KINGSPORT – As a direct result of the successful efforts to revitalize Downtown Kingsport over the past several years, the Kingsport Police Department has recently brought a Patrol Officer back downtown to walk the beat. ‚ With the exception of special events, such as parades and concerts, K.P.D. has not conducted downtown bart patrols in decades.

K.P.D. last utilized downtown bart patrols in the 1980’s; however, as the City of Kingsport continued to grow and branch out, businesses and activities abandoned the downtown area and took up residence in malls, shopping centers, and business parks throughout the city. This transformation necessitated transitioning from bart-based patrols to more practical vehicle-based patrols, so the additional ground could be covered in a more timely manner.

But Downtown Kingsport has come full circle and is booming once again, with businesses, activities, and even residences literally flooding back into the downtown area in droves. ‚ The personal touch of an officer walking the downtown beat has again become practical and is a natural next step in promoting Downtown Kingsport as a safe place to live, work, shop, and recreate.

K.P.D. has recently had the opportunity to realign some personnel positions, which in turn has resulted in the freeing up of some funds.‚  A portion of these monies are being utilized to finance both the Downtown Beat Officer Program and the K.P.D. Bicycle Patrol Program.‚  While the bart patrols will be limited to downtown, the bike patrols will take place throughout the City of Kingsport with an emphasis on both the downtown area and the Greenbelt.

Initially, this will not be a full-time program, with downtown bart patrols being somewhat limited by manpower and budgetary constraints.‚  However, the patrols will be scheduled to coincide with the prime activity time periods for Downtown Kingsport.‚  The Kingsport Police Department anticipates that the bart patrols will be well received and hopes to be able to expand the program in the future.

KINGSPORT – With Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day right around the corner, the Kingsport Police Department is encouraging citizens to make crime prevention and safety a priority throughout the holiday season.

Tips for Home:

1)‚ ‚  Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave home.

2)‚ ‚  If you have an alarm, set it‚¬¦especially when you are away or asleep.

3)‚ ‚  Dont display gifts where they can be seen from a window or doorway.

4)‚ ‚  Leave lights and a radio or television on timers when you are away.

5)‚ ‚  Have a trusted friend, neighbor, or relative collect your mail and newspaper when you are away.

6)‚ ‚  Be wary of strangers soliciting for charitable donations.‚  They may take advantage of your increased generosity during the holidays.

7)‚ ‚  Avoid leaving boxes and packing materials from expensive purchases out on the curb for trash pickup.

8)‚ ‚  Dont advertise that you are away from home.‚  Never discuss your travel plans on social media.

Tips for Shopping in Stores:

1)‚ ‚  Shop before dark if possible.‚  Never park in an unlit area, no matter how convenient it is.

2)‚ ‚  Practice safety in numbers‚¬¦coordinate shopping trips with a friend.

3)‚ ‚  Keep your vehicles doors locked and valuables out of plain sight.‚  Lock your packages and gifts in your vehicles trunk.

4)‚ ‚  Avoid carrying or flaunting large amounts of cash.‚  Use a credit or debit card.‚  When entering a PIN, shield the keypad from view.

5)‚ ‚  To avoid purse snatchers and pickpockets, dont overburden yourself with packages.

6)‚ ‚  Ladies should keep their purse secured on their person with a strap and never place it in a shopping cart.

7)‚ ‚  Be constantly aware of your surroundings.

8)‚ ‚  Be on high alert if approached by a complete stranger asking for assistance.‚  Thieves often work in pairs or teams.

Tips for Online Shopping:

1)‚ ‚  Use a good anti-malware program to secure your computer from viruses and other attacks.

2)‚ ‚  Optimize your computers security settings.‚  Install security updates as they become available.

3)‚ ‚  Share payment information only with known or reputable vendors.

4)‚ ‚  Use a credit card instead of a debit card.‚  Credit cards have limits, and it is much easier to dispute a charge on a credit card than on a debit card.

5)‚ ‚  Make sure the order checkout area is encrypted.‚  Look for the padlock icon and the website address beginning with https rather than just http.

6)‚ ‚  Print and save a copy of your orders.

7)‚ ‚  Use strong passwords that would not be easy for a criminal to guess.

8)‚ ‚  Check your account statements often.‚  Fraudulent charges are only disputable if reported in a timely manner.

9)‚ ‚  Be wary of rock bottom prices that are significantly cheaper than every other online vendor.‚  Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Tips for Winter Travel:

1)‚ ‚  Have your vehicle inspected by a reputable mechanic before your leave.‚  Be sure and check fluids, tire tread, tire pressure, wipers, fuel level, etc.

2)‚ ‚  Plan your route as well as an alternate route.

3)‚ ‚  Stock your vehicle with basic winter weather emergency survival items such as a cell phone and charger cord, flashlight, ice scraper, sand or cat litter for traction, blankets, water and snacks, first aid kit, and jumper cables.

4)‚ ‚  Leave an hour early so you are not rushed.

5)‚ ‚  Make frequent rest stops to avoid fatigue.

6)‚ ‚  Tell someone you trust when you plan on leaving, where you are going, and when you expect to arrive.

7)‚ ‚  Never drive under the influence or drowsy, and avoid distractions.

The Kingsport Police Department would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, a Safe and Merry Christmas, and a Crime-Free New Year!