.tsa.gov |
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| Contact Name | Sgt. M. Cram | Contact Division | Central |
| Contact Telephone | 550-1978 | Contact Email | Crammi@ci.colospgs.co.us |
| Date | 11/10/2009 2:58:59 PM | ||
| Alert Title | Computer viruses and unauthorized access to your personal computer | ||
| Alert Area | Community | Neighborhood | |
| Alert Description | Recently, information regarding a computer virus that downloads child pornography to a person’s computer was reported in the national media. The reports described instances wherein an unsuspecting person had been subjected to criminal prosecution because child pornography had been found. The report stated that a virus could infect the computer and, someone could remotely control the others computer storing illegal content. Based on the total number of investigations and convictions worldwide, the likelihood of this occurring is very minimal. There are various types of viruses, trojan programs and malicious software that do allow someone to remotely control another’s computer. The article does not provide specific data to suggest one type of software was compromised or what type of virus or malware program that was used. The report indicates that the users may have been sharing files with “peer to peer” software. Peer to peer file sharing programs allow users to share content on their computers with anyone in the world that has file sharing capabilities. The peer to peer network is not centrally controlled, nor does anyone monitor what is placed on these networks. A user searches for a file, downloads it and tries to view it, only to discover that the file had a trojan payload and the computer is now infected. The Colorado Springs Police Department recommends that a home computer have a current, licensed copy of antivirus software that regularly updates the virus files and scans the entire computer. The home user should have a licensed copy of a firewall program that scans incoming and outgoing files for malicious software or security breaches. Practicing “cyber-safety” when dealing with email attachments, files downloaded or shared and being aware that any innocuous looking file could potentially contain malicious software. If you are concerned that your computer is infected with a virus there are reputable businesses in Colorado Springs that can assist in cleaning up the computer. Another option is using an online virus scanner to try to clean the infection. If you discover that there are unwanted files, or illegal content; child pornography is considered digital contraband and subject to the Colorado Revised Statues 18-6-403 Sexual Exploitation of Children and the possession of which is a crime, contact the Colorado Springs Police Department at 719-444-7000 to report the information. The Colorado Springs Police Department does not endorse or recommend a specific software or website; however information is provided for review. Additional resources may be found at: www.coloradoicac.com www.symantec.com/security_response/index.jsp home.mcafee.com/VirusInfo/Default.aspx www.snopes.com http://urbanlegends.about.com/ |
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| Contact Name | Sergeant B. Dehart | Contact Division | Investigations |
| Contact Telephone | 444-7540 | Contact Email | dehartbi@ci.colospgs.co.us |
| Date | 11/10/2009 11:50:05 AM | ||
| Alert Title | Increased Prostitution Activity | ||
| Alert Area | Sand Creek | Neighborhood | East Platte Avenue Corridor |
| Alert Description | The Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) of the Metro Vice, Narcotics and Intelligence Division has seen a significant increase in prostitution activity along the East Platte Avenue Corridor this year. SEU has made 87 total prostitution arrests to date in this area to include 63 prostitutes and 24 "johns", with many of the prostitutes being repeat offenders. SEU's 2008 total arrests in this area was 20, of which 13 were prostitutes and 7 were "johns". The Boundaries for the East Platte Avenue Corridor include: South boundary-East Kiowa Street North boundary-St. Vrain Street East boundary-North Circle Drive West boundary-North Union Blvd. SEU is asking the East Platte Avenue community to notify the following detectives of any suspected prostitution activity occurring in their neighborhood. Detective Olav G. Chaney Office 444-7958 Pager 328-8315 Detective Buckley Office 444-7452 Pager 328-8399 Detective Goodwin Office 444-7499 Pager 236-2449 |
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| Contact Name | Olav G. Chaney | Contact Division | Metro VNI |
| Contact Telephone | 444-7958 | Contact Email | CHANEYOL@ci.colospgs.co.us |
| Date | 11/10/2009 11:12:55 AM | ||
| Alert Title | Criminal Activity | ||
| Alert Area | Gold Hill | Neighborhood | West Colorado Corridor |
