Community Programs & Crime Prevention

"Community Strength Through Cooperation and Education"

Purpose Statement: The goal of the Ames Citizen Police Academy is to provide an educational opportunity for a broad range of citizens that will increase their understanding of the police department operations, procedures, and training.  This will advance the idea of an open, professional and caring police department and create a cadre of citizens who understand their police department and can offer insight of possible improvements in its relationship with the citizens.

Community Oriented Policing: Community Oriented Policing is a partnership between law abiding citizens and the police department to create permanent solutions to problems and enhance the quality of life in our neighborhoods and community.

In 1998, Officer Rory Echer became Ames' first Community Resource Officer and as part of our community policing effort, the Ames Police Department established its first Citizen Police Academy in January of 1999, we are currently holding two sessions each year. 

What will the classes be like?  The class is comprised of an 8-week program, with each session lasting three hours.  Sessions are held each Thursday evening from 6 to 9 p.m.  The course covers different operations including: Use of Force, Police Ethics, Firearms training, Crime Scene Investigations, and Narcotics to name a few.  All participants are encouraged to ride a long in a patrol car during an officer's shift.

What is class size?  Class size is limited to 20.  Therefore, if you are interested in attending a future session it is important to return an application as soon as possible. 

Who can attend CPA?  Eligibility requirements are as follows:  you must live or work in Ames, be 19 years of age or older, no felony convictions anywhere and no misdemeanor arrests within the last three years.  There are no physical requirements although students are encouraged to participate in the hands-on training.

Is there a cost to attend?  There is no cost involved to the participants of the program.  Week 8 is graduation night and a banquet is held to recognize each participant that completes the Academy.

How do I apply?  Applications may be picked up at the Ames Police Department at 515 Clark Avenue.  You may also contact Community Resource Officer Nate Rivera at 515-239-5432 or nathan.rivera@cityofames.org to have an application sent to you.

The Ames Police Department offers a Drug Drop Box where people can take their expired, unused, or unneeded prescription drugs, no questions asked, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

All medications are accepted, except sharps/needles, liquids, and chemotherapy/radiation medications.  The drop box is located in the Ames Police Department lobby, the entrance is on 6th Street between the lamp posts:

Why is it Important to Dispose of Medications Properly?

Expired and unused medications can be dangerous to have around. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration states, "Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet," the agency added. "In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines -- flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash -- both pose potential safety and health hazards." 

So what are you waiting for?  Get rid of potentially dangerous medications in your home!

Avoiding Identity Theft

Identity theft is a growing problem that we all hear about on a regular basis. It is a serious crime and occurs when your personal information is stolen and used without your knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes. Protect yourself by guarding your personal information and not give it away to persons you don't know.

Tips to help you protect yourself:

• Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal information, charge receipts, bank statements and checks, expired credit cards, etc. before you discard them.
• Protect your Social Security number. Don't carry your Social Security card, unneeded credit cards or other ID cards you do not need with you.
• Don't give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing with.
• Don't use obvious passwords like your birth date, your mother's maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
• Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your house.
• Routinely monitor your financial accounts and billing statements.
• Inspect your credit report. The law requires the major nationwide consumer reporting companies, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to give you a free copy of your credit report each year if you ask for it. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call 877-322-8228, to order your free credit report each year. You can also write: Annual Credit Report Service, PO Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

If You Become a Victim:

• If you become a victim, report this to law enforcement officials to help you with creditors who may want proof of the crime.
• Place a Fraud Alert on your credit reports. See Credit Reporting Bureaus below.
• Close any accounts that have been tampered with or have been fraudulently established.
• Keep records and documents of your conversations about the theft and to verify account closures and fraudulent debts discharged.
• Keep in mind that thieves use a variety of methods to steal your personal information such as, dumpster diving, skimming, phishing, changing your address, or through old fashioned stealing. Protect yourself and your records!

Identity Crime Incident Online Form - You may be instructed to complete this form and provide it to the Police Department.

