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Highlands Today

AP Police Officers Continue With 'Courteous' Duty

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By BRAD DICKERSON

Highlands Today

Published: December 18, 2008

AVON PARK - Police Chief Matt Doughney said his office was contacted by a local resident recently asking that his house be checked while he was out of town.

Officers checked the gentleman's residence and left one of the department's courtesy cards. Written on that card was a suggestion that the homeowner install motion detector lights to help protect his property.

"Last week, he had those installed," Doughney said Wednesday.

In June, the APPD implemented the courtesy card program as an effort to prevent crime prevention and citizen awareness.

The cards have the officer's name, time the property was checked and the officer's comments. Inside, there are also helpful tips on how to prevent residential, vehicle and business burglaries, as well as important telephone numbers.

"These types of property checks will allow the police officer to have a more active role in the community as well as more awareness of criminal activity," Doughney said at the time.

Six months later, Doughney said the initiative has been "very, very well received by the community."

When the cards include comments for home or business owners, they can reference anything from installing motion detector lights to trimming bushes.

"It lets them know that we're out checking businesses," and homes, Doughney said.

He added that there are no quotas for how many of the comment cards an officer has to hand out.

Members of the American Legion Avon Post 69 are just a few in the Avon Park community who appreciate the department's efforts with the cards. Doughney said his office received a thank-you card from the Post recently.

"It's a very good program," Post Cmdr. George Christie said.

Reporter Brad Dickerson can be reached at 863-386-5838 or bdickerson@highlandstoday.com

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