Crime prevention through design, communication, and vigilance is important for a successful business and commercial corridor.

Investing time and money in crime prevention in various ways will help you attract and keep customers by creating a safer environment and the perception of safety in and around your business.

Reporting, record keeping, and observing important details are key to creating a safer environment.

Good Recordkeeping:

Keep detailed, up-to-date business records, such as inventories and banking records. Record serial numbers from computers and other equipment, along with the item name, make-model, purchase cost, and year. For items without serial numbers, engrave with a personalized identification number (not your Social Security Number).

Take a video of your spaces and equipment. This information, coupled with the inventory list above, is helpful if your business experiences theft, fire, or a natural disaster. These details can be difficult to recall in times of crisis.

Report Crime & Suspicious Activity:

If you see suspicious activity or a crime occurring, call 911 immediately.

If you are a victim of a crime, you and your employees need to be good witnesses and observe key details.

Key features to note are:

• Sex
• Race
• Height
• Weight
• Approximate age
• Hair color
• Eye color
• Clothing
• Any scars, marks, or tattoos

It's crucial to write down the information as soon as possible after an incident. This practice helps retain crucial details that might fade from memory over time, ensuring that the information is accurate and complete.

Key vehicle features to note are:

• Tag or license plate number (even partial numbers)
• Color
• Kind (car, truck, motorcycle, SUV, van)
• Make & model (for ex. Ford Explorer, Subaru Outback, Nissan Altima)
• Any identifying dents, detailing, company logos, bumper/window stickers, etc.

Perception of Safety:

In some cases, a commercial area has more perceived crime than actual crime. While there are things outside of your control that you may not be able to change, like media coverage or individuals’ negative social media posts, there are several actions businesses can take to combat perceptions of safety.

• Carefully consider your business’s social media posts about vandalism or crime in your area. If these posts are ALL people see and shape their perception of crime and safety.
• Promote your business watch group! Share positive results, milestones, and success stories to change the narrative about your area.
• Share pictures, videos, and reels of your business and area that showcase how vibrant, beautiful, and busy it is!
• Share news of any public infrastructure that improves the overall safety of your area. For example, sidewalk gaps were filled, streetlights added and crosswalks with rapid-flashing beacons installed on a busy street.
• Share good news far and wide. Send a press release, newsletter, and/or post to your social media channels. If people see crime stories or bad news about an area, they will associate it with crime or bad news. Sharing positive stories helps to combat this directly.

Examples of good news are a new business opening in your area, donations collected by a collective of businesses for charity, a new mural being finished, or a festival or event happening in your area.

The Tulsa Police Department has three divisions that serve the City of Tulsa: the Gilcrease Division, the Mingo Valley Division, and the Riverside Division. Your district/commercial area is served by:

Gilcrease Division | Online
(918) 691-4100

Mingo Valley Division | Online
(918) 586-6000

Riverside Division | Online
(918) 596-1100

Each division webpage has contact information for division leadership and the community advisory board and a map.

Live Calls:

The Tulsa Police Department has a live call site to help keep the public informed about the activities happening in the City of Tulsa. While TPD shares most calls that officers are assigned to, there are some calls that are sensitive and will not appear on this list. Sensitive call types include domestic violence, molestations, rapes, medical emergencies, etc. Live calls can be viewed online.

Ride-alongs:

Attending a ride-along is a great way to understand the crime in your area, the services that TPD provides, and get to know your local police officers. The Tulsa Police Department encourages open and candid police operations and strives to establish a climate that allows officers to perform their duties with the acceptance, understanding, and approval of the public. Citizens are allowed to ride with officers to promote trust and understanding.​

Citizen participation will be limited to one shift per calendar year and scheduled within the guidelines of the shift rotation schedule.

To participate in a ridealong with a Tulsa Police Officer, you will need to do the following:

1. Read their policy statement, regulations, and procedures online 
2. Complete the Citizen Hold Harmless Agreement online and print the page. 
3. Have your Citizen Hold Harmless Agreement signature notarized and mail the form to the Uniform Division where you want to ride. You can also scan and email the notarized document to [email protected].
4. A coordinator will contact you by phone to schedule your ride.

Ride-along Regulations:

• Participants shall wear professional casual clothing. Shorts, sleeveless shirts, and t-shirts are not acceptable attire to wear during a ridealong.
• Participants shall be under the direct control of the police officer.
• Officers will not allow participants to enter private homes or other areas where a citizen has a reasonable expectation of privacy without the citizen's explicit consent. Participants will also not be allowed to photograph or videotape within these areas.
• Participants shall conduct themselves civilly and courteously at all times.
• Participants shall not interfere with police officers while performing their duties.
• Participants shall not perform police duties. In an emergency, they may take appropriate action to protect themselves and/or officers.
• Officers shall not engage in pursuits while participants are passengers in their vehicles.
• Division Commanders shall have the option to deny an individual's request to participate in the Ride-Along Program.
• Officers may request, through their immediate supervisor, that the Ride-Along privileges of the participant be terminated for just cause.
• Participants shall not carry weapons while they are participating in the Ride-Along Program.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, or CPTED for short, is an “approach of crime prevention that uses urban and architectural design and the management of built and natural environments. CPTED strategies aim to reduce victimization, deter offender decisions that precede criminal acts, and build a sense of community among inhabitants so they can gain territorial control of areas, reduce crime, and minimize fear of crime.”

Safe communities are sustainable only when physical interventions are combined with community. Areas that have neighborhood unity and leadership are more resilient and safer. Critical Elements of CPTED include natural surveillance, territoriality, natural access control, maintenance, and neighborhood cohesion.

Natural Surveillance
Is it easy to see into and out of your business? Can you see the area around your business? You can enhance natural surveillance in various ways.

Tips to Enhance Natural Surveillance:

• Create clear visibility from inside the business to the street, sidewalk, and parking areas.
• Limit how many window signs you hang up. Window signs should cover no more than 10% of your window space.
• Keep your interior shelving and displays no higher than five feet.
• Employees should be able to view all entrances easily. If you have entrances that are not easily viewed, consider installing a camera to increase visibility.
• Eliminate hiding places around your business, especially in loading areas.
• Install/maintain exterior lighting on your building and in parking lots.
• Trim landscaping to eliminate hiding places. Bushes should be trimmed to less than three feet except where privacy or environmental noise mitigation is a primary concern or where higher plants would not block any views, lighting, or cameras.
• Keep canopies of mature trees maintained at least eight feet above the ground to maintain sightlines.

Territoriality
It's important to have clear branding not only to attract customers, but also to create a sense of ownership of the space for your business and deter potential criminals. There are certain ways to enhance territoriality that can help create a safer environment.

Tips to Enhance Territoriality:

• Branding elements that extend from your business's interior to your business's exterior. For example, you can use your business’s colors on signage in the parking lot or on benches or paint a mural that depicts your community pride or business on an exterior wall.
• Property lines and private areas defined by landscaping, short walls or fences, and pavement treatments.
• Ample signage for your business, especially signs indicating where additional parking can be found or pickup parking spots.
• Reception and cash register areas positioned to screen all people entering your business.
• Parking areas that are marked and separated from pedestrian walkways and bicycle lanes and paths.

Natural Access Control
Direct customers and visitors to the public entrance(s) that you want them to use and discourage or deny access through any other entrance. You can direct customers through design and practice.

Tips to Enhance Natural Access Control:

• Sidewalks, walkways, and landscaping should direct customers/visitors to the public entrance and away from private areas and entrances.
• Restrict easy access to your private areas, like your loading dock, roof, etc.
• Exterior doors should be hinged on the inside with a deadbolt
• All windows should have a lock.
• Detached storage sheds or other buildings should have lockable windows and doors.

Maintenance
If your business and the area surrounding it are clean and tidy, you will not only attract more customers but also contribute daily to making your area safer for everyone. Maintenance signals that someone cares about and pays close attention to the area. A good-looking façade also gives a better impression of safety.

Maintenance Tips:

• Keep your area litter-free.
• Remove graffiti promptly.
• All lighting features should be operational and in good condition.
• Keep trees and bushes trimmed.
• Keep your landscaping free of weeds.
• Maintain your building’s structure to ensure it’s in good repair.
• Ensure that all buildings, structures, and pavement markings are regularly painted/touched up.

Implementing CPTED may sound expensive and challenging, but it is more accessible and more affordable than you think!

Façade Grant Programs
If your district has a façade grant program, it's a great opportunity to enhance the appearance of your building's exterior! You can find out if your district offers this program by visiting their website. If your district or commercial corridor doesn't have a façade grant program, you might want to consider establishing one. These programs often provide matching funds to help businesses and property owners improve the look of their buildings. In addition to the economic benefits, enhancing facades can also contribute to improved safety.

Neighborhood Cohesion & Leadership
Communities that are resilient to crime and have a sustainable, safe environment have two things in common. Firstly, they have strong community leadership and continuously cultivate new leaders. Secondly, there is neighborhood unity, meaning that businesses, organizations, schools, churches, etc., all come together to work on events, projects, and initiatives for the good of their area.