Credit Reporting Bureaus

Place a Fraud Alert on your credit reports and review the reports carefully. The alert tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts. The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have toll-free numbers for placing an initial 90-day fraud alert; a call to one company is sufficient:

Equifax, 800-525-6285
Experian, 888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
TransUnion, 800-680-7289

Placing a fraud alert entitles you to free copies of your credit reports. Look for inquiries from companies you haven't contacted, accounts you didn't open, and debts on your accounts that you can't explain.

To learn more about ID theft and how to deter, detect, and defend against it, visitwww.ftc.gov/idtheft or https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/ and click on "Protecting Consumers."

Documents:
Identity Theft and Your Tax Records(PDF, 11KB)
Identity Theft Affidavit - IRS Form 14039(PDF, 74KB)

We all play a role in creating a culture of safety in our community. Basic awareness, reporting of suspicious activity, and intolerance of criminal activity help to create and maintain this culture. While not all dangerous situations can be avoided, planning and preparation can reduce your risk of becoming a crime victim.

Crime can happen anywhere, anytime. Look out for each other. No one deserves to be victimized.

General Safety Tips

• Keep important phone numbers in your phone, and/or in an easily accessible location at your workplace.
  • Dial 911 for emergencies
  • For non-emergency reports:
    • Ames Police: 515-239-5133
    • ISU Police: 515-294-4428
    • Story County Sheriff: 515-382-6566
• Know your location and be prepared to give this information to the dispatcher when you call. Try to calmly answer the dispatcher's questions in the order they are asked. This will allow us to get help to you as quickly as possible. 
• Report suspicious activity immediately
  • Describe the situation/person/vehicle as best you can. License plates, descriptions of vehicles/individuals, and direction of travel are all helpful pieces of information.
  • Our officers are trained to investigate in a sensitive manner so don't feel that you are being judgmental or petty. If you feel that something is wrong, it may be; and a call to police may prevent a crime.
• Trust your instincts and avoid the situation or call 911 if you feel threatened. 
• Know the locations of emergency exits and fire extinguishers at your work or home. 

Personal Safety Tips

• Be alert to your surroundings and look for unusual behavior.
• Eliminate distractions such as electronic devices and headphones when in public.
  • If you wear headphones during outdoor activities consider:
    • Keeping the volume low.
    • Only using one earpiece.
    • Being more visually alert.
• If you are being harassed, stalked, or threatened contact the Ames Police Department (or ISU Police Department if you are on campus). Early intervention in these cases can sometimes prevent escalation. 
• Travel with another person or in groups when possible. If walking to your car after dark, consider having someone walk with you.
• Communicate your plans with others when appropriate.
• Using alcohol and drugs impairs your ability to react and make decisions. Use extra caution when impaired by these substances. 

The Ames Police Department offers Personal Safety Presentations to community and business groups. If you are interested in scheduling this presentation please contact Officer Nathan Rivera, nathan.rivera@cityofames.org or 515-239-5432. 

Home Safety Tips

• ALWAYS lock your doors, whether you are home or not. 
• If you live in a multi-unit building, avoid propping exterior/fire doors open or allowing strangers to enter. 
• Report possible dangerous areas, such as those with poor lighting, to the City of Ames or your property manager/residence hall.
• Close blinds/curtains and keep valuables out of sight. 
• Make a list of valuable items including brand names, models, and serial numbers. A photo catalog is a great way to ensure that this information is available in the event of loss or theft.
• Register and lock your bicycle. 
• Know the locations of emergency exits and fire extinguishers, especially when in a new or unfamiliar place.
• Have an emergency plan for natural disasters or attacks. Your plan should focus on getting to safety, not just getting away from danger.
• Avoid sharing travel information/vacation plans on social media. Wait until you return home to share this information.
• When traveling, consider having a trusted friend or family member check on your property. 
  • If you'll be gone for an extended time, have someone bring mail and deliveries inside and plan for snow removal or yard maintenance. 

