Security

The Westshore Alliance annual member survey has indicated crime prevention as a top priority in the Westshore Business district. The Alliance has responded by partnering with the Tampa Police Department to create The Westshore Business Crime Awareness Program, the first in Tampa. We have implemented a number of programs to ensure Westshore is a safe place for all workers, residents and visitors. As a member take advantage of these programs:

Safety & Security Committee
BOLO emails
SCAN (Security Communications Assistance Network)
Safety Awareness Programs
Employee Background Checks

The Alliance has forged a close working relationship with the Tampa Police Department (TPD), its Community-Oriented Police officers (COP), business representatives and private property security personnel. During quarterly meetings, the committee reviews the latest crime statistics & crime trend reports from TPD, receives TPD condensed training, hears from guest speakers and implements initiatives to combat crime. A one-hour company investment will yield better security and peace of mind!  Crime statistics are e-mailed to committee members weekly.

When the Alliance is alerted of criminal activity or a trend of crimes in the area, we email our member companies a BOLO: Be-On-the-Look-Out. When you receive this, you can transmit the news to all of your employees or tenants. The Alliance can attribute numerous success stories to conscientious members who have reported criminals in the act as a result of BOLO follow-up.

SCAN's goal is to deter criminal activity through quick police response and arrest. Participating Alliance members connect directly to Westshore police officers using NEXTEL digital POWERFONES. SCAN Members can alert police and other participants to crimes in progress, threatening situations, suspicious characters and BOLOs (be on the look-out). This public private partnership adds hundreds of "eyes and ears" to Tampa's police force, alerting police to the correct crime location. For more information, call 813-289-5296 and ask to speak to one of our TPD representatives.

The Alliance offers a number of free one-hour safety programs. Contact our Tampa Police Department liaison at 813-289-5296 to schedule a free one hour safety program on any of the following topics:

• Auto Theft Prevention
• Drug Prevention
• Hurricane Preparedness
• Office Security
• Parent Awareness
• Personal Protection
• Road Rage
• Safe Traveling
• Suspicious Packages
• Verbal Confrontation
• Workplace Violence

Does your hiring policy include criminal record checks? Are driving records checked for employees who drive company vehicles? This information is available to Alliance member companies, thanks to a partnership between the Alliance and the Merchant's Security Exchange (MSE).

Now, more than ever, employers need access to quick affordable background information for employment screening. We'll put the tools at your fingertips. Call the Merchant's Security Exchange to receive free software and training to order background checks from your own computer! Call MSE at 813-273-7653 for more information.