Walnut Creek Police Launch Free Business Watch Program for Downtown Businesses

The Walnut Creek Police Department will launch Walnut Creek Business Watch at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, in the City Hall Council Chambers, first floor, 1666 N. Main Street, offering downtown businesses a free conduit to law enforcement and local business groups. The launch event runs until 10:30 AM and is presented in partnership with the Walnut Creek Downtown Association and the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau.

Organizers describe the program with clear operational goals: it is designed to “Build a strong partnership between local businesses and the Walnut Creek Police Department,” “Provide direct access to resources, including safety tips and crime prevention strategies,” “Enhance the consumer and business experience,” and “Establish open lines of communication.” Event materials also list program offerings that include “Lunch and Learn” sessions and much more.

The Police Department’s outreach intends to do more than circulate pamphlets. NewsBreak’s summary of the program quotes organizers saying “Business Watch connects Walnut Creek businesses with WCPD, giving them real time access to WCPD and a direct and open line of communication with law enforcement to express concerns and questions about their businesses, neighboring businesses, crime trends, and other issues that affect their safety and the safety of their employees, customers, property, and the community.” Crime Prevention Specialist Kira Raman, who has been in the newly created professional staff civilian position for nine months, will introduce Business Watch at the launch.

The event lineup includes Police Chief Ryan Hibbs joining Raman on stage, along with Walnut Creek Downtown Executive Director Kathy Hemmenway and Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau Vice President of Engagement Linda Vesneski. Shadelands and Chamber notices state the launch is aimed at downtown businesses and property owners, while also noting that “all Walnut Creek businesses are invited to attend.”

Attendance is free; organizers ask interested businesses to register using a QR code or an online link provided on event materials. For questions or more information, contact Crime Prevention Specialist Kira Raman at kraman@walnutcreekpd.com. