Written by Mary Haskins
Executive Director, Fresno Police and Neighborhood Watch
Understanding the Difference Between “Different” and “Suspicious”
Being a good neighbor often involves fostering a sense of community and understanding. It’s important to recognize that “different” simply refers to someone who may have a lifestyle, culture, or habits unlike yours. For example:
-
They may have unique customs, clothing, or ways of speaking that reflect their individuality or heritage.
-
They may have interests, hobbies, or schedules that stand out to you but are perfectly normal for them.
Suspicious behavior, on the other hand, is typically about actions that could pose a potential risk to safety, such as:
-
Observing someone lurking around properties without a clear purpose.
-
Seeing unusual activity like trying to open doors or windows that aren’t theirs.
A good way to approach these situations is to avoid assumptions based solely on appearances or stereotypes. If you notice behavior that genuinely concerns you, consider reaching out to your neighbor or local authorities in a respectful manner.
Best Practices for Evaluating Behavior
Observe Behavior, Not Appearance
-
Focus on actions rather than looks, clothing, or cultural differences.
-
Avoid jumping to conclusions based on stereotypes.
Context Matters
-
Consider the situation—ask yourself, is the behavior unusual or simply unfamiliar?
-
Understand the environment and whether the actions align with normal activities for that area.
Communicate and Verify
-
Communicate with your Good Neighbor Network of the activity.
-
If it is safe and the person is walking or riding a bike, ask if they are lost or need help instead of being aggressive.
Document Details
-
Note specific actions, times, locations, and other relevant observations.
-
If safe to do so, take a picture of the person or activity.
-
This helps provide accurate information if law enforcement is contacted.
Think Twice Before Acting
-
Never put yourself in harm’s way or approach an individual if not safe to do so.
-
Call law enforcement if you have clear concerns about safety or criminal activity.
-
Call the non-emergency number 621-7000 and alert the police to a suspicious person or activity in your neighborhood. Make sure you have a great description of the person, what they are wearing, height, gender, etc. If someone is committing a crime, please call 9-1-1.