Information for the Community
(Links to information on this page): |
| 1. |
Trespassing Laws |
| 2. |
Common Questions |
| 3. |
Community Involvement |
| 4. |
Report Crime |
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Trespassing Laws |
| CA PENAL CODE SECTION 602(j) [purpose to injure]
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prohibits entry on to any
land whether open to the public
or not for the purpose of
injuring any property or
property rights or with the
intention of interfering,
obstructing, or injuring any
lawful business or occupation
carried on by the owner, owner's
agent, or person in lawful
possession. |
| CA PENAL CODE SECTION 602(l) [occupation]
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prohibits the entry and
occupation of any real property
whether open to the public or
not without the consent of the
owner, owner's agent, or person
in lawful possession. Under this
section, the property must be
occupied for some period of
time.
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| CA PENAL CODE SECTION 602(n) [refusal to leave private property ]
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provides that a person who
refuses or fails to leave land
not open to the general public
when requested to do so by the
owner, owner's agent, or a peace
officer at the request of the
owner or owner's agent may be
arrested. |
| CA PENAL CODE SECTION 602.5 [unauthorized entry of property]
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prohibits entry into any non-commercial dwelling house, apartment, or other such place without the permission of the owner, owner's agent, or person in lawful possession. This section is limited to structures which are used for dwelling purposes.
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| CA PENAL CODE SECTION 602.1 [obstructing or intimidating business operators or customers]
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provides that any person who intentionally interferes with any lawful business or occupation carried on by the owner or owner's agent of a business open to the public by obstructing or intimidating the business operations or customers and who refuses to leave the premises is guilty of a misdemeanor.
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Some Commonly Asked Questions |
| Do I need to confront the trespassers myself?
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Unless you have authorized the police to make requests to leave (and arrest trespassers) on your behalf, you will need to confront the person and ask them to leave. If the person does not comply with your request then you should notify the Police Department.
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| How do I authorize the police to make requests to leave and to arrest trespassers on my behalf?
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You will need to sign a Trespass Arrest Authorization letter which is available from the Police Department. This letter authorizes a peace officer to make an arrest for trespassing. It is important to note that the letter is valid for 90 days from the date given.
In addition, the Trespass Authorization letter says that you will cooperate and prosecute any violators arrested at the named location. The follow through of prosecution after arrest is extremely important.
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| How do I report a trespasser to the Police?
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If there is no immediate danger to you or your property - phone
(310) 458-8491, which is the non-emergency reporting phone line. If there is immediate danger to you or your property - phone
9-1-1. You will reach a police dispatcher who will take the information and dispatch a police officer. Please be as specific as possible when giving a description of the person.
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| Will I need to go to court to testify?
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Generally the police officer making the arrest will testify in court. However, you as the property owner/agent may be needed in court to testify.
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Community Involvement |
| Join
Neighborhood Watch! A neighborhood that is united and dedicated to cooperatively fighting crime will hamper the efforts of criminals to operate in Santa Monica.
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| Many areas throughout Santa Monica have already organized strong
Neighborhood Watch groups to successfully combat gang activity and other crime. These groups work in cooperation with the Police Department to detect and prevent crime.
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| Local businesses can also become involved in the fight against crime in Santa Monica by organizing and participating in Business Watch. Many areas of the city are already organized into business associations. Make crime prevention a topic at your next meeting.
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| To schedule a
Neighborhood Watch or Business Watch meeting in your area, contact our Community Relations/Crime Prevention section at: (310) 458-8474
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Report Crime |
| Report all crime to the Santa Monica Police Department. Tell the dispatcher the "who, what, where, when and how" of the situation. Try to give a detailed description of any suspect(s) or vehicle(s). Use
9-1-1 to report an emergency! For non-emergencies, call
(310) 458-8491
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