The GGD recently welcomed Al Aranda as its new public safety manager. Aranda is responsible for directing the District’s security programs, and establishing and nurturing collaborative partnerships with various law enforcement agencies to address public safety issues.

Aranda manages several key projects focused on personal safety, special police operations and reducing auto theft. Additionally, he develops strategies that address site specific security issues, including a greater police presence to retain Greenspoint’s quick response times to “in-progress” (Code 1) emergency calls. Greenspoint response times are consistently under five minutes, thanks, in part, to the 1994 opening of the Public Safety Center, which brought officers closer to the area and saves 1,800 patrol hours each year.

“Since 1991, Greenspoint’s population increased by 45 percent, while serious crimes decreased by 42 percent,” Aranda said. “In felony crimes, Greenspoint has 10 percent less than the City of Houston. The key to ensuring that our public safety program remains successful comes from the District’s partnerships with various individuals, organizations and agencies which are committed to improving the quality of life in Greenspoint,” Aranda added.

In addition to partnerships, the GGD encourages everyone to take personal responsibility and a proactive stance in personal safety. Below are crime prevention tips for your home, your business, yourself and your family.

Trim the shrubbery around your doors and windows so criminals do not have a place to hide.
Listen to your “gut” or intuition. Avoid areas concerning you and change your behavior to “signal” your attention has been raised. This will often send a criminal away.
If you notice someone following you when you are driving, drive to the nearest busy, brightly lighted area and call 911 or your local emergency number.
Always lock car doors and take your keys when you leave your vehicle. Do not leave your vehicle running, even if you are gone for just a minute.
Do not leave valuables in view in your cars. Leave them in the trunk or take them home immediately.
As you walk down the street or through a parking lot, walk alertly and assertively. Also, do not weigh yourself down with too many items.
If you carry a purse, hold it close to your body.
Do not display cash or other inviting items such as cell phones, hand-held electronic games, expensive clothing or jewelry.
Secure your home when you are traveling. Make sure all deadbolts are locked, lights left on timers, newspapers stopped, and mail held at the post office or collected by a trusted neighbor who has your schedule.
Make sure you have sturdy metal or solid wood doors at all entries into your home and that sliding glass doors are properly secured.

For more tips on personal safety, visit www.ncpc.org.