In response to a recent spike in the number of armed robberies occurring in Yakima, the Yakima Police Department (“YPD”) is sponsoring a free informational meeting aimed at helping improve safety at local businesses.
YPD staff will host the meeting tonight (Monday, November 19th) beginning at 6:00 pm in the YPD training room located at 207 S. 3rd Street. The training room is in a modular building located on the east side of 3rd Street directly across from the entrance of the Richard A. Zais, Jr. Law & Justice Center.
YPD major crimes detectives will provide business owners with information about what they and their employees should do if an armed robbery occurs at their business. YPD staff will also introduce business owners to elements of the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (“CPTED”) approach to improving community safety. The CPTED model is a multi-disciplinary approach designed to reduce crime through urban and environmental design and the management and use of built environments. CPTED strategies aim to reduce victimization, deter offender decisions that precede criminal acts, and build a sense of community among inhabitants so they can gain territorial control of areas and reduce opportunities for crime and fear of crime.
Tonight’s meeting is open to all interested business owners. Any questions about the meeting should be directed to the YPD Community Services Division by 509-575-6197.