Tips for Building Neighborhood Cohesion:

• Program your public spaces and encourage businesses and property owners to program underutilized or vacant buildings, parking lots, and spaces by hosting events or other pop-ups. For example, a bakery may have a large parking lot where underage drinking parties happen when they are closed for business. To combat this, the bakery allows a local church to set up a drive-through food pantry in their large parking lot, which helps their community and stops underage drinking activity in the area.
• Cultivate neighborhood leaders by encouraging mentorship, hosting regular meetings that bring leaders together to share ideas and concerns, or attending local leadership classes, workshops, or meetups.
• Increase volunteerism in your area. Encourage regular cleanup days, host charity drives to collect food, clothing, school supplies, etc., organize disaster cleanups and aid if inclement weather impacts your area, and volunteer at your district or area events or festivals.
• You can help keep your neighborhood safe by setting up watch groups for residential areas and businesses. To establish a neighborhood watch group, visit Tulsa Crime Stoppers online. For information on starting a commercial watch group, check the Business Watch section of this guide.

Security Cameras

• Invest in High-Quality Color cameras. Cameras must provide good facial recognition or vehicle details to be useful to law enforcement. Blurry photos are not as helpful since they don’t clearly show identifying markers like tattoos, scars, or plate numbers. Color videos make it easier to identify individuals.
• Understand your Camera System. Once you have installed a camera system, know how to use and troubleshoot it. You need to be able to download videos.
• Understand (and Potentially Adjust) the Expiration Timeframe on the Recorded Video. Each video system is different. Understand how long your recorded videos are available to view and download If needed, download videos that you would like to keep past that expiration date.
• Schedule Regular Maintenance to ensure that your security cameras and system are If your cameras don’t work, they are ineffective preventative or responsive tools.
• Place visible camera surveillance signage in and around your business.
• Take still photos from videos of repeat offenders or banned individuals who frequent your business. Circulate these stills to staff or place them on an employee information bulletin board.

If you are a victim of a crime, do not post photos, stills, or videos of the crime because doing so can damage your legal case later, as these videos, photos, and stills give away key details.

How to Share Videos with the Tulsa Police Department
The Tulsa Police Department utilizes a new technology called Axon to simplify the sharing of video and photo evidence. "Once the responding officer arrives, they will send you an Axon Community Request Link via your phone or email. Through this link, you can upload all related videos and photos for the TPD to use as evidence and to apprehend the perpetrator(s). When uploading your videos and photos, please make sure to label all items."

Flock Cameras
Flock cameras are security cameras equipped with automated license plate recognition technology. There are 46 Flock cameras installed throughout the City of Tulsa, serving as part of the security camera network for the Tulsa Police Department and Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office. Some private businesses are also choosing to install their own Flock cameras. If you are interested in installing Flock cameras, you can visit https://refer.flocksafety.com/tulsa-community-connect/.

Alarm Systems
Your alarm and camera system are vital for maintaining your business’s security. Both are a considerable investment but are worthwhile should your business be the victim of any crime.

Alarm systems can do more than alert you of intruders—they can also monitor smoke, carbon monoxide, and water levels or pressures and offer video surveillance. You may also consider an alarm system with glass-break monitoring for alarm activation following a broken window. Some alarm systems are also integrated with your business’s wiring, heating, or lighting systems to give you access to these vital systems on your cell phone or computer.

Research
Determine what alarm system best fits your business’s needs and budget. For consumer tips and comparisons, visit Consumer Affairs or Wirecutter, as well as comparisons of reviews on Google, Amazon, and Reddit.  

• Get References. Talk to businesses in your area and consult trusted business advisors and mentors about their experience with business alarm systems.
• Cost Comparisons. Compare the overall cost with the itemized costs, for example, how much are the amenities included in your package or level of service?
• Reputation Comparisons. Search online for a company’s name, plus words like “complaint,” “scam,” and “customer service rating” to better understand what other people are saying about their experiences with the companies and alarm systems you’re considering.
• Security’s Security. Search online for a company’s name, plus words like “security breach,” “cyber-attack,” or “compromised data” to better understand if the companies and alarm systems you’re considering have ever been compromised. If so, what was their response and action to that breach?
• Check if a Company’s Contractors’ Licenses are Current. Visit https://cib.ok.gov/are-they-licensed to see if the contractor has a current license in Oklahoma. You can search by the contractor’s name, business name, license number, and/or trade.
• A professional should install your alarm system. Ask the company if it conducts pre-employment screenings of its employees and subcontractors.

Get Written Estimates
Reputable companies will not try to sell you anything until they understand your business’s needs and layout. When asking for an estimate, make sure to find out more about:

• Services
  • Does the company offer interactive services, like smoke and fire detection, video surveillance, or special apps for your smartphone?
  • What happens if the power goes out? Is there a backup battery system? How long does the backup system last?
• Hardware
  • What equipment will you need to purchase from them to install the alarm system?
  • Is this hardware compatible with other alarm companies? Or will you have to install brand-new hardware if you switch companies down the line?
  • Can you purchase your cameras, or do you have to install cameras that they recommend?
• Installation
  • Who will install the system? Some companies subcontract this work to third parties.
• Contract Period
  • How long is the contract period?
  • Are there penalties for early termination?
  • What hardware do you need to return if the contract is terminated early?
  • What are the implications of relocating your business before the contract period expires?
• Monitoring
  • How much does monitoring cost?
  • How often will you be billed?
  • Does the company call you before or after notifying authorities if an alarm goes off?
  • What happens if a company can’t reach you when the alarm goes off? Is the alarm reset? Do they call the authorities?
• Warranty and Repairs
  • What does the warranty cover, and for how long?
  • Is the warranty from the manufacturer, installer, or company?
  • Who is responsible for repairs or upgrades to the alarm system?
• Cancellation
  • What happens if you’d like to cancel?
  • How are refunds handled?
  • Will any waived fees, upgrades, or other charges be re-applied if I cancel the booking?

Read the Contract Thoroughly
Once you’ve chosen a company, read the contract thoroughly to ensure that it includes all promises made by the salesperson, it’s dated, and includes the seller’s name and address. Be sure your contract includes:

• Installation Price
• Monthly/Quarterly/Annual Monitoring Fee
• Contract Period
• Any Discounts
• Written Warranty
• Cancellation Policy (with an explanation of your right to cancel and cancellation forms)
• Owner’s Manual

Register your System with the Tulsa Police & Fire Department
Permitted alarms receive a primary response status when dispatched. Police will immediately respond to a call on a system that has a permit. If there is no permit, the private alarm company may verify that a crime is either underway or has been committed and requires police response. Police will respond once the alarm company notifies 911 Dispatch of verification.

If an alarm is triggered and you don’t have a permit or the alarm is not verified, you will not receive a police response.

911 calls from citizens who witness a break-in or burglary are considered priority calls. If you see evidence of a crime, please call Tulsa 911 immediately to report it. 911 calls take precedence over alarm calls. Alarm monitoring centers are required to provide an alarm call number, and the call-taker must verify a valid certificate at the address before dispatching police to the scene.

The City of Tulsa requires a permit if you want the police to respond to an alarm without a representative from your business present at the scene. There is a $75.00 permit fee. 

Choose one of the following ways to register your business’s alarm:

1. Download an application for an alarm certificate (See Appendix for application).
2. Call the City of Tulsa License Center at (918) 596-7640 to request an application by mail or email. Simply fill out the application for a First Response Certificate and mail it to the City of Tulsa License Center with the appropriate fee.
3. Bring an application to the Business License Center for processing within five minutes.

The Business License Center is in City Hall on the street level (175 E. 2^nd St.). Learn more online.

After Installation. Once your alarm and camera system are installed, it is important to conduct routine maintenance, test your system regularly, and have visible alarm and camera surveillance signage in and around your business.

Avoiding Scams. Door-to-door salespeople may come around pitching business alarms and camera systems. Many companies encourage salespeople to do this when a business installs their system in a new area to drum up extra business. Unfortunately, scammers also go door-to-door.

Here are some tips to avoid scammers.

• Be Wary of Urgency. Don’t rush into signing a contract until you have researched and fully understand the contract terms. Scammers and dishonest businesses may offer you free hardware or other incentives to sign up immediately. If it sounds too good to be true, it likely isn’t.
• Ignore Scare Tactics. Beware of scammers and dishonest businesses that may mention actual or fictitious criminal activity in your area, such as a series of burglaries, to pressure you into making a quick decision. This tactic creates a false sense of urgency. Take the time to research and review before making any commitments.
• Be Skeptical of Salespeople who Show Up Unscheduled. Many scammers will show up at your place of business and pose as salespeople from your security company who are just in the area to pop in and offer you an “upgrade” or “replacement.” Call your security company to verify that the individual in your business is, in fact, employed there and should be offering the service they say they are there to provide.
• Be Skeptical of Salespeople Who Show Up and Claim Your Security Company Has Gone Out of Business. Another common lie that scammers like to use is that they are employees of a new company that has taken over your business’s account because your security company has gone out of business or sold your account. Your security company would tell you about a big change like this in many formats beforehand. They would send letter(s), email(s), and/or call you personally. Call your security company to verify the situation and facts if this happens.

Cancellations. Review your cancellation policy carefully and know the deadlines to change your mind with the least penalty. Some alarm companies have a return policy in their contracts that allows you to return the equipment, cancel the service with no or minimal penalties, and get a refund.

Businesses should make sure to have an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place and essential safety products on site, such as first-aid kits, fire extinguishers, crank-powered cellphone chargers, flashlights, protective clothing, respiratory protection equipment, and important emergency supplies like water, food, and batteries applicable to various types of emergencies.