| Alert Description | The Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) of the Metro Vice, Narcotics and Intelligence Division has responded to the concerns brought forward by several business owners in the West Colorado Avenue Corridor regarding various types of criminal activity. The following arrests have been made by SEU since 10-07-09: Felonies-2 1 Drug arrest 1 Fugitive from Justice Misdemeanors-32 3-Aggressive Solicitation 14-Alcohol arrests 14-Misc Misdemeanors 1-Drug arrest We are encouraging business owners along the West Colorado corridor who are having similar concerns and would like to have them addressed to contact the following detectives: Detective Olav G. Chaney Office 444-7958 Pager 328-8315 Detective Buckley Office 444-7452 Pager 328-328-8399 Detective Goodwin Office 444-7499 Pager 236-2449 |
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| Contact Name | Olav G. Chaney | Contact Division | Metro VNI |
| Contact Telephone | 444-7958 | Contact Email | CHANEYOL@ci.colospgs.co.us |
| Date | 9/30/2009 12:56:54 PM | ||
| Alert Title | GeoCaching | ||
| Alert Area | Community | Neighborhood | |
| Alert Description | There have been three incidents thus far in 2009 where Colorado Springs Police Department Officers have responded to reports of a found possible explosive device and further investigation has revealed that the suspicious item is not an explosive device, but is associated with a popular game known as "GeoCaching". This is a game where individuals hide containers of various types and then post geographic coordinates of the item's location on the internet. Then other players attempt to find the hidden items using GPS devices. The game has gained significant popularity in recent years. However, in some instances this is creating a significant problem for law enforcement. Some hidden items can resemble threat devices in appearance. When law enforcement receives reports of these items, safety protocols are followed until such time as the device or item can be rendered safe or determined not to be a threat. This often includes setting up safety perimeters, evacuating nearby structures and deploying bomb technicians to investigate the scene. This creates a significant drain on manpower and limited fiscal resources. Citizens who engage in the game of GeoCaching are encouraged to do so responsibly. Please don't hide items that resemble possible threat devices. Please use clear containers so that contents are clearly visible if found. Please ask for permission to hide items on private or commercial property. Players may also want to consider notifying law enforcement agencies, by calling police dispatch at 444-7000, if they are placing something in a location that could be discovered and mistakenly considered a possible threat device. Law enforcement does not want to discourage people from enjoying this game, but does encourage players to practice responsible placement of GeoCache items. | ||
| Contact Name | Sgt. Richard DuVall | Contact Division | Metro VNI |
| Contact Telephone | 444-7515 | Contact Email | duvallri@ci.colospgs.co.us |
| Date | 9/18/2009 1:22:26 PM | ||
| Alert Title | Home Invasion Robberies committed by Utilities imposters | ||
| Alert Area | Community | Neighborhood | |
| Alert Description | Since April 1, 2009 there have been four home invasions committed by suspects posing as utilities workers in Colorado Springs. The suspects wore orange safety vests and hard hats, and were carrying clipboards. In each case they introduced themselves as Colorado Springs Utilities employees and said they were there to inspect the house for water contamination problems. Once allowed inside, they were joined by additional suspects hiding nearby. Victims are forcibly held while their homes are ransacked. If you receive a visit from an actual Utilities employee, he or she will present an official ID card with a photograph and employee number. Do not allow anyone into your home until you are certain the visit is legitimate. If you feel unsure, contact Colorado Springs Utilities at 719-448-4800 to verify the service call. There has been no established pattern for these cases; two of them occurred in April, one took place in June and the most recent was in September. The times of occurrence have varied from 9:45AM to 7:20PM. If you receive a suspicious visit, and you can SAFELY obtain a license plate number or vehicle description, write it down as quickly as possible. If you have any information about these cases that might lead to the identification of suspects, please contact the CSPD Robbery Unit at 719-444-7539 or Crime Stoppers at 634-STOP. |
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| Contact Name | Sergeant Dale Fox | Contact Division | Investigations |
| Contact Telephone | 719-444-7539 | Contact Email | foxda@ci.colospgs.co.us |
| Date | 9/10/2009 2:34:13 PM | ||
| Alert Title | Bail Fraud Scam | ||
| Alert Area | Community | Neighborhood | |
