CBPD release – The City of Coos Bay and Coos Bay Police Department are excited to announce a program that has just been implemented as of August 1st, 2019. The new program is called “Property Watch” and is designed to assist owners of commercial properties, businesses, and apartment complexes curb unwanted activity that occurs after business hours or when the owner (or manager) cannot be contacted. Without authority granted by the person responsible for the property/business, the police are often not able to take action on non-criminal issues that occur on private property. Some examples would be non-residents/customers hanging out on property, skateboarding, non-customer vehicles in the parking lot, etc. The Property Watch Program allows the person responsible for the property to partner with the police and authorize the police to act on their behalf when they are not there. This program is based on similar successful programs used by Astoria Police, Beaverton Police, Pendleton Police, and Salem Police. The legal foundation is a signed agreement that provides the authority for police to contact people that are on private property (that are members of the Property Watch) and ask them to leave the property. The goal is to have the police legally able to assist in helping keep the property safe when no one is there. There is no cost to be part of the program, it is renewed yearly, and you can withdraw from the program at any time. If you are a business or property owner in the City of Coos Bay and this program is something you would like to participate in, program packets are available through the Coos Bay Police Department. Program packets include all of the simple forms needed to be completed in order to become a member, as well as, further details about the program and the benefits of becoming a member. Once the program packet is complete and returned to the police department, your business will be registered as a member of the Property Watch Program. You will also be provided with a professional looking sign to be placed in a front facing window of your business. This will provide notification to the public and the police that your business/ property is a member of the Property Watch Program. Packets are available at the Coos Bay Police Department, located at 500 Central Avenue, Coos Bay Oregon. All business owners are encouraged to come pick-up their packet and take advantage of this program. For more information, contact the Coos Bay Police Department at 541-269-8911 and ask for Captain Chris Chapanar.