What is an Emergency Action Plan (EAP)?
An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is a written document to facilitate and organize employer and employee actions during workplace emergencies, like inclement weather, natural disasters, power outages, and other emergencies. The elements of the plan should include:

• Means of reporting fires and other emergencies.
• Evacuation procedures and emergency escape route assignments.
• Procedures for employees who are required to operate critical plant operations before evacuating.
• Procedures for accounting for all employees after completing an emergency evacuation:
• Rescue and medical duties for those employees who are required to perform them.
• The names or job titles of persons who can be contacted for further information or explanation of responsibilities and duties. under the plan.

In Tulsa, your EAP should, at a minimum, address tornadoes, flooding (depending on your area), fire, heavy winds, and active shooter situations. You can hire a consultant to create your EAP or create your own using the resources below.

Resources

Occupational Safety & Health Association, (OSHA): OSHA has two helpful resources for creating emergency plans: 1) an Evacuation Planning Matrix, which helps you understand when you may need to evacuate your business during specific emergencies, and 2) an Emergency Evacuation Plan E-Tool which guides you to build your emergency plan. Learn more:

• osha.gov/emergency-preparedness/evacuation-matrix
• osha.gov/etools/evacuation-plans-procedures/expert-systems/create-eap

Ready.gov: This website offers businesses a variety of tools to help assess risks, create an emergency plan, establish a crisis communications plan, and create a recovery plan to address issues and work after natural disasters, inclement weather, and other emergencies. They also have a resource on shelter and safe room guidelines. Learn more:

• ready.gov/business/emergency-plans/emergency-response-plan
• https://www.ready.gov/collection/safe-room-shelters

IRS.Gov: The IRS has a good checklist on pre-planning for emergencies and disasters that impact your financial and tax records. Learn more online.   

Small Business Administration (SBA): In addition to EAP resources, the SBA has resources and guides on how to recover from disasters, including pivoting your business, navigating supply chain disruptions, and more. Learn more at online.

To establish a secure work environment, it's essential to develop an emergency plan, invest in building safety, and hire competent employees.

Background Checks
It is crucial to find the right individuals to represent your business and serve your customers. Making sound hiring decisions is your initial defense against employee theft, fraud, and embezzlement.

Pre-employment background checks are vital for protecting your business and its reputation, particularly for employees handling cash, inventory, high-value merchandise, or those with access to sensitive customer or financial information.

Background checks typically include:

• Criminal records
• Credit history
• Employment history
• Work authorization
• Education history
• Driving records
• Military records

Consent from the applicant is required for obtaining consumer reports, school records, and military records.

Tips for Conducting Background Checks:

• Be consistent. Follow the same process in accordance with your hiring policies for each applicant, regardless of age, sex, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, family status, disability, or other protected classes.
• Follow the law. Familiarize yourself with any laws governing the use of employment background checks, including all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Check references. Ask job applicants for references and take the time to review them, especially those of former employers or supervisors.
• Be careful how you phrase your interview questions. Remember not to ask any questions during interviews that might prompt a job applicant to disclose personal information falling under a protected class. For instance, it's not permissible to ask someone their age, but you can inquire about the number of years they've been in the workforce.
• Participate in City of Tulsa’s “Ban the Box.” In 2016, the City of Tulsa announced an executive order that removed the question about an applicant's criminal history from its initial employment application for certain positions. This change gives qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records a fairer opportunity for employment at the City. Although no federal law mandates this, delaying questions about a person's criminal record until after a background check has been conducted reduces the likelihood of unfairly excluding a convicted candidate from consideration upfront.
• Learn more about Ban the Box online. See the City’s Second-Chance Employment Toolkit Appendix for additional guidance and resources.

Employee Safety
As a business owner, it’s your responsibility to create and provide a safe work environment for your employees. Below are some tips on creating a safety culture so you can retain quality employees.

• Create a culture of safety. Lead by example and praise and/or reward employees who are safety leaders. Safety is important to your employees if you show them, it’s important to you.
• Learn key safety and wellness practices. Read about OSHA’s Recommended Practices for Health & Safety Programs online, specifically written to help small businesses keep their employees healthy, safe, and thriving.
• Identify areas for improvement. Utilize OSHA’s toolkits, checklists, and audit sheets to help you identify areas of your business where you may need to improve safety through policy, practice, or investment ( For example, equipment, tools, uniforms, etc.)
• Create an emergency plan. With a security professional or consultant, create an emergency plan specific to your business that includes a written plan outlining what to do and where to do it in the event of emergencies, as well as training for your employees.

Employee Theft & Fraud
According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, “U.S. Businesses will lose an average of 5% of their gross revenues to fraud.” Small businesses are more susceptible to employee fraud because they often lack the internal controls to protect against it.

Internal Controls Tips

• Establish and enforce clear employee policies and procedures. In addition to those specific to your business, you should have policies and procedures about employee theft, substance abuse, security procedures, and reporting crime. Publish these in an employee handbook.
• Create an employee code of ethics and conduct. Review it with new employees as part of their training and have them sign it. On an ongoing basis, review this with employees annually.
• Identify high-risk areas for your business and audit them regularly. This is especially important for the movement of cash and goods. Regularly reconcile bank statements, cash, and sales reports, and treat unusual transactions with suspicion. Keep an accurate inventory system and check it frequently.
• Develop a building access policy. You may be vulnerable if you are unsure who has access to your building. Ensure the keys to your business, safe, business vehicle(s), inventory closets, storage units, etc., are in a controlled lock cabinet or space so that keys cannot be duplicated without your permission. Document the names of employees who have company keys. Ensure that any employee with a master key ring, like a night manager, understands that the keys should not be put down but always remain with them. If you have security alarm codes, limit the number of employees with access to the code to de-arm it to only those with opening or closing duties.
• Strategically place security cameras. The cameras you install to deter shoplifting or burglary can also help deter and detect employee theft. Monitor business activity and income patterns to see if income drops during a particular shift or situation.

It’s important to consider the safety of your delivery drivers and commercial vehicles when taking preventative measures and assessing risk. Most crimes occur when the driver is alone, typically between noon and 4 p.m. Half of all thefts from vehicles occur when vehicles are left unlocked.

Service businesses with vehicles outfitted with many tools are a common target for criminals. Below are general tips for business owners and delivery drivers on crime prevention and safety.

Tips for Business Owners

• Insure all your commercial vehicles. Your insurance policy should reflect your unique business needs and protect against associated risks.
• Install a tracker on your vehicle to aid in quick recovery if stolen.
• Have a secure parking spot for your delivery vehicle, either in a private driveway or garage. This will also lower your insurance premium. Parking your vehicle on a public street overnight adds more risk.
• Purchase and install stickers stating “no valuable left in this vehicle overnight” as an additional deterrent.
• Establish vehicle closing practices, including removing valuables from the vehicle and locking them in your building. You should remove items like sat-navs, stereos, dash cams, tools, or other equipment that isn’t built into your vehicle. If you cannot remove valuable items, invest in an internal secure storage box with an integrated lock secured to your vehicle. This will help keep tools and valuables safe and hidden.
• Regularly service your commercial vehicles to ensure that they are in good working order and that locks and alarms are functional. You may also consider security upgrades, like adding a secondary alarm that is not controlled by the vehicle’s locking mechanism.
• Install a stop lock or slam lock on vehicle doors to prevent criminals from forcing doors open.
• Install window grilles to prevent access to the vehicle if criminals smash the windows. You may also consider window tinting to hide valuables inside from view.
• Install lockable ladder clamps to secure ladders on your vehicle's roof. Ladders are a common target for thieves.
• Remember to mark your tools to be easily identified and returned if stolen and later recovered. You can mark your tools by engraving, writing with a permanent marker, or gloss painting your business name or initials. Marking tools serve as a deterrent because it makes it harder for criminals to resell the items.
• Keep an updated inventory of the tools assigned to each vehicle. In the event of a theft, you will have an accurate list of items to cross-reference to understand and report what's been stolen.

Tips for Delivery Drivers

• Ensure your cell phone is fully charged in case you need it to call 911.
• Check in regularly with your employer, manager (or even a family member). This will alert others to a potential issue earlier than the end of your shift.
• Consider alternative delivery routes rather than always going the same way.
• Remove the keys from the ignition, roll up your windows, and lock the vehicle. Given this opportunity, it only takes a thief a few seconds to hop in and take off with your vehicle. Some criminals use a signal jammer, which blocks the signal when you hit “lock” on your key fob. Do not leave your vehicle until you are certain it’s secure.
• Park in well-lit areas with many people around, ideally in view of cameras.
• Do not leave items in view or displayed as they attract criminals.
• "Stay alert to your surroundings. If you notice a suspicious vehicle following you, keep moving and call the police as soon as it is safe to do so. If possible, head towards a police station. Take note of important details such as the vehicle's make, model, color, license plate number, description of the individuals, and the direction in which they are traveling."

Catalytic Converter Theft
Catalytic converters have become a hot commodity for thieves because of their value, relative ease of stealing (unbolt or cut out), and lack of identifying markings.

Tulsa has an Etch to Protect program to combat the theft of catalytic converters, which is led in collaboration between the Tulsa Police Department and Tulsa Crime Stoppers.

This free program allows businesses to etch their VIN (or vehicle identification number) on their catalytic converter while their vehicle is undergoing repairs or maintenance. You can also ask a repair shop to tack weld the nut and bolt, which helps prevent most thieves from easily unbolting the assembly. Make an appointment with Etch to Protect online.

