Marina Watch

Dear Michigan Harbor Marina Members:

The St. Clair Shores Police Department is proud to announce our active participation in the community 'Crime Watch' program. Your police department is working hard to provide its residents and boaters the most efficient and professional level of service possible. With nearly 12 square miles to patrol and several marinas in the city, suspicious and criminal activity often goes undetected by law enforcement officers.

This is where you come in. The 'Crime Watch' program participants close this gap by using the eyes and ears of their residents and boaters to report suspicious and criminal activity observed during the course of their day. The 'Crime Watch' program improves crime prevention efforts on the streets of every neighborhood, as well as the marinas of the city. Increasing the number of eyes and ears is a tremendous benefit to the police department and can have a significant impact on the reduction of all criminal activity. Together, we can quickly identify and respond to suspicious activity and emergency situations to make our community and marinas safer for all.

The St. Clair Shores Police Department wants to provide you with an official 'Marina Watch' logo that you can affix to your boat or boat well in Michigan Harbor. This logo will alert the public that you will report anything suspicious to the police. The logo themselves may also serve as a deterrent and assist in marina-wide crime prevention efforts. 'Marina Watch' participants are asked to report any suspicious persons and situations. The sooner an occurrence is reported, the faster the patrol officer and other emergency personnel can respond. 'Crime Watch' participants are playing an important part in providing a safe environment for everyone who lives, boats and visits the City of St. Clair Shores. The primary responsibility of 'Crime Watch' participants is to Observe and Report. Participants should not become directly involved in an incident that is taking place. Participants are asked to simply observe as much as possible and call 911. The more information provided, the more likely the police will be able to apprehend and positively identify criminal suspects. Again, we are asking if you, or your fellow boaters, if you see anything suspicious, or a crime in progress, to call 911 immediately. You may also call the St. Clair Shores Police Department's Non-Emergency Number, 586-445-5222 (it goes right to dispatch). Try to provide the emergency dispatcher with as much information as possible. If a weapon is observed or used, make certain that the dispatcher is informed. Dispatchers are trained in crime reporting and will relay vital information to the responding officer as it is received. Your decision to participate is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely, Cherie Mascarello Community Resource Officer