Citizens can do a lot to make city safer

Thanks to the quick response of neighbors, fellow officers and AFD medics, Officer Mills' life was spared. Neighbors immediately called in the shooting, and reported what they saw. Their fast action and attention to detail were crucial in identifying the suspected shooter.

In the days since the shooting, police have been flooded with calls expressing support and the desire to help Officer Mills. It's clear to me that this is a community that cares about its officers and one another. But in the conversations I've had, and in the comments attached to news stories about the shooting, it's also clear our residents want more.

What I keep hearing is the expression of a sincere desire on the part of regular people to do something about it. They are tired of people -- officers or civilians -- getting shot. They want safer parks and neighborhoods. And they are tired of feeling helpless. Your police can only do so much without your help.

The good news is there's a lot you can do to empower yourself and take control of your neighborhoods.

Pay attention to suspicious situations and people. Start to make a mental note of the vehicles and people you normally see on your block so you'd recognize something out of the ordinary. Talk to your neighbors and their children to facilitate a friendly and cooperative neighborhood where people watch out for one another. Exchange phone numbers so you know how to reach one another in the event of an emergency. Get involved with your local Neighborhood Watch or similar program, and if one doesn't exist, contact APD for help setting one up. If you witness a crime, pay attention to details and write them down as soon as possible so you don't forget what you saw. Don't hesitate to work with the police.

If you're stopped by an officer, particularly in a patrol setting, they may be edgy. Don't take this personally. Follow officers' instructions. During a traffic stop stay in the car unless you're ordered to do otherwise. Roll down the window all the way, turn off your ignition and keep your hands on the steering wheel. Wait for the officer's instructions before searching for your wallet, purse or other documents. If you feel you've been stopped in error, the best way to make your case is to state it calmly and maturely.

If you're a business owner, maintain appropriate physical security for your building and ensure your surveillance systems are working correctly. Introduce yourself to the other tenants in your building or the business owners next door. If you're having problems with people loitering in your parking area or on the grounds of your building, tap resources like the Anchorage Downtown Partnership's Security Ambassadors, Community Service Patrol or just contact APD directly.

And finally, and this applies to all of us, practice some humanity. Try not to leap to anger and aggression. If someone cuts you off in traffic, don't respond with another aggressive act. When confronted with problems at home or work, take a deep breath and communicate clearly -- don't be responsible for the escalation of a situation. Set a good example by being positive and responsible, and be involved in the lives of your kids and their friends. Let's work as a team.

It's hard to believe that simple, everyday choices like choosing not to get involved in a road rage incident or not engaging in shouting matches with neighbors over minor disputes can make a difference. But by lowering the amount of aggression in our lives, and especially when we set a good example for kids, it spreads across the community in ways that are profound, if not always tangible.

In the case of Officer Mills the neighbors called in the crime and reported it accurately. These neighbors felt a sense of social responsibility and acted. They didn't just roll over and go back to sleep. Officer Mills is home from the hospital and the case resolved.

Anchorage police and the residents of this city can work together to make Anchorage a safer place. In these times of tight budgets, if we all do a little, it will mean a lot.

Derek Hsieh is president of the Anchorage Police Department Employees Association.