Stopping crime before it starts!  --a proactive approach to dealing with the affects of a crime.  Empowering yourself, before you become a victim, and NOT afterwards, is the key ingredient and the driving force behind crime prevention.  A community that is a 'hard target' is one that the criminal will avoid, and similarly, a community that is an 'easy target' is one that the criminal will exploit.  In sum, a community that is aware and prepared is always a 'hard target.'  SEE IT, HEAR IT, REPORT IT ...prevents a crime before it takes place...that is crime prevention in action.    

The Crime Prevention Unit is under the leadership of Sgt. John Carty, and manned by P.O. Jeff Angermeyer, HPD's CERTIFIED Crime Prevention Officers . Ptl. Carty recommends several programs for residents to use in order to prevent crime... 

• The Hillsdale PD's Vacant Home Check Program allows residents who will be away from home, for an extended period of time, the comfort of knowing that the police will be keeping an extra eye on the home.  Visit the Vacant Home Check Program link for more information or call the Police Desk at (201)664-4200. 

• The Crime Prevention Unit  offers a Home Security Survey to Hillsdale residents who want to put their home's vulnerability to the test. This survey offers residents the opportunity to have a police officer assist the homeowner in locating weaknesses in and around the house.    For more information about this voluntary program and a free service, visit Home Security Survey !

• Sgt. Carty has posted some common tips for protecting your home against a burglary.  While these tips are not specific to your home, they offer some basic concepts and ideas for preventing crime on your property. Link to Home Protection Tips