Travel Safety Tips

• Share your itinerary with trusted people at home and check in regularly.
• When staying in a hotel:
  • Try to get a room near the front desk or elevator where there is more activity.
  • Ask the clerk to write your room number down so bystanders don't hear it.
  • Avoid ground floors where window security can be an issue.
  • Don't answer the door unless you are expecting someone and always check first.
  • If you lose your room key ask for a new-keyed card, not a duplicate. 
  • Know the locations of emergency exits and fire extinguishers.
• Blend in as best you can. If you stand out you may be a target.
• Keep cash, credit cards, and passports in separate places and don't take anything you don't need.
• Lock up valuables that you aren't carrying with you.
• Look up phone numbers for local authorities and have this information readily available. 
• Pay close attention to your surroundings and always know your location. 

Online Safety Tips

• Protect your personal information and avoid giving out sensitive information such as Social Security numbers. 
• Avoid posting information about your location.
• Use caution when meeting strangers you met online. The Ames Police Department public lobby or parking lot are available as a meeting place when selling/buying items. 
• Use strong passwords that aren't easily guessed and change passwords regularly. 

Scam Reporting

If you have been contacted by someone attempting to scam you, please click on the Scam Reporting Form to share the details with us. The Ames Police Department collects information on the most recent scam attempts. Tips to avoid becoming the victim of a scam are also provided for your information. If you believe you shared personal information and/or provided money to someone and now believe you were scammed, please call our non-emergency number 515-239-5133.

Tips to Avoid Becoming the Victim of a Scam

• Gift cards and reloadable money cards (such as iTunes, GreenDot, PayPal Cash, MoneyGram, etc.) are popular forms of payment for scammers.  While these are legitimate companies, they are often used by scammers because it is nearly impossible to reverse the transaction or trace the money.
  • Don't wire money to strangers, to sellers who insist on wire transfers for payment, or to anyone who claims to be a relative or friend in an emergency and wants to keep the request a secret.
  • Be wary of someone asking for payment in gift cards.  They are not a form of currency.

• If you are contacted by a known company and asked to provide any form of payment or personal information discontinue the contact and call the company yourself.
  • Look the number up; do not use the information they provide.
  • With internet phone services it is difficult to tell where a call is coming from. Some scammers will mimic the phone numbers of legitimate companies, agencies, or institutions (banks, the IRS, Police Department, etc.).
  • It is always a good idea to do an online search for the company name, website, and phone number.
  • Do not give out personal information unless you initiated the call.
    

• Law enforcement will not contact you to demand money for any violations you may have committed. If someone tells you that you have an arrest warrant it is probably a scam. We will rarely call you to tell you that you are wanted and will not accept payment to avoid you going to jail.

• Government agencies such as the IRS will not contact you and/or accept payment by phone to pay fines, fees, taxes, etc.

• Some scams will involve an email or text message from a bank or other institution. Never click on links. Call the institution directly.

• Computer repair scams are used to access your personal information.  Don't allow anyone to access your computer remotely.

• If someone offers to send you a check for more than they owe you, with the request that you send a portion to someone else it is probably a scam. In this common scam the check they send you is forged or stolen. It will pass through your bank but after you send money from your account the check will be found to be fraudulent and you will be out the money you sent them.

• If you are told that you have to pay to receive money you have won or been awarded it is probably a scam.

• If anyone from outside of the United States contacts you and requests money, for any reason, be cautious. It may very well be a scam.

• Follow the Ames Police Department on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates on scams that are being attempted in the area.

If you think you may be the victim of a scam please call us or submit the following form.

    .                  

Dear Friend,

With the holiday season the Ames Police Foundation prepares for its annual SHOP WITH A COP charity event. SHOP WITH A COP was developed to help make the holidays brighter for disadvantaged families in the Ames area. Since its beginning in 1994, the program has helped thousands of children.

