Community Safety Page

The Importance of C.O.P. Training

A few months ago, on a Saturday, @ approximately 10:30 am, I received a call from my neighbor, Mr. Larry Loveall, a member of Cellular On Patrol (C.O.P.) and informed me that he believed that his neighbor who lives on Hidden Glen Woods, was out of town. He went on to say that there was a red vehicle parked in front of that location and after 30 minutes, the two unknown male occupants exited the vehicle and went to the rear of that location. Larry obtained the tag # and called San Antonio Police Department (SAPD). I walked to that location and observed that the red vehicle in question was still parked there. I also noticed that our neighbor, Mr. August Lujan (not a C.O.P. member ) who Larry also called, was walking to the rear of that location. About 30 seconds later, August returned to the front of the residence with one of the males and informed Larry and I that the two males were working in the rear replacing water damaged wood caused by the sprinkler system. The second male was still in the act of replacing wood. Tools and new wood was observed in the rear. One of the males stated that he wished he lived in a sub-division with concerned citizens as we were. Officer Porter of SAPD arrived on the scene shortly after and confirmed that work was being done. This time the males were legitimate workers. The next time, this same scenario could lead to burglars. With Larry's C.O.P. training, it taught him to be observant and he quickly determined that this could possibly be a home invasion in progress. This is an excellent example of why we should get to know and look out for our neighbors Get to know the neighbors on each side of you, the one directly across the street from you and the ones on the left and right of them. You would be surprised to know how many people that do not know their neighbors. As a matter of fact, one resident called SAPD for an alledged home invasion, only to find out that the alledged burglar was actually their neighbor returning home. Report any suspicious activity to the police. This is also an excellent example of why we need more homeowners to complete the C.O.P. training and help us patrol and make the Woods of Shavano safe. The training consist of Two (2) four hour days. You can also patrol with a SAPD Officer for up to 8 hours. This training is good for every homeowner, even if they don't actively patrol. They learn to lookout for their neighbors and be the eyes and ears for SAPD. You do not have to be a full or support member of WOSCA to join however, at some point we wish you would become at least a support member. I’m sure that anyone who is really interested in their safety and the safety of the residents in WOS, can sacrifice at least one (1) hour a week to patrol our subdivision. You can patrol on foot, bicycle or motor vehicle. The only valid excuse not to patrol is if you are not physically able. If you choose to join C.O.P., YOU decide how frequent you patrol. A log is completed every time you patrol. The description of any suspicious vehicle or person is placed on this log. This log should be given to James Babb, Community Safety/ C.O.P. Vice- Chair, or myself and we will give them to the C.O.P. Coordinator, SAPD Officer Ron Atkinson at the Prue Road substation. He will follow up or have someone else follow up on any suspicious activity that was placed on the log. At one point, the Indian Woods park and tennis court area was used by non-resident teenagers for drug activity. With the help of C.O.P., SAPD and concerned citizens the activity has ceased. Since we have started receiving gas donations, James Babb and I patrol almost every weekday. James sometimes patrol on weekends also. We patrol in the mornings because most home invasions occurred between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm. To make a gas donation contact our secretary/ treasurer, Jean Shimko @ (210) 492-9809 or woodsofshavano@yahoo.com At the present, we have a total of 11 C.O.P. members. Four of our C.O.P. members are Board Members for the Northwest Neighborhoods Against Crime (NWNAC) A non-profit 501(c)3 corporation that was formed in August 1994. Their mission is to assist SAPD in preventing, deterring and reporting criminal activities in all areas serviced by the SAPD Prue Road Substation. NWNAC purchase items used at Crime prevention seminars such as the McGruff outfit and etc. Bicycles are purchased for Sapd Officers. A computer, note books and other supplies are also purchased to be used for the training of C.O.P. members. NWNAC is solely dependent upon contributions to sustain its programs. To make a tax deductible contribution, Contact NWNAC at NWNAC@hotmail.com . A mission statement and a fact sheet can also be obtained. It has come to our attention that a few homeowners were previously C.O.P. trained years ago. Anyone that was previously C.O.P. trained over a year ago is eligible to attend a refresher course. This refresher course instructs you on updated info. See the remainder of the 2009 training schedule for both courses on this site. A printable application is also provided. Call Officer Ron Atkinson @ 207-6087 to enroll. All training is done at the SAPD Prue Road Substation, located at 5020 Prue Road. which is about 15 minutes from WOS. Special classes for groups of twenty or more can also be arranged by calling Officer Atkinson or contact me @ woodsofshavano@yahoo.com and these classes can be held at the WOSCA Club House. Join us. We need you.

Thanks for your support,
Alphonzo Upchurch-Chairman
WOS Community Safety/C.O.P.