| Alert Description | In Alert No. 523, Sgt. Morgan related information pertaining to several local vitims of an attempted telephone scam where the victims were notified by phone that a loved one was in jail and needed money to post bond. The caller directed the victim's to send money, usually via a wire service, to a private location overseas. Investigation revealed that this was an international scam that was occurring, apparently originating out of Canada. However, as sometimes can happen, apparently unknown persons in the Colorado area have begun a similar "copycat" scam. There have been two reported incidents recently in Boulder Colorado where businesses were contacted and informed one of their employees had been arrested. The business owners were told to send money ($800 to $1,000) to a specified private location via a wire service in order to post bond for the employee. Please be advised that local law enforcement officers will not likely contact citizens and request money for bail bonds. Most law enforcement detention centers or jails have set procedures in which an arrestee can contact a bail bond service or someone of their choosing directly to make bond arrangements. Bond will have to be physically posted at the facility. Law Enforcement Officers will not request money to be sent to a private location or to be wired. If citizens receive such a call, be highly suspicious that such a request is likely fraudulent and ask questions to confirm whether the caller is a legitimate law enforcement entity. Legitimate officers will provide information to confirm their identity and will explain official bond procedures. | ||
| Contact Name | Sgt. Richard DuVall | Contact Division | Metro VNI |
| Contact Telephone | 719-444-7515 | Contact Email | duvallri@ci.colospgs.co.us |
| Date | 8/31/2009 1:33:08 PM | ||
| Alert Title | Air Soft Guns | ||
| Alert Area | Community | Neighborhood | |
| Alert Description | During the past few weeks, we have been addressing issues with “Air Soft Guns”. Some topics of concern that have arisen deal with the legality of possessing and discharging these weapons. To clarify the situation, in 2004, we met with the City Attorney’s office regarding these guns and it was determined that the guns do meet the definition of a “Dangerous or Deadly Weapon”, per City of Colorado Springs Code, 9.7.101. This information was reaffirmed to be accurate last week. Although the law does prohibit the discharge of these weapons, the mere possession of them is not prohibited. One of the main issues surrounding the Air Soft guns is their level of realism. These weapons, although thought of as toys, appear to be exactly like the real life guns that they portray, thus leaving the public and law enforcement in a difficult spot when determining whether to notify authorities of a potentially dangerous situation and also Law Enforcement’s response to that call. Although the weapons are manufactured with a bright yellow or orange tip (mandated by federal law), they are commonly altered to remove these warning devices, thus leaving the weapon appearing to be real. Discharging the Air Soft guns outside of the city limits remains legal. Although City Ordinances do not apply outside that area, some good practices to follow when using Air Soft guns are as follows: Never remove the brightly colored warning tip from the weapon. Never point the weapon at another person who is not wearing the appropriate protective equipment. Although some of the weapons are quite low powered, there are some that are manufactured that can cause injury. Never point the weapon at another person who does not know what it is. This could lead to a menacing charge which is a felony in the State of Colorado. It doesn’t matter what the weapon is, only what the victim perceives it to be. Never carry an Air Soft gun into a business unless that business is aware of the weapon’s status and authorizes it. This could cause undoue panic and alarm and again could result in criminal charges. If contacted by Law Enforcement, immediately drop the weapon. Do not move or change your position as this could be viewed as an aggressive movement and the officer may not have time to properly evaluate the situation. NEVER POINT THE WEAPON AT THE OFFICER., tThis could lead to a potentially lethal situation and nobody wants that. Remember, there are citizens in our community that legally carry firearms and may choose to take protective action on their own. If confronted by a citizen who is armed, following the same rule as with Law Enforcement is a good practice and may keep someone from being injured. With a little common sense and following the laws and rules above, we hope that we never have any issues with these weapons and they can be used for the enjoyment that they were intended for. |
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| Contact Name | Sgt. Tim Stankey | Contact Division | Stetson Hills |
| Contact Telephone | 444-3140 | Contact Email | stanketi@ci.colospgs.co.us |
| Date | 8/26/2009 7:07:33 AM | ||
| Alert Title | WATCH YOUR CAR | ||
| Alert Area | Community | Neighborhood | |
| Alert Description | WATCH YOUR CAR END OF SEASON OUR ETCH SEASON IS COMING TO AN END. WE WILL NOT BE DOING THE GLASS ETCH PROGRAM AFTER SEPTEMBER 11, 2009 UNLESS WEATHER PERMITING, 50 DEG OR OVER, WE WIIL BE DOING THE PROGRAM TO THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED. WE CAN DO THE DECAL AT ANY TIME OR YOU CAN GO TO THE STATE WEBSITE TO APPLY. THE DECALS WOULD BE MAILED TO YOU BY THE STATE. THE WEBSITE FOR THE STATE OF COLORADO IS http://dcj.state.co.us./wyc FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL DETECTIVE ACKERMAN OR KAY (VOLUNTEER) AT FALCON DIVISION. 444-7235/ 7231 |
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| Contact Name | DET. C. ACKERMAN | Contact Division | Falcon |
| Contact Telephone | 444-7235/7231 | Contact Email | ackermch@ci.colospgs.co.us |