Businesses often encounter individuals who trespass (or repeatedly trespass) on their property. The City of Tulsa's Trespassing Ordinance protects Tulsans who forbid or ban individuals from their property or where No Trespassing signs have been posted.

There is a maximum penalty of $200, plus court costs, for individuals who trespass on public or private property. For individuals who repeatedly trespass on public or private property there is an enhanced maximum penalty of $500 or not more than 10 days confinement in jail. 

The City of Tulsa has a system in place where you can have a no-trespass letter on file so Tulsa Police Officers can cite or arrest anybody present on your business property during the hours when employees are not present.

No Trespass Letter Instructions
Use the Tulsa Police Department’s No Trespass Letter template (See Appendix). Below are important instructions for customizing your letter.

1. The letter must be dated.
2. The owner must ensure the proper division and division address are selected or filled in. Choose from the below Tulsa Police Department Divisions:

• Mingo Valley Division 10122 E. 11th St., Tulsa, OK, 74128
• Gilcrease Division 3436 N. Delaware Ave. Tulsa, OK, 74110
• Riverside Division 7515 Riverside Pkwy. Tulsa, OK, 74136

3. When the letter states “properties known as,” the owner must indicate a business name or “private residence.”
4. The owner must list the physical address when the letter states “located at.” For example, 123 N. St.
5. The owner must ensure that the property has posted “No Trespassing” and “No Loitering” signs on the property in conspicuous locations.
6. The owner must list a contact phone number that TPD can reach when this letter is enforced.
7. The owner must sign and have the letter notarized.
8. The owner must include a mailing address for receipt of subpoenas if different from the address in number 4 above.

Your letter will remain on file with TPD until you revoke it in writing.

Several layers of security and prevention are the most effective protection against shoplifting. Don’t rely on one measure alone.

Shoplifters are opportunistic. They will look for times when your employees are busy serving other customers, during shift changes, and when deliveries are being unloaded.

Common Shoplifting Techniques:

• Concealment: Most shoplifters conceal items, and then leave the store without generating attention. They may use bags, coats, strollers, baggy clothing, umbrellas, and merchandise purchased inside. Dressing rooms are often used to conceal items in private without drawing attention.
• Distraction: Shoplifters may use distraction to take items while the area is empty, or employees aren’t looking. Common distractions are a false medical emergency, making a complaint, asking for directions or assistance, or asking employees to check for stock in a back room.
• Grab & Go: Some shoplifters are brazen and will just take items and go. They rely on the element of surprise and employees' slow reactions.
• Fraud: Shoplifters will change price tags or take items from your business and try to seek a refund, even though they haven’t paid for it.

Red Flag Signals
There is no typical profile of a shoplifter; however, certain signs should signal a red flag for businesses. Keep a close eye on shoppers who:

• They will spend more time watching the cashier, employees, or other customers than shopping. They will also be looking for cameras.
• Wear bulky clothing during warm weather or coats when unnecessary.
• Walk with short or unnatural steps, which may indicate they are concealing lifted items.
• Take several items into the dressing room and leave with one item.
• Frequently enter the store, but don’t buy anything.
• Seem nervous or pick up random items with no interest.
• Refuse offers of help repeatedly.
• Carry a foil-lined bag. These bags are often used to conceal items with security tags.
• Enter the store as a large group. A member of the group causes a disturbance to distract employees.

How to Combat Shoplifting
You can use store layout, customer service techniques, and standard security practices to combat shoplifting.

Employees

• Greet every customer that enters the store. Let them know you are aware of their presence.
• Schedule an adequate number of employees to work at one time.
• Approach suspicious shoppers and ask if they need assistance.
• Cashiers should watch price tags and look for price switching.
• Look inside boxes, bags, and other products to ensure they don’t contain hidden items.
• Never leave the cash register unlocked and unattended.
• Require receipts for refunds for cash. Discard receipts immediately after processing refunds.
• Don’t allow customers to distract the cashier while another customer is being checked out.

Store Layout

• Design the store layout so customers must pass by the register area and staff to exit the store.
• Do not display merchandise near exits.
• Place high-value items in areas of maximum surveillance by staff.
• Maintain full, orderly displays so employees can see at a glance if something is missing.
• Use mirrors to eliminate blind spots in corners that might hide shoplifters or have employees visit those areas frequently throughout their shift.
• Keep small, expensive items locked in cabinets or behind the counter.
• Post “Shoplifters Will Be Prosecuted” signs in clearly visible locations.
• Display items using "dummy stock," empty boxes, and locked cabinets. Limit key access to specific staff, especially for valuable goods.
• Secure displays to prevent bulk theft of items.
• Ensure fire exits are alarmed and your employees respond to those alarms.

Dressing Rooms

• If you cannot have an employee stationed there, keep dressing rooms locked and limit the number of items each customer takes in.
• Implement an item numbering system to more effectively track the inflow and outflow of items.

Additional Tips

• Share information about shoplifters with other businesses in your area. You can initiate a group chat or use a communication app, such as

You have the right to ban anyone from your business if you suspect they have stolen from you or if you believe they may steal from your premises. Ideally, issue them a letter informing them of the ban and make sure all staff members are aware and enforce it. It's also a good idea to inform neighboring businesses about the

Public spaces, including businesses, are where people come to celebrate, shop for daily necessities, meet up with family and friends, or access the services they need. It’s also a place where individuals in distress may experience a medical emergency that requires your and your employees’ attention.

This section of the guide aims to provide you with tips and resources for engaging with people in distress - such as those experiencing homelessness, a mental health crisis, or a medical emergency – with the goal of ensuring everyone’s safety and resolving the situation successfully for all.

People Experiencing Homelessness
If you find an encampment on your property or business, please file a report with 311. If there is a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

Resources
It can be incredibly challenging for those facing homelessness in Tulsa to find the support and services they need. The City of Tulsa and numerous organizations provide resources and programs to ensure that homelessness is brief, rare, and non-recurring. Your assistance in sharing the information below with individuals you encounter at your business would be truly impactful.

• A Better Way Tulsa: A Better Way is focused on improving the well-being and stability of our most vulnerable citizens experiencing homelessness who panhandle. A Better Way ensures that individuals have access to programs and services that meet their basic needs and set them on a path to self-sufficiency and positive health. 
• Iron Gate: Iron Gate is Tulsa's largest stand-alone soup kitchen and grocery pantry. Their mission is to feed the hungry and homeless of Tulsa every day.
• John 3:16: John 3:16 is a local ministry designed to fight homelessness, hunger, and assist in community restoration. They have programs for both men and women.
• Lindsey House: Lindsey House serves women with children who are experiencing situational homelessness. In addition to providing families a fully furnished apartment, women participate in a series of curriculum focused on financial literacy, workplace proficiency and life skills.
• Mental Health Association of Oklahoma: MHAOK has outreach teams that offer resources and wraparound services to people experiencing homelessness: a housing first team working to get people into housing, and a street medicine team working to get medical care to people.
• Tulsa Housing Solutions: As the lead agency in the HUD-funded Tulsa County Continuum of Care, Tulsa Housing Solutions coordinates and manages more than $3 million annually in federal, state, county, and City funds for programs providing shelter, housing, and services to people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. They have a street outreach team to help connect people with housing and wraparound services.
• Tulsa Day Center: The Day Center addresses people’s basic needs: shelter, food, clothing, and bathing. They offer rapid rehousing services, emergency shelter, medical assistance, case management, and legal aid to help ensure all those needs can be met.

Mental Health Crisis
It’s important to remember that a mental health crisis can affect anyone, regardless of whether they have a pre-existing health condition. However, certain groups, such as those without strong support systems, people living in crowded environments, and individuals who have experienced economic losses, may be more vulnerable to experiencing a mental health crisis.

In some cases, a person in crisis may have thoughts of self-harm or suicidal ideation. Recognizing these signs and responding appropriately can potentially save a person’s life. It’s crucial to address the mental health emergency promptly and effectively. Unlike other health emergencies, mental health crises can be difficult to predict because they often occur without warning. Even when individuals are following treatment plans and receiving professional help, crises may still arise unexpectedly due to the unpredictable nature of mental illness. Remember, offering kindness, support, and understanding to those going through a mental health crisis can make a significant difference in their recovery.

What is a Mental Health Crisis?
According to NAMI, “a mental health crisis is any situation in which a person’s behavior puts them at risk of hurting themselves or others and/or prevents them from being able to care for themselves or function effectively in the community.”

• If they don’t have a current provider or they need immediate help, encourage them to call or text a crisis resource, such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or the NAMI crisis text line. If you believe the person is an imminent danger to themselves or others, call 911. If you do call 911, be sure to give the dispatcher as much information as possible about the person’s symptoms and what they’re experiencing.

Medical Emergency
The most common medical emergencies that occur in businesses are heart attacks, strokes, allergic reactions, and minor injuries such as slips, falls, cuts, and burns. To protect employees and customers, every business should have a first aid kit and an AED machine on site in case of medical emergencies.

To be prepared for a medical emergency, you should:

• Make sure to regularly restock your first aid kit to make sure you have all the necessary supplies. Also, make sure to inform all employees where first aid kits are located so they know where to find them.
• Hang medical emergency posters and/or flyers on your bulletin board and in your employee break area to help employees recognize the signs of heart attack, stroke, allergic reaction, and choking.
• Provide first aid and CPR classes for managers and employees to ensure that there is always someone available who knows how to perform these important life-saving tasks.

