Law Enforcement Officials Ask For the Community’s Help to Protect Against Abuse and Other Crimes During the Pandemic

15 Apr Law Enforcement Officials Ask For the Community’s Help to Protect Against Abuse and Other Crimes During the Pandemic

Joint Statement from Law Enforcement and District Attorney Matt Ballard

The Rogers County law enforcement community and District Attorney Matt Ballard asks the public be aware and review these tips for our community during this pandemic event:

Responding to Crime: 
While the court process and police response practices may be temporarily altered, all of your public safety workers are committed to protecting the public.  All agencies are still responding to and investigating criminal complaints, arrests are made, and our law enforcement community is regularly meeting to determine how to best serve our residents. 

Domestic and Child Abuse: 
Abuse on vulnerable children victimized by family members is often detected by teachers and staff in school or when an abused spouse is at work.  If you suspect someone is being victimized at home, please report it to your local law enforcement agency.  Child neglect and abuse should still be reported to the Department of Human Services.

Fraud: 
Be cautious when dealing with solicitations for donations as criminals often use disasters to prey upon the good nature of our society. A few suggestions:

1. Our elderly citizens are especially vulnerable and often targeted, so we ask their neighbors, friends and loved ones be especially vigilant as personal contact with them may not be possible. 
2. The Better Business Bureau has an online page entitled Charitable Giving After a Tragedy or Natural Disaster containing a series of helpful tips and can be found at, https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/13993-bbb-tip-charitable-giving-after-a-tragedy-or-natural-disaster.
3. The Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office has a consumer protection unit and provides these tips to avoid fraud along with consumer complaint forms,  http://www.oag.ok.gov/consumer-protection-unit1.

Protecting Property:
Unfortunately, drug use and the crimes supporting it are still a problem despite the restricted activity.  Thieves often prefer easier opportunities, so remember to lock and secure vehicles and outbuildings, do not leave property out where it could be easily stolen, and keep valuable property out of the sight.