TRI In The News
Richmond PD's "Wake Up Call" Initiative to End
From NBC12
Original article available here
The Richmond Police Department's "Wake Up Call" initiative is being put to sleep.
A spokesperson said Thursday the controversial program will end as planned Tuesday, May 1st. The new revelation comes just a day after a civil rights group warned that the "wake up calls" might actually violate the constitution.
The news made Bellevue resident Jackie Platt happy.
"I don't want anybody waking me up at 2:00 in the morning," Platt said Thursday.
The initiative started two and a half weeks ago in response to a surge in North Richmond car break-ins. Midnight patrol officers would look at cars parked on the street. If they saw anything of value, they'd go to the house, and deliver a warning about crime prevention. The initiative took place between midnight and 4:00 a.m., and got mixed reviews from neighbors.
"Once that happens, you're a lot less likely to leave anything in your car again," said Patricia Woolridge of Bellevue.
"But I don't want anyone knocking on my door at midnight and 4:00 a.m. unless it's a serious emergency," said Gary Thompson.
Despite the objections, the program appears to have delivered results. Richmond Police say there have been only three reported thefts from motor vehicles in targeted neighborhoods this month including Bellevue, Ginter Park, and Carver. That's down from 14 in March.
Wednesday, the Charlottesville-based Rutherford Institute delivered a letter to Richmond Police Chief Bryan Norwood, warning the program may run afoul of the constitution. Thursday, the program's planned ending was considered "a victory for the fourth amendment, and the privacy and property rights of homeowners," according to a statement from President John Whitehead.
So starting next Tuesday, Jackie won't have a wake-up call to worry about. She stays alert in other ways.
"See that little loud dog right there? He's gonna raise Cain if anybody's out here walking around our cars," Platt said.
In all, Richmond Police say 18 people got that overnight wake-up call since the program started. A spokesperson declined further comment.