American Red Cross offers a variety of first aid, CPR, and safety training online and in person. The Red Cross also offers “trainer” classes so you can designate a manager or employee to train others. To book a training, call 800-567-1487. Learn more online.

YWCA also offers in person first aid, CPR, and safety training for individuals. Learn more online. 

Commercial burglaries often occur when businesses are closed and are usually crimes of opportunity. Having good security measures in place can make it harder for criminals to enter, as they slow down and make their actions more visible, noisy, and time-consuming. Using multiple layers of protection can further deter criminals.

Conduct an Audit
Consider your property from the perspective of a burglar and assess any weak points or flaws in your current security setup. You should carefully inspect every opening, such as windows, doors, and so on, as each represents a potential security breach. Take note of anything that needs to be updated, installed, or fortified. Be thorough in checking your locks, lighting, alarms, and cameras.

Establish a Closing Routine and Checklist
You should create a closing checklist or routine to ensure that employees lock doors and windows, set alarms, leave on the correct lights, bring in specific items at night, etc.

Doors & Locks

• Secure doors and windows with high-quality locks. Double-cylinder, dead-bolt locks with one-inch throw bolts are preferred for doors.
• Install cylinder guards and strike plates to stop forced entry and prevent “jimmying.”
• Use heavy-duty solid construction for rear doors, with bars and U-brackets secured to the structure for added strength.
• Padlocks should be made of case-hardened steel and mounted on bolted hasps.

Windows

• Install burglar-resistant glass, wire mesh, or iron bars on windows.
• Install roller shutters that lock over windows and glass doors.
• Ensure that your window frames and fixings are strong.

Stock

• Remove high-value goods from window displays overnight and lock them in a safe, secure room or cage.
• Consider boarding, whitewashing, or wrapping windows to detract attention from your stockroom and hide what is stored there.
• Reduce stock so you don’t have as much on hand to attract burglars. Coordinate more deliveries or use home deliveries to reduce stock levels.
• Install protective grilles or shutters inside your stock to protect high-value
• Use secure cages in your stockroom to provide security for high-value goods.

Cash & Registers

• Leave the cash register(s) open, visible, and Burglars seeking cash will lose interest and will likely leave your register undamaged.
• Bank your cash. If you do not leave cash in the store overnight, it can’t be stolen in a burglary.
• Bolt your safe in a discreet location within your business. Insurers can help you choose a suitable safe and suggest minimum specification standards.

Vehicle Considerations

• Fix bollards around your premises to protect against “ram raiders.” Some designs of bollards can be removed during business hours and then go up at night.
• Use road blocker devices to close off vehicle entrances overnight.
• If you’d like something that looks more inviting but offers similar protection against vehicles, use large concrete planters instead of bollards.

Robbery is a frightening and perilous situation. The likelihood of a robbery occurring at your business depends on various factors, some of which may be beyond your control.

These factors include the type of goods your business sells, the local crime rate, your hours of operation, your staff, and the foot traffic on your street.

For instance, a liquor store in a high crime area that stays open late and is located on a secluded back street is likely more vulnerable than a furniture store that operates from 9 to 5 and is constantly visible to passersby.

It's important to carefully consider these factors and implement appropriate preventative measures for your business. This guide section provides tips on what you can do before, during, and after a robbery at your place of business.

Design Deterrents

• Keep doors and windows clear of signs and posters to maintain good two-way visibility.
• Install solid screens around the cash register to prevent anyone from reaching into it when it is open. In high-risk areas, some businesses prefer to install floor-to-ceiling screens between customers and staff for greater protection.
• Keep a clean, well-lit business, inside and out.
• Place a surveillance camera behind the cash register facing the front counter. Consider installing closed-circuit television cameras, or CCTV, to record everyone who enters your business or vulnerable areas. Use signage to make it clear that you are using CCTV.
• Design your store layout to make it less attractive to robbers. For example, don’t position your cash register too close to the door, as this may attract robbers who can get in and out quickly.
• Install height-appropriate outside camera for good coverage up and down the street.
• Install a robbery or panic alarm. Also, consider installing less sophisticated alarms (like doorbells or personal attack alarms) that can summon help from the public or alert your employees elsewhere in your business or even your neighbors.
• If you are in a high-risk area, consider installing double-entry doors or airlock doors, which allow employees to restrict entry. Robbers can be trapped in the “airlock” between doors.

Before a Robbery

• Greet everyone who enters your business.
• Make bank deposits at least once a day.
• Count cash in a secure area and avoid leaving cash registers or safes open longer than necessary.
• Use time-lock safes that only open at specific preset times and can be fitted with roller-trap lids to allow cash deposit but prevent removal.
• Adopt practical routines to deter robbers from attacking when you take money to the bank (if you’re not using a cash carrier service). Managers/employees should remove badges or uniforms identifying them as staff, make the trip to the bank with another employee (if possible), and vary their route and the time they go to the bank.
• Posters, stickers, and signs in your business should advertise that managers and staff do not have access to the safe.
• Train your staff on what to do in a robbery, how to use the alarm system/equipment, how to be “forensic” aware, and how to note the robber’s characteristics to report to the

You should also train staff to report suspicious customer behavior and note details in case someone is “casing” your business. If not handled carefully, this training can raise unnecessary anxiety, so it should also be reassuring.

During a Robbery

• Follow the instructions given and remain calm.
• Do not make any sudden movements and keep your hands visible.
• Try to get a good look at the suspect without staring and take note of any identifying characteristics such as physical appearance, tattoos, voice, or any odd mannerisms.
• Only activate the panic alarm when it is safe to do so.
• If safe, try to observe the alleged suspect’s vehicle and the direction they travelled in.
• Do not pursue or follow the suspect out of the business.

After a Robbery

• Close the business and lock the doors.
• Call 911, even if the alarm was activated.
• Preserve evidence – don’t touch anything that the alleged suspect(s) may have touched.
• Ask witnesses to stay until the police arrive.
• To maintain the integrity of the police investigation, don’t talk about the incident until a police officer takes your statement.
• Only step outside when the police arrive and contact you.
• Call your business owner, manager, or other designated person.

Additionally, remember to consider the trauma your employees may have experienced. We encourage you to seek advices about professional counseling. See Victim Services & Resources later in this guide.

Businesses are vulnerable to various types of fraud, including check fraud, refund fraud, and counterfeit money. Below are tips to safeguard your business against these common types of fraud, as well as preventative policies and practices to establish. 

Check Fraud
If your business accepts personal checks, create a clear check acceptance policy to help detect and prevent bad checks. Train your employees on this policy and display a reminder in a prominent location near your cash register(s).

For suspicious transactions, contact the customer’s bank to confirm the validity of the check.

Here are some common check acceptance policies that include a variation of the following guidelines:

• Checks must be from a local or in-state bank.
• Checks should not be written for or accepted for more than the purchase amount.
• Checks should not be accepted if they are unnumbered or non-personalized.
• Accepted checks should be deposited as quickly as possible.
• Collect a returned check processing fee.

Please ensure that your employees are trained to carefully check for the following information on a check:

• Personalization: The customer’s complete name and address should be present on the check.
• Date: The check date should be current and not post- or future-dated.
• Bank I.D. Numbers: The check must have a bank identification number or routing transit number at the bottom, along with the customer’s account number and check number.
• “Pay to the Order of” Section: This section should clearly indicate your business’s name.
• Dollar Amounts: Both the written and numeric amounts must match.
• Signature: The check should be signed in your presence, and the signature should be verified with photo identification. Additionally, ensure that any physical description on the identification matches the person presenting the check.

Counterfeit Money
Be alert for counterfeit money and train your employees to detect it. The best way to do this is to keep a counterfeit detection pen near your cash register(s). These inexpensive pens contain an iodine solution that creates a black mark on counterfeit bills. When applied to a genuine bill, no discoloration occurs.

If it looks suspicious, and you don’t have a counterfeit detection pen, compare it to a genuine bill.

• Compare the feel of the paper. Pay attention to the printing details. All genuine bills have tiny red and blue fibers embedded in the paper. Counterfeiters will print the look of the fibers on paper, but it won’t have the same feel.
• Examine the serial numbers to ensure they all match and are evenly spaced.
• Look for a security thread running from top to bottom.

For additional information on detecting counterfeit money, visit secretservice.gov/investigation/counterfeit for downloadable tip sheets and to report counterfeit money you receive. You can also see the “Know Your Money” sheet in the Appendix.

Refund Fraud
This type of fraud is particularly challenging for small businesses to detect and prevent because refunds are a normal part of business operations. Establishing a clear return policy is essential for preventing invalid returns. It's important to properly train employees on the return policy and how to effectively communicate it to customers.

