|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
In 2025, the Village of Pinecrest recorded its lowest crime rate in history, surpassing the previous record from 2024. This historic low is the result of a deliberate, three-pronged strategy that is driven as much by the community as it is by the police.
The first line of defense in Pinecrest is an educated and proactive community. The police department has invested heavily in crime prevention education, including the “9 p.m. routine.” When residents take these small steps, including checking that vehicle doors are locked, valuables are removed, and garage doors are closed, they make a measurable difference in the number of opportunity crimes.
The second factor is the Pinecrest Police Department’s robust presence on the Village’s streets. While traffic enforcement prioritizes safety, it doubles as a powerful crime deterrent. Officers maintain high visibility throughout the Village, sending a clear message to anyone driving through that Pinecrest is not an easy target.
The third pillar of this strategy is the direct partnership with residents through the Neighborhood Watch program. Today, the Village boasts 37 active Neighborhood Watch groups, making it one of the most covered jurisdictions among similarly sized cities.
These groups act as force multipliers for the department. Led by dedicated Block Captains, neighbors communicate directly with police and look out for one another. This network ensures that officers have thousands of extra eyes and ears on the street.
“Sustainability is key to this community-first model, and that requires building trust with the next generation,” said Pinecrest Police Chief Jason Cohen. “Our officers are often swapping patrol uniforms for superhero costumes at Village events. This unique approach breaks down barriers and shows our children that we are approachable partners in their safety.”
This effort deepens through the Police Explorer Program, which offers young residents interested in law enforcement a path to public service. This program immerses teenagers in the daily realities of police work, providing mentorship that instills responsibility, character, and civic duty. By engaging youth directly, the department builds a bridge of trust with the next generation, ensuring that the values of community-focused policing are passed down to future leaders.
