Community oriented policing relies on the best crime fighting tool ever invented - concerned and involved citizens. When citizens work together with their police department, it creates the best crime fighting team around.

Here are a few basic guidelines to follow which will help the police help you!

1. Keep an inventory of all valuables! This is to include descriptions, serial numbers and photographs. Serial numbers are crucial to the process of identifying and returning recovered stolen property.

2. Mark your valuables! Using a permanent marker or etching tool, mark all of your valuable possessions with your driver’s license number and two-letter state abbreviation. Your driver’s license number will allow any police officer to access your name in just a matter of minutes. There have been cases where a police officer, utilizing the driver’s license number, has contacted an individual regarding a stolen item - before the victim even knew it was missing!

3. Post critical law enforcement telephone numbers! Help your police department by calling to report suspicious activities, suspicious persons or suspicious vehicles in your neighborhood.

• 911 for Emergencies Only
  Use 911 only for Emergencies involving imminent danger to life and/or property. This is a 24 Hour Number. If called from a cell phone, the call is received by the California Highway Patrol. This number should be used only from your home phone.

  (951) 776-1278 for Emergency calls made from cell phones
  This number will connect you to the Riverside County Sheriff Department Dispatch Center. An Indian Wells Police Officer will respond. Check with local law enforcement for similar numbers if you reside in other communities.

  (760) 836-3215, ext. 5 for Non-Emergencies
  This number will also connect you to the Riverside County Sheriff Department Dispatch Center. Use to report a crime, suspicious activities, suspicious persons or suspicious vehicles. This is a 24 Hour Number. Please be patient as Emergency calls are given priority.

  (800) 950-2444  TOLL FREE for Non-Emergency calls only
  This NON-EMERGENCY phone number is available toll-free to callers from all 50 states & will take caller to the Riverside Sheriff Dispatch Center

  Riverside County Sheriff's Office, Palm Desert Station: (760) 836-1600 – Use to receive information, copies of past reports, inquire about lost/found property, share public comments and/or information. Available 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Monday - Friday).

  If you have any further questions, please call the Riverside County Sheriff's Department at (760) 836-1600