Common Types of Refund Fraud

• Price Tag Switching. occurs when a person switches the price tag on an expensive item with one from a cheaper item. The person then purchases the item at the lower price and later returns it after switching the price tags back, pocketing the difference. To combat this type of fraud, use price tags that are not easily removed and train staff to check item prices in your point-of-sale system.
• Returning Shoplifted Items. When a person shoplifts an item and then returns it for a refund without having paid for it, they are committing return fraud. To prevent this, it is essential to require a valid receipt for any return.
• Shoplifting. When a person shoplifts an item and then returns it for a refund without having paid for it, they are committing return fraud. To prevent this, it is essential to require a valid receipt for any return.
• Wardrobing. When someone buys a piece of clothing with the intention of using it a few times and then returning it as if it were new, it is called "wardrobing." This practice is more common with formal wear. To prevent this, make sure your staff carefully inspects returned clothing for any signs of use or wear, attach tags to parts of the clothing that would make it difficult to wear without removing the tags, and clearly address the issue in your return policy.

Tracked Returns
When a person buys an item online and then asks for a refund, sometimes they don't return the original item. Instead, they send something of no value at the same weight as the item purchased. They provide a tracking number to show they have 'returned' the item to receive the refund, but they actually keep both the item and the money. To prevent this, staff should be trained to report if a customer's return is being shipped from a different location than the previous delivery address, which is a typical red flag for this type of fraud. Additionally, staff should be trained to report if any returned items don't match what was originally sent and to preserve the packaging and item as evidence.

Fire safety is crucial for small businesses! According to the National Fire Data Center, nonresidential building fires in the US result in an annual average of 90 deaths, 1,125 injuries, and $2.8 billion in property loss.

Although business fires are the most costly, accounting for 20% of the total dollar loss from all fires in the US, they have lower rates of death and injury due to the various preventive measures in place, which are not typically found in homes.

To ensure that your business is fully prepared for fire emergencies, please read the safety tips below.

Fire Prevention

• Post No-Smoking signs in all regulated areas and designate a smoking area with a cigarette disposal
• Ensure clear exit and escape route signs are visible, and consider installing lighted signs to aid visibility during emergencies.
• Keep fire exits and stairwells clear of obstructions, and train employees to do the same.
• Develop an inclusive evacuation plan for employees and customers with disabilities.
• Schedule routine equipment maintenance and keep records of inspections.
• Regularly check for overloaded electrical outlets, cords, and cables to prevent fire hazards.
• Ensure the sprinkler system is operational and conduct regular maintenance.
• Conduct routine fire drills to familiarize employees with emergency procedures.
• Keep work areas free of debris and combustible materials.
• Conduct regular inventory checks of all buildings and storage areas to ensure proper storage of materials and equipment.

Flammable & Combustible Materials
If your business involves any flammable or combustible liquids or materials, it is important to follow all OSHA guidelines and regulations:

• Use only approved containers to store flammable or combustible materials.
• Store flammable and combustible materials according to standard regulations: no more than 25 gallons stored outside of indoor safety cabinets; no more than 60 gallons stored inside of indoor safety cabinets; no more than three safety cabinets per room.
• Keep flammable and combustible materials away from heat and ignition sources.

Fire & Smoke Alarms
Employers must have an alarm system in place to notify employees, customers, and the Tulsa Fire Department in case of fire emergencies. The alarm code should be accessible at employee entrances and on any phones or intercoms at your business.

Other Tips

• Replace smoke alarms every ten years.
• Replace the alarm batteries regularly. Test your alarms each month to see if you need to replace the batteries. Another option is to install hard-wired smoke alarms that do not require batteries.
• Clean smoke alarms so that they are clear of dust and cobwebs which make it harder for your alarms to detect smoke.

Fire Extinguishers
Not all fire extinguishers are the same. There are different types of extinguishers for different types of fires. It's important to understand which one(s) to have on hand for your business. Using the wrong fire extinguisher may worsen a fire emergency and put your employees or customers in danger

Water Extinguishers

For Class A Fires
Ordinary combustibles such as paper, cloth, wood, rubber, and many plastics require a water-type extinguisher labeled A with the "A" icon on it (refer to the icon on the left).

• Never use water to extinguish flammable liquid fires. Water is extremely ineffective at extinguishing this type of fire and may make matters worse by spreading the fire.
• Never use water to extinguish an electrical fire. Water is a good conductor and may lead to electrocution if used to extinguish an electrical fire. Electrical equipment must be unplugged and/or de-energized before using a water extinguisher on an electrical fire.
• Do not use a Class A extinguisher containing water on a deep fat fryer fire. An explosive type of reaction may result.

CO2 Extinguishers

Fires involving oils, gasoline, certain paints, lacquers, grease, solvents, and other flammable liquids necessitate the use of a fire extinguisher labeled as "B" with the corresponding icon (refer to the icon on the left).

• CO₂ is not recommended for Class A fires because they may continue to smolder and re-ignite after the CO2 dissipates.
• Never use CO₂ extinguishers in a confined space while people are present without proper respiratory protection.
• Do not use a CO₂ extinguisher on a deep fat fryer fire. An explosive type of reaction may result.

Dry Chemical Extinguishers

Fires involving wiring, fuse boxes, energized electrical equipment, computers, and other electrical sources require an extinguisher labeled C with the "C" icon.

Multi-Purpose Extinguishers

For Class A, B, and C Fires: Ordinary Combustibles, Flammable Liquids, or Electrical Equipment

Multi-purpose dry chemical extinguishers are suitable for use on class A, B, and C fires. These extinguishers will have all three icons on them.

Class D Extinguishers

For Class D Fires: Metals

Fires involving combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, potassium, and sodium require special extinguishers labeled D with the "D" icon on it.(see icon to the left).

Class K Dry & Wet Chemical Extinguishers

For Class K Fires: Kitchen Fires
Fires involving flammable cooking fluids, like oils and fats, require extinguishers labeled "K" with the "K" icon on them. Not all fire extinguishers and vent hood systems are suitable for extinguishing fires involving vegetable oil in a deep fat fryer.

Other Tips

• Schedule monthly inspections of your fire extinguishers and do routine maintenance to ensure they are fully charged. Monthly inspections check that the pressure gauge is full (needle to green), the hose is intact, and the pin is securely in place. Monthly inspections can be performed by officially trained employees who initial and date the backside of the tag. A certified professional must perform annual inspections.
• Mount all fire extinguishers on a wall in a location clear of obstructions and properly mark them.
• The maximum travel distance to a portable fire extinguisher is 75 feet.
• Follow OSHA regulations and guidelines on the placement and total number of extinguishers needed in your business.
• Train your employees in how to use fire extinguishers correctly, how to determine if a fire is too big to handle themselves, and what type of fire extinguisher to use.

Using Fire Extinguishers
Use the PASS system when using a fire extinguisher. See the diagram below to learn more. Most portable fire extinguishers use the PASS system, but reading the manual for your fire extinguisher is still important.

Before you fight a fire, stand 6-8 feet away and position yourself to an exit. That way you can exit quickly in case something unexpected happens.

If a fire cannot be extinguished using one full extinguisher, you should evacuate the site immediately and let the Tulsa Fire Department handle it.

Scams that target local businesses can cause serious financial and reputational damage. Scammers often pretend to be someone you trust, creating a sense of urgency. They also use intimidation and fear tactics and ask you to pay in specific ways. Below are some of the more common scams that businesses frequently encounter and tips to avoid them.

Common Scams Targeting Small Businesses

• Fake Invoices & Unordered Merchandise/Service Scams: Scammers create phony invoices for items or services you did not order. Other scams will send merchandise you did not order to your business and demand payment. Do not pay. According to the Federal Trade Commission, you have a legal right to keep and use it for free.
• Online Listing & Advertising Scams: Scammers try to get you to pay for nonexistent advertising services, including online listings in phony business directories. They sometimes offer “free” listings and later send you a big bill, pressuring you to pay.
• Business & Government Impersonation Scams: Scammers pretend to be an entity, individual, agency, or business that you trust to scare you to pay them or give them sensitive information or data. There are a number of these scams. The most common are scammers impersonating:
  • Utility companies or other similar services like water, gas, or electricity that threaten to turn off your services if you don’t pay a late (fake) bill.
  • Government agencies that threaten to suspend your business license, impose fines, pay owed taxes, or sue you if you don’t renew your license, pay fake fines or taxes, etc.
  • Small business grant-making organizations that trick you into sending sensitive information and data as part of an application for a fake grant or loan.
  • The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office that threatens the loss of your trademark if you don’t pay a fee immediately or pay for fake owed registration fees.
  • Technology companies that threaten the loss of your business website URL if you don’t pay them immediately.
• Phishing & Ransomware Scams: Cyber scammers trick employees into sending money or giving up confidential or sensitive information like passwords, bank information, or account numbers. It often starts with a phishing email, social media message, or phone call that seems to come from a trusted, known source with a sense of urgency to act.
• Business Coaching Scams: Scammers scammers who sell fake business coaching services or leadership training often have impressive websites with fake testimonials, videos, presentations, etc.
• Online Review Scams: Scammers that claim to erase or replace negative business reviews, add positive reviews, or boost your review ratings. According to the Federal Trade Commission, posting fake reviews is illegal.

Tips to Protect Your Business from Common Scams

• Stay informed about trending business scams. Local news, the City of Tulsa, the Tulsa Police Department, and small business resources in your area often share news of these scams.
• Train your employees to recognize these common scams, not share passwords or sensitive information, recognize phishing scams, and report potential scams to you.
• Verify invoices and payments carefully to ensure that they are valid. Pay attention to how someone asks for payment, as that is often an indicator of a scam. For example, if they ask for a wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift card when they typically accept checks or automated payments.
• Research companies before doing business with them. Search the company’s name along with keywords like “scam” or “complaint.” Read what others are saying about the company. Ask people you trust for recommendations. You can also get free business development advice and counseling through score.org.

