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The Oxnard Police Department has relaunched its “Business Engagement Program” to strengthen community relationships with local business owners in commercial areas and to help keep the city’s streets safe. The twenty-year-old program took a two-year hiatus, but was reinstated last June and now continues under the direction of new Police Chief Scott Whitney. The program consists of several Neighborhood Policing Teams, each of which include a police department commander, sergeant and police officers assigned to specific areas within districts across the City of Oxnard. The program enlists help from businesses (or commercial partners) to address issues such as graffiti, homeless encampments and illegal activities that can affect the success of a business. The program also helps identify “hot spots” where spikes in delinquency occur within these districts. With good communication between the Neighborhood Policing Teams and business owners, the ability to investigate and prevent crimes increases tenfold. “Increasing our effectiveness and improving the quality of life and conditions surrounding our local businesses is crucial,” said Sergeant Jeff McGreevy, North District Neighborhood Policing Team. “We are committed to educating business owners on what they can do to prevent crime in their areas of operation and improve their overall business environment.” The Neighborhood Policing Teams distribute brochures that identify geographic districts and include police contact information so business owners can speak to them directly or request visits from the officers when needed. The Oxnard Police Department will be sending information about the Business Engagement Program to over 3,000 licensed organizations later this month. On July 13, Sergeant McGreevy and his colleagues will be presenting this program at the Oxnard Chamber’s Knowledge & Networking lunch. During the presentation, the Oxnard Police Department will also solicit suggestions on what additional measures they can implement to assist local business. For more information, please contact Sergeant McGreevy at 805-797-8021 or Jeffrey.McGreevey@oxnardpd.org. The Oxnard Chamber of Commerce encourages all members to become involved and connect with their very own Neighborhood Policing Team!