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We citizens have an obligation to be another pair of eyes and ears, to augment those of law enforcement.

I'm a firm believer in the mantra, "If it isn't documented, it didn't happen." We have a duty to report suspicious activity. Or at least reasonably suspicious activity (Uhh, Ma'am...a stray cat sitting on your car is not exactly a police emergency).

For example, I live next door to a school. There are "No Trespassing" signs all over the property, but teenagers like to skateboard there. When a group of skateboarders are on the school grounds (usually after dark), I call the non-emergency police number and report them as trespassers. My tax dollars pay for that school, and for any vandalism/other damage committed to that school. One officer told me that there have been times where younger kids try to hang out with these older skateboarders, and end up getting mugged for their boards. Those are crimes that have taken place. To me, this is more than enough reason to report such incidents.

I have yet to be chastised for reporting suspicious activity. If I don't speak up, I don't think anybody else will. I don't expect a "Hollywood SWAT" response within seconds. I happen to know that police are allocated to areas according to need. If problems aren't reported (documented), then the police have no choice but to think that all is well (it didn't happen).

The best way for citizens to help law enforcement is to provide information. Concise, accurate information is the most helpful resource we can provide to police.