Henrico Police announce ‘Operation Summer Heat’ crime prevention program

Police turn up the heat on crime with new prevention and deterrence campaign.

June 19, 2014; 10:43 AM • by Trevor Dickerson

Henrico Police announced a new initiative today to crack down on crime this summer, entitled ‘Operation Summer Heat.’ From an official release:

It will be a little hotter in Henrico County this summer as the Henrico County Police Division turns up the “heat” on crime. Operation Summer Heat is a crime prevention and deterrence initiative that promotes a safe environment for Henrico’s summer visitors and County residents. The Operation Summer Heat initiative will take place June 14 – September 1, 2014.

The Division will pay specific attention to events and/or areas where tourists may be visiting Henrico County. Henrico County citizens may assist the Police Division with Operation Summer Heat by reporting any suspicious activity they may see in their neighborhoods or at community events. Citizens may call 501-5000 in non-emergency situations or 911 in emergencies.

Henrico County Police Chief Douglas A. Middleton said, “Patrol Officers and Community Officers have a vast knowledge of the neighborhoods they patrol, to include quality of life concerns and crime issues. Using our TEMPO (Technology Enhanced Modern Policing Operations) business model, we are empowering our officers to identify those specific issues and develop solutions. Officers also know the business owners and residents in their areas and can collaborate with them to ‘Put the Heat on Crime’ so together we can continue to keep our community safe.”

SAVE THE DATE – Another very important component of Operation Summer Heat is community participation and involvement. As a result, the Police Division will host a free Community Day on Saturday, August 2, from 10 AM – 2 PM at the County Government Center Complex, 4301 E. Parham Road. The event will feature public safety static displays, fun activities for children, and a “Sidewalk of Services” for citizens to peruse and discover the many valuable services County departments offer. Community Day will also serve as the kick-off for National Night Out that will take place in neighborhoods throughout the County and the nation on the following Tuesday, August 5, 2014.

Photo: Henrico Police.