Remain vigilant to spot tech-related scams, like phishing emails and text messages. Don’t click on any links, open attachments, or download files from unexpected messages.

Businesses with both physical and online presence, including point-of-sale operations, need to consider cybersecurity. Small businesses are often targeted by cybercriminals because they are less secure than larger businesses. Cyber-attacks can result in financial loss, damage to the business's reputation, and loss of customers who may feel uneasy returning after their personal information is compromised. Here are some tips on how to protect your business from cyber threats and minimize your risk.

Cybersecurity Basics

• Install and update anti-virus software
• Back up critical information
• Encrypt devices with sensitive information. This includes laptops, tablets, smartphones, removable drives, backup tapes, and cloud storage solutions
• Use a dedicated computer for online transactions
• Require multi-factor authentication for sensitive network areas
• Secure your wireless network with WPA2 or WPA3 encryption
• Educate your employees about cybersecurity best practices

Passwords

• Always use passwords for your devices and change them regularly
• If you forget to change your passwords, set a reminder in your calendar or phone to prompt you to change it
• Create unique and strong passwords for your business and personal accounts Do not use the same passwords that you use for your personal accounts or other businesses
• Create strong passwords that are at least 12 characters long and include upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols (#@&). Make your password memorable but avoid personal info, common phrases, and easy keystrokes (1234 or asdf which are linear on a keyboard)
• Avoid sharing passwords
• Limit unsuccessful log-in attempts

Create a Custom Cybersecurity Plan
In October 2012, the Federal Communications Commission(FCC) re-launched the Small Biz Cyber Planner 2.0, an online resource to help small businesses create customized cybersecurity plans. This tool helps you create a custom cyber security plan for your business, choosing from a menu of expert advice to address your specific business needs and concerns. Visit fcc.gov/cyberplanner to use this resource.

Create a Plan in Case of a Cybersecurity Breach
Have a plan for saving data, running your business, and notifying customers if you experience a breach. The FCC’s Data Breach Response: A Guide for Business is a great resource to create your own plan. 

Additional Cyber Security Resources for Small Businesses:

• FCC’s Cyber Security Hub for Small Businesses (gov/communications-business-opportunities/cybersecurity-small-businesses)
• National Cyber Security Alliance (org/resources/cybersecurity-for-business/)
• Federal Trade Commission (gov/business-guidance/small-businesses/cybersecurity)
• NIST Small Business Cyber Security Corner (gov/itl/smallbusinesscyber)

Graffiti and tagging can be a persistent and costly problem for businesses. It is crucial to remove graffiti immediately to prevent further attraction of it to your property.

Please remember the following tips to prevent and address graffiti:

• Use graffiti-resistant paint or anti-graffiti coating on the sides of your building and any other design features that could be vandalized.
• Report graffiti and other vandalism to the local authorities and promptly clean up the graffiti after the officers take pictures.
• Plant vines or wall greenery along the sides of buildings to discourage graffiti.
• Apply anti-graffiti film to windows to mitigate tagging on windows.
• Bolt outdoor amenities and furniture to the ground to prevent them from being used to gain access to out-of-reach areas.
• Install murals on large blank walls to discourage graffiti.
• Install “graffiti boards,” temporary wood panels to cover walls and other sensitive surfaces in areas with frequent graffiti.

Anti-Graffiti Paints & Coatings
Anti-graffiti paints come in three different coatings: 

• Permanent coating: Prevents spray paint from bonding to the surface, making removal easier with graffiti cleaner. 
• Sacrificial coating: Forms a clear layer over the surface. When vandalized, the coating is removed along with graffiti, requiring reapplication.
• Semi-sacrificial coating: Protects surface pores and can be easily removed with graffiti removal cleaner and a pressure washer when vandalized.

Graffiti Removal Tips:
When removing graffiti, always start with the gentlest method and test it in a small area first. Here are some methods for different surfaces:

• Metal surfaces: Use paint thinner or graffiti removal products. If the graffiti remains, try using a pressure washer.
• Wood surfaces: Use mineral spirits for sealed wood, and power wash it for weathered wood. If these methods don't work, sand the wood and re-paint.
  
• Plastic surfaces: Try penetrating oil, and avoid paint thinners to prevent damage. If needed, lightly rub the surface with steel wool or paint over it.
  
• Glass surfaces: Use a razor blade to carefully scrape off the paint. If needed, use ultra-fine bronze wool with water.
  
• Masonry surfaces: Power-wash with low pressure, avoid exceeding 700 psi, and be cautious with pressure wand tips. Sand-blasting is another option. Painting over the graffiti is a last resort.

Cleaning Safety Precautions: Always read product labels and manufacturer instructions, use caution with flammable products, and wear proper safety clothing and equipment like gloves, safety glasses, and respirators.

Vacant properties can become targets for vandals and criminal activities, and a general nuisance for adjacent properties and values. These structures are a very real problem for neighborhoods and adjacent businesses.

The risk factor for vacant properties depends on the area, local crime, the size of the property, stock or other items stored inside, and security.

General Tips for Securing Your Vacant Property:

• Check for vulnerabilities on the exterior and secure outbuildings or storage containers
• Keep track of who has keys and alarm
• Secure valuable items and equipment
• Permit and install an eight-foot security fence, using concrete blocks to prevent vehicle access
• Ensure good lighting and use timer switches for interior lights
• Secure doors and windows and consider hiring a security officer or service
• To disburse costs, talk to other business and property owners in your area to see if you can share security costs

The City of Tulsa's Nuisance Code requires property owners to maintain secure windows, doors, and other openings that cannot be readily opened from the outside if a property is vacant.

Additionally, vacant structures may need to be boarded up in the event of a break-in or fire. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in fines.

To report issues, contact Tulsa 311. Check the status of a code case in the Tulsa 311 Self-Service Portal by clicking on "Search Inspections," changing the search box to "Code Case," and entering the address.

Sometimes peaceful protests can escalate into violent and dangerous situations. Businesses may face increased risks during periods of public protests and civic unrest, which can threaten employees, disrupt operations, and damage property.

General Tips

• Have a communication plan for all employees, deliveries, and customers in place.
• Stay informed By following local news and official social media accounts for local authorities such as the Tulsa Police Department and the City of Tulsa to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
• Test fire and alarm systems and keep area around your business free of potential weapons.
• Remove combustible items, audit the first aid station, and ensuring that staff radios/headsets, cameras, and lights are operational.
• Share concerns with employees, review emergency plans, and allow for casual dress.
• Minimize entry/exit points, remove valuable items from window displays, and consider hiring temporary security guards if needed.

Workplace violence can occur anywhere, and it includesaggressive behavior that disrupts work and causes safety concerns for employees.

Workplace violence falls into four general categories:

1. Perpetrators with no personal relationship to the business or victim.
2. Perpetrators who are current customers or receive services from the business.
3. Current or former employees acting against their place of employment.
4. Domestic disputes spilling over into the workplace.

Be alert to escalating aggression and call 911 if necessary.

Physical Signs of Escalating Aggression

• Sweating/Perspiring
• Clenched fists, jaws, and teeth
• Shaking
• Muscle Tension
• Rapid Breathing
• Staring Eyes
• Restlessness/Fidgeting
• Flushed Face/Extreme Paleness of Face
• Rise in Pitch of Voice

Behavioral Sings of Escalating Aggression

• Loud Speech/Shouting
• Pointing/Jabbing with Finger
• Swearing/Verbal Abuse
• Oversensitivity
• Standing Too Close
• Aggressive Posture
• Tone of Voice
• Problems with Concentration
• Stamping Feet
• Banging/Kicking Things
• Walking Away

Other general tips include

• Establish a zero-tolerance policy toward workplace violence involving employees and include this in new employee orientation.
• Encourage employees to report and record all incidents and threats of workplace violence.

De-Escalation Tips for You & Your Employees

Active Shooter Situations
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has released a helpful training video outlining what to do in the event of an active shooter situation. They recommend three tactics: run, hide, fight.

See the resources below to download guides, tip sheets, and to access additional support.

Resources

• FBI Active Shooter Video: https://youtu.be/TeOdxKozra0
• FBI’s Active Shooter Resources: gov/how-we-can-help-you/active-shooter-safety-resources
• FEMA Active Shooter Guide

If your business falls victim to a crime in the City of Tulsa, follow these steps:

• Report every crime that occurred to help police understand what resources they need. Include as much detail as possible, including serial numbers that would help police locate and return your property.
• Provide important details you observed during the crime or afterwards on video. For guidance on what details to note, refer to the Introduction of this guide.
• If applicable to your situation, attend the criminal court case to give your victim impact statement .

How to Report a Crime Online

Police reports can be made online through the Tulsa Police Department Citizens' Online Police Reporting System.

This system allows you to submit a police report and print a copy for your records. This system is not a substitute for calling 911. Your report may not be reviewed for up to 48 hours.

​This system is NOT for

• Emergencies or crimes in-progress.
• Criminal activity requiring immediate action.
• Anonymous reports of criminal activity.
• Crimes occurring outside the corporate City Limits of Tulsa.

Upon completion of this report process you will

• See the words: "Your online police report has been submitted" showing that your police report is complete.
• Be able to print a copy of the police report for your records.
• You must provide a valid email address for your report to be accepted. When your report is processed, a number will be assigned and e-mailed to you. When you receive a number, the report has been accepted and is on file.

How to Pick Up Property

City of Tulsa Property Room
1111 W. 17th St.
Open by Appointment Only
[email protected] | (918) 596-9355

The Tulsa Police Property Room is part of the Detective Division and stores all department evidence, items turned in for destruction, items being held for the rightful owner, and unclaimed found property.

When picking up property, keep in mind

• To claim property, you must come in person at your appointment time and present a photo ID (driver's license, state ID card, etc.)
• If you have been given a Property Receipt Number (example:  BR1111) or Incident Number (example: 2020-009560) by a Detective working on the case, please bring the number with you.
• You may not pick up property for another person unless you have an original notarized, signed statement from that person authorizing you to obtain the specific property.
• Items being held for the rightful owner will only be stored and held for 90 days. Property not claimed within 90 days is disposed of through a court order.
• If your items are being held as evidence, see the Appendix for process on releasing property that is evidence.
• If you are inquiring about a firearm, you will need to provide proof of ownership and a valid photo ID. You will also be required to fill out a background check and questionnaire to confirm that Tulsa Police can legally transfer a firearm to you.
• It is difficult, if not impossible, to return stolen property to the rightful owner without a serial number or unique identifying number. Use the Personal Property Record Form (see Appendix for form) to record your valuable possessions, print the form, and store it somewhere safe. Do not send the form to the Tulsa Police Department. 

Victim Impact Statement. If your business has been the victim of a crime, it’s important to consider writing a victim impact statement. This statement is used as evidence and is taken into consideration by the court during sentencing.

Your statement should include the following information:

• The impact of the crime on your business. If the crime is the result of repeat offenses by the same offender, you can expand your statement to include more than a single incident.
• Direct financial costs.
• Items, assets, and property stolen or lost.
• Indirect financial loss (g., loss of customers, impact on customer confidence, staff time, medical expenses, counseling services, contractors, security costs, etc.).
• Injuries to employees and/or customers.
• Summary of property damage.
• Reputational damage.
• Summary of costs.

Delivering your victim impact statement and showing up in court is just as important as reporting the crime.

Victim Services & Resources:

City of Tulsa Victim Services | Email

Victims Compensation (OCVC)
(800) 745-6098

Victim Information Notification Everyday (VINE)
1-877-654-8463

COPES | Online
(918) 744-4800

Tristesse Grief Center | Online
(918) 587-1200

Victim Witness Center, District Attorney's Office | Online
(918-) 596-4915

US Attorney's Office, Northern District of Oklahoma | Online
(918) 382-2700

Like a neighborhood watch, a business watch aims to improve the safety of an area through collective action, collaboration, and organization.  

What is a Business Watch?
A business watch program is a group of businesses and property owners in the same area who want to make their commercial corridor or district safer by working together. These programs work in conjunction with the Tulsa Police Department to coordinate safety meetings and reduce crime in their area.

Benefits of a Business Watch

• Crime reduction
• Better quality of life for residents
• Greater sense of security (this is especially helpful for areas combatting perceptions of safety in their district or corridor)
• Community pride and unity
• Increased volunteerism

Starting a Business Watch
It is important to keep in mind that organizing your business watch is not an overnight process. Start small, expand your business watch group gradually, and be consistent. Incremental change leads to lasting, sustainable impact and outcomes.

Steps to Start your Business Watch

Recruit and organize as many business and property owners as possible. Use social media, emails, flyers, and in-person conversations to recruit business and property owners to join your watch group. Select the individuals who want to serve as the core of the business watch group.

Contact the Tulsa Police Department and Tulsa Crime Stoppers and schedule a meeting. Schedule a meeting with the TPD division that serves your area. Conduct some preliminary research to have at the meeting. Ask TPD for a heat map of criminal activity in your commercial district or corridor so you can better understand what they are seeing. Also, collect personal observations from other business and property owners and read media stories about crime in your area. At this stage, it’s important to consider the culture of the communities that your business watch group will be serving and their relationship with law enforcement to determine if there are additional obstacles to overcome. 

Discuss business community concerns and develop an action plan with goals and metrics. Using the information you collected for your first meeting, prioritize the safety concerns and issues that have been identified. Together, TPD and Tulsa Crime Stoppers develop a strategy to raise the level of awareness and create solutions to resolve the identified concerns and issues. Your action plan should include a way to measure success (or metrics), realistic milestones, and implementation strategies (i.e. the things you plan to do to tackle concerns and issues).

Hold regular meetings and hold training on relevant skills. It’s a good idea to vary your meetings, cover a broad range of topics and not devolve into an unproductive commiserating session. You can use meeting times for clean-up days, crime prevention seminars, and vulnerability assessments for individual businesses. You can also use these meetings to collectively pool your resources and share costs for training sessions (like first aid, CPR, etc.). 

Establish a communication method. There are various ways to communicate with other businesses and property owners in the event of an emergency or crime. Determine which method works best for your group. Methods include a phone tree, WhatsApp, private Facebook group, or text message thread. Email may not be ideal for all businesses in emergency situations.

You should also establish a strict policy of only using this communication method for emergency situations or if a crime occurs and not for marketing or promotions. For example, use this method to let your fellow businesses know about a crime that just happened, a wild animal sighting, hazardous material spills, major traffic accidents, acts of nature, shoplifters, etc.

Create a Business Watch Map. This is a powerful tool on a simple sheet of paper. The map gives you information on where your fellow business and property owners are and other vital information. This helps you know who your fellow businesses are and aid in alerting a fellow business owner or calling 911 on their behalf. See the Appendix for a sample business watch map. Your business watch map should:

• Label all streets in your business watch area.
• Draw squares for businesses and list their names, addresses, full names of business/property owner(s), phone numbers, and emails. It is also a good idea to include whether they have an alarm system, a no-trespassing letter filed with TPD, and the total number of employees.
• If a business won’t participate, list only their name and address on the map.
• Indicate directions on the map.
• Give a copy of the map to all participating business watch members.

Implement your action plan. The list below includes some examples of general action plan items you can include in your customized plan.

• Create a business safety newsletter or email list to share relevant information, resources, and news.
• Obtain and distribute crime prevention materials, business watch signage, and stickers to all participating businesses and property owners.
• Develop specific crime prevention projects.
• Encourage all business and property owners to participate in “Operation Identification,” where they inventory all their valuables and property, document them (taking photographs and recording serial/ID numbers), and mark items without
• Create/Update the current list of business watch participants, including names, addresses, work and cell phone numbers, email addresses, and vehicle descriptions.

Planning & Conducting Effective Meetings:

Meetings should start on time, end on time, and be worthwhile. Select a meeting time, date, and location that is convenient for most business and property owners in your area. If you can offer some food or other incentives for attending (like receiving free materials or training).

At the Meeting:

• Create a friendly, welcoming environment. Welcome everyone to the meeting and greet them by name. Consider providing name badges to help with introductions. You may also have an icebreaker activity for the first few meetings to help businesses get to know each other.
• Create an agenda and stick to it. This will help with time management and keep you (and others) on track. Keep a standing agenda item to review your action plan so it stays at the top of your
• Establish ground rules, such as time allowed for speaking and rules of civility to help with disagreements.
• Ask someone to take meeting minutes so those who can’t attend can still be informed. This will also help those who attended keep track of the conversation, decisions, successes, and setbacks.
• Designate a meeting facilitator to keep the meeting on track, encourage polite discussion, allow everyone to participate, summarize decisions made and assigned tasks, listen for what is not being said, resolve sources of confusion, enforce the meeting ground rules, and remind attendees of the next meeting.

After the Meeting

• Share the meeting minutes.
• Cascade assigned tasks, decisions, metrics (successes or setbacks), and other news.
• Remind all business watch members of upcoming meetings, training, and events.

Creative Meeting Topics

• Personal Safety
• Safety for the Hearing Impaired
• Street Safety
• Crime Prevention through Environmental Design
• Observation
• First Aid/CPR
• Animal Control
• Dogs – what to do if attacked
• Scams
• Cyber Crime
• Cultural Awareness/Diversity Training
• Restorative Justice
• Community Policing
• Emergency Preparedness
• Detectives
• Arson Investigations
• Hazardous Materials
• Truck & Train Spills
• How to Be a Witness (DA’s Office)
• Juvenile Crime Prevention
• Conflict Resolution
• Business Fire Safety
• Victims Assistance Programs
• Red Cross
• Mediation Services
• Parole & Probation
• Sex Offenders
• Gang Awareness
• Drug/Narcotic Awareness
• Landlord/Tenant Training
• Employee Safety at Night
• Winter Weather Emergency Planning
• Tornado Weather Emergency Planning
• Improving Perceptions of Safety in your area

Establishing Partnerships
Seek partnerships to provide training, activities, in-kind donations, volunteers, and financial support for your business watch program. Some potential partners could be:

• Faith/Community-based organizations
• Communications Companies
• Hospital and medical providers
• Universities and schools
• City of Tulsa (Animal Welfare, Code Enforcement, Public Works, Department of City Experience, Parks & Recreation)
• Tulsa Police Department
• Tulsa Fire Department
• Tulsa Crime Stoppers
• Neighborhood Watch groups

Business Watch Resources

Business Watch Signs | Online

Occupational Safety & Health Administration | Online

Small Business Administration | Online