Reporting Loitering

Report Loitering and Trespassing

San Jose Police Department - STOP Program
Stop Trespassing On Public/Private Property

What is the STOP Program?

STOP (Stop trespassing on Public¹/Private Property) is a program designed to address the growing issue of trespassing on public and private properties and the associated problems.

How Does the Program Work?

Home owners, building owners and persons in lawful possession or in charge of a property are asked to fill out and send the provided form to the Police Department. This will authorize us to take enforcement action on your private property. Many times without you or your agent actually being present.

The Police Department begins with educating violators about their actions and then provides alternate avenues for food, clothing, shelter, and other assistance. Subsequent contacts may result in citations and arrests for repeat offenders.

Steps to Get Your Property Registered

Getting registered is easy. Just follow these simple steps:

Fill out the provided form authorizing the police to enter your property (only in the event of criminal or suspicious activity) to enforce specific applicable trespass or criminal laws.
Sign and date your form.
Send the form to the address given.

That's it! You are now a member of the STOP Program.

Your Responsibilities as a STOP Property Owner

Once you are a member of the STOP Program, it is important that you let everyone in your household, business, property, or building know. Encourage everyone to call the police to alert us to any violations. With your signed form on file, we are enabled to provide active and efficient enforcement. Citizen involvement increases the effectiveness of the STOP Program!

Steps You Can Take to Limit Crime on Your Property

Many trespassing violations are “Crimes of Opportunity”. In other words, they were committed because it was easy to do. Here are some tips to help prevent trespass related crime on your property:

Keep exteriors and hallways well lit during hours of darkness using flood or other appropriate lighting.
Make sure doors and windows are locked. Especially those that are out of view such as laundry rooms, basements, storage areas, and outbuildings.
Call 311 for non-emergencies and 911 for emergencies if you see anything suspicious or want to report a crime to the police.
Keep your property free from blight. This will make it easier for the police to notice any unusual activity on your property.
Never confront suspicious persons on your own. Call the police.
Post “No Trespassing” or “Business Hours” signs on your property so there is no question about your intentions.
If the violator leaves before the police arrive, try to remember what the person looked like. Such as: race, sex, age, height, weight, hair color, and style, clothing, items carried, direction of travel, etc.

Conclusion

Together with the community, the San Jose Police Department and the STOP Program can limit trespassing and associated crimes on public and private property.

For more information on the STOP Program, contact the San Jose Police Department at 408-289-8365.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH RESOURCES

Shelter Hotline: 1-800-774-3583
Food: 1-800-984-3663 Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Clothing: 408-278-2160 Sacred Heart Community Services Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Job Training: 408-278-2160 Sacred Heart Community Services Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Crisis Hotline: 408-279-3312
Santa Clara County Mental Health Services: Access Authorization 1-800-704-0900
National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Inc. Helpline: 408-292-9945
Drug (youth Counseling) Alum Rock Counseling Center Hotline: 408-294-0500
Labor Ready: 408-287-7395 or 408-266-3120
Employment Development Department (EDD) Casual Labor: 1-800-300-5616
Laborers Intl. Union of N. America: 408-297-2620
Alum Rock Day Workers Center: 408-923-9019

¹Publc property trespassing refers to entering public property during restricted hours. For example, a public park before sunrise or after sunset or a city building not open to the public.