Last year's SHOP WITH A COP was a big success. Officers from the Ames Police Department and local partner agencies hosted youth from throughout Story County. In early December, officers and their special young guests will once again head off to Target via CyRide for a morning of shopping, eating, gift wrapping, and fun.

For over 20 years we have worked hard to make this program a success. We hope that you will join us in this endeavor with a tax-deductible contribution. To donate, simply download the form below, fill it out, and send it along with a check to Ames Police Foundation, PO Box 744, Ames, Iowa 50010. Please make checks payable to Ames Police Foundation.  For online donations, www.facebook.com/amespolicefoundation/

On behalf of the Ames Police Foundation and everyone at the Ames Police Department, thank you for your past support
of the SHOP WITH A COP program. Your generosity is what makes this program possible!

How Can I Donate?
Shop With a Cop Donation(PDF, 482KB)
Print out a blank donation form, fill it out and send it with a check to:

Ames Police Foundation 
PO Box 744
Ames, Iowa 50010

Student Internships

The Ames Police Department is committed to developing positive, long-lasting partnerships with the community. One of these partnerships is the Student Internship Program. Our goal is to provide students the opportunity to experience the various aspects and responsibilities of law enforcement in a positive work environment.

The program will allow students to interact with the different divisions within the Police Department, gaining valuable knowledge in each area. You will experience how a municipal Police Department operates and how we work with the community to establish positive relationships.

Requirements:

• Must have at least a sophomore standing at an accredited university or college.
• Must be currently enrolled, through their respective college or university, in an internship or independent study class offering.
• Currently hold a 2.5 or higher grade point average on a 4.0 scale.
• May not have any felony convictions.

If you would like to apply, please click on the following link and complete the application. You must include the required attachments (resume, official transcript, faculty recommendation and personal statement).

Thank you for your interest.

Application Deadlines:

• For SUMMER and FALL internships - applications are due the second Friday in April.
• For SPRING internships - applications are due the second Friday in November.

FAQs:

How do I apply? Complete the online Internship application and submit it prior to the beginning of the semester. Make sure you include the required documents.

Does it pay? No, but many colleges and universities offer college credit towards graduation while participating in the program.

When do I ride? Interns schedule their ride times in advance. We are flexible and do our best to work around any scheduling conflicts.

How many hours a week do I need? It all depends on your particular independent study or Internship Program. Some classes require more time than other. There is a maximum of 20 hours a week. 

Further questions? Contact: 
Sgt. Watson at mark.watson@cityofames.org 

The City of Ames, like many other urban areas, has experienced an increased deer population. Deer population densities greater than 30 deer per square mile may cause problems with habitat and conflict with people. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has worked with the City of Ames to establish an urban deer management plan. The goal of this plan is to obtain a deer population that is acceptable to most Ames citizens. The City of Ames Urban Deer Task Force considers the number of complaints, deer carcass pickups, and information from an annual aerial survey.

 

Why are there now so many deer in the city?

• No natural mortality except for deer/vehicle collisions (DVC’s)
• Hunting was prohibited by Ordinance (discharge of firearms or projectiles) before the current Deer Management Program
• Property owners feeding and protecting deer (Deer feeding is now prohibited in the city.)
• Urban development incorporating woodlands and other deer habitat

Problems caused by deer:

• Citizen complaints about high deer concentrations in some areas
• When adjacent neighbors disagree on the absence or presence of deer, i.e., one neighbor is feeding deer next door to one that is an avid gardener experiencing extensive damage
• Property/landscaping damage
• Deer vehicle collisions
• Browsing of plants
• Bucks rubbing trees

Urban Deer Hunting

Hunting primarily female deer will keep the population under control and at a level desirable to Ames citizens. Hunting is a successful wildlife management tool for controlling deer populations and is used in other cities in Iowa. For a list of other Iowa communities using urban deer management and more detailed hunting regulations, see the Iowa DNR Deer Management Zone Hunts website.

Hunters who want to participate must: