RIVERWATCH was launched in December 2004 with the intention of educating and encouraging citizens to recognize and report suspicious and criminal activity on and around the water areas of the City of Jacksonville.
The need for the RIVERWATCH program
The prevention of vandalism, larceny, burglaries, and trespassing, in areas such as marinas, docks, waterfront homes, and businesses, in addition to boating equipment is the primary target of concern. The theft of boats, cars, trailers, radios, fishing equipment, and personal property are crimes to be concentrated upon with the RIVERWATCH program.
Terrorism
Report suspicious activity around and under bridges, water intakes, fuel docks, power plants, chemical plants, and military installations. Persons photographing high-profile locations should be observed for suspicious activity.
Meetings
Generally, meetings can be held by members of the watch group, as directed by the Citizen Watch Coordinator. Update and new watch meetings, with a JSO representative, will have the focus of encouraging the networking between civilians and law enforcement to support community concepts. Citizens should pay attention to recreational boats, commercial vessels, waterfront facilities, and or other structures, including bridges.
Protocol
Like the Neighborhood Watch, citizens are encouraged to call in suspicious and criminal activity to the police and communicate with each other regarding current activities and happenings in their area. By sharing information with one another, everyone is able to recognize common versus uncommon neighborhood activity. One main goal is to establish collaborative efforts among residents and public officials and to facilitate stronger community crime prevention activities.
Calling Incidents into the Police
911 – EMERGENCY
630-0500 – Suspicious Activity
Have the following information available:
The nature of the distress, or emergency, location (nearest land mark), description of vessel, and occupants, and the number of people on board Call in incidents of the reckless operation of vessels including speeding and the possible operation of vessels while under in influence of alcohol or controlled substances. The description of the operator of the vessel will be of critical importance. Illegal dumping should be noted as to the description of what the subjects are dumping into the water. Unusual boat activity such as night operations, unusual filming activity, boats anchored in unusual locations, diving, aggressive activity, and unattended boats, should all be areas of interest.
Citizen Involvement is Essential
To Start a Watch or Participate – 630-2160
Nationwide the ratio of citizens to police is 2000 to 1. Police officers are not able fight crime alone. The assistance of citizens narrows the ratio gap tremendously. Citizens assist in being the eyes and ears of the police department. Boating safety zones and manatee protection speed zones are everyone's concern.
Who Can Join Riverwatch?
Registered boaters, Waterfront businesses, Waterfront residents, and concerned citizens willing to report criminal behavior and suspicious activity.