Portola Valley, CA
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Reporting of Criminal Activity FAQ
Reporting of Criminal Activity FAQ
How does the Town notify residents of crime?
Since the summer of 2016, the Town has asked the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office (SMC SO) to prepare a news release on home burglaries that occur in Portola Valley. Preparation of these press releases, as requested by the Town, is not the standard procedure for burglaries in other communities. The Town requested this service in order to ensure that residents have the timeliest and most accurate information regarding these property crimes.
The Town distributes the new releases to residents primarily via its e- Notices email notification system and secondarily via PV Forum and Nextdoor Portola Valley, and through neighborhood watch captains.
It is not the Town’s policy or procedure to inform residents about all individual criminal incidents. Should you wish to know more about all reported crimes in Portola Valley, the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office Crimegraphics site is available. For significant property crimes, or other major felonies, the Sheriff’s Office will prepare a press release that the Town will forward to residents.
How quickly can residents expect to receive notification of a burglary?
To ensure accurate reporting, it may take SMC SO a day or two to investigate and confirm basic information about the crime and issue the news release. The Town relies on the Sheriff’s Office to make these determinations. A premature announcement containing inaccurate information is extremely difficult to correct. For example, after investigation of a reported burglary in Portola Valley in recent years, the SMC SO determined that it had, in fact, not taken place.
Why don’t Sheriff’s Office news releases on residential burglaries include more details?
In the early hours and days after a burglary, the Sheriff’s Office is talking to victims, gathering evidence, and pursuing an investigation. During that period, there can be early reported “facts” that turn out to be incorrect or conflicting. The Sheriff’s Office will release information as soon as it has been verified as correct. Additionally, the information in a news release may be limited as the release of some details may impede the investigation. Finally, information is necessarily limited to protect the victim’s privacy.
How are residents notified if there is a dangerous situation?
SMC Sheriff’s Office deputies on scene determine whom to alert on a case-by-case basis. They may alert immediate neighbors in person. Should they deem it appropriate, they will notify the public via the SMC Alert system. All residents are encouraged to enroll in San Mateo County's Community Alert System (SMC Alert).
When can residents expect an SMC Alert notification?
Factors considered prior to the decision to send an SMC Alert include: if there is an active situation where people’s lives are in danger; what time of day the incident occurs; whether informing the public may jeopardize an ongoing situation or adversely impact the victim’s privacy; if the incident has a broad impact, such as a wildland fire, or downed trees or power lines across a major road. The Sheriff’s Office puts out information in the manner they believe preserves the public’s right to know with their need to ensure safety, calm and success.
Should you choose to sign up for SMCAlert, you can make choices about the type of information you are interested in receiving.
SMC Alert is intended to provide specific geographic areas with relevant, timely information about natural disasters, major traffic situations, and on rare occasions, active criminal activities. It is not intended to provide a record of burglaries or attempted burglaries.
How can residents stay informed about Public Safety?
Information is available on the Town Safety page. Residents can subscribe to notifications on Town Safety news.
For information on incidents throughout San Mateo County, sign up for the SMC SO Crimegraphics digest.
What is the communication role of Neighborhood Watch Block Captains?
Block Captains and their co-leads are responsible for distributing crime prevention information, SMC SO news releases, and other updates provided by the Town to residents on their blocks. This information may cover upcoming Town meetings on various topics, such an emergency preparedness. None of these communications require immediate action. Block Captains have the responsibility to maintain accurate contact information among neighbors and to encourage regular gatherings.
SMC SO or Woodside Fire takes the lead on communication in the event of a burglary or an incident requiring immediate resident action. These professional first responders on scene assess the situation, take action, and communicate with nearby neighbors and the public as appropriate. It is not the Block Captains’ or any resident’s role to pass on unconfirmed information about an incident. This is essential to protect the victim’s privacy, support the Sheriff’s Office investigation, and to avoid gossip.
How safe is Portola Valley?
The Town of Portola Valley is safe community. Statistics bear this out. For more information, see the
What can residents do to prevent crime?
Residents can make simple, modest changes in and around their homes to drastically decrease the chances they are the target of a burglary. They can create or participate in a Neighborhood Watch program and stay involved. Download the Residential Security Checklist. See the Town Safety page.