Crime Prevention Tips of the Week (4/15/2021)

Sexual Assault Awareness Month:

The Boise Police Department Special Victims Unit, Victim Witness Coordinators, and our community partners are committed to serving victims of domestic and sexual abuse in Ada County. Our network of care providers and law enforcement has a proven record of helping victims of sexual assault seek justice and safety.

We encourage all victims of assault to seek help and report crimes against them.

If you or someone you know needs help:

• Idaho Domestic Violence Hotline ‪1-800-669-3179
• The National Domestic Violence Hotline ‪1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) and TTY ‪1-800 787-3224
• Faces of Hope Victim Center

‪            -208-577-4400

‪            -417 S 6th Street, Boise, ID 83702

• Women’s and Children’s Alliance

-24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline: ‪208.343.7025

-24-hour Rape Crisis Hotline: ‪208.345.7273 (RAPE)

-720 West Washington Street, Boise, ID 83702

Downtown Patrols:

The Boise Police Department has received multiple complaints about loud vehicles and drivers speeding in the downtown core. Over the last several months, officers have issued 79 citations related to "street cruising" in the area.

• Driving-Racing on a Public Highway- 61 citations
• Modified Exhaust - Louder than Stock - 18 citations

Officers are very aware of the issue and continue to focus on traffic enforcement to ensure everyone can enjoy their downtown experience and do so safely. In order to respond appropriately, it is important that anyone who witnesses this type of driving behavior files a report with non-emergency dispatch at (208) 377-6790. In the case of an emergency always call 911.

Distracted Driving: 

According to the Idaho Transportation Office of Highway Safety, 241 people were killed in Idaho in crashes attributed to distracted driving between 2014 and 2018. In 1 in 5 crashes in Idaho, distracted driving is a contributing factor.

As a reminder, it is against the law in Idaho to use electronic devices while driving unless it is in hands-free mode. Officers began enforcing the law in January of this year in hopes of proactively addressing the dangers of distracted driving.

You can find more information about the Hands-Free Driving Law here.

If you’re driving, four simple things can protect you:

• Keep your hands on the wheel
• Keep your eyes on the road
• Keep your mind on driving (if you’re a passenger, speak up if you think the driver is distracted)
• Keep your seat belt fastened