Public Safety Tips & Information

  1. Home Security
  2. Reporting Crime
  3. Personal Safety Tips

Home Security Information


  • Always lock your doors and windows. Many thefts occur when doors and windows are left unlocked.
  • Install and use deadbolt locks.
  • Outside doors to residences, including the one between your house and garage, need to be solid and fit tightly in their frame. Hinges should be inside the door.
  • Secure sliding glass doors with locks and place a dowel in the track of the door to prevent it from sliding open when you are not home.
  • Leave lights on when you are away, and rotate which lights you leave on in your home. Use light timers if away for any extended amount of time.
  • Close blinds and shades at night.
  • Alarms are good, but dogs are better for preventing burglaries.
  • Keep outside areas well lit.
  • Trim back shrubbery that hide doors or windows, cut back tree limbs that could help a thief climb into a second story window.
  • Install a peephole in the door and use it.
  • Verify the identity and legitimacy of any sales or service person before letting them into your house.
  • Never let a stranger into your house when you are home alone; and no matter the reason, never give the appearance to a stranger that you are home alone.
  • If you live alone, use only initials or last name on your mailbox.
  • Never provide personal information to subjects calling that you do not know.
  • If you come home and find a door or window opened or signs of forced entry do not go inside - call 911 immediately.

Resident Checks


If a citizen leaves their residence for a vacation or an out-of-town venture, department personnel will conduct frequent security checks of that home. Simply call the Alcoa Police Department to find out how to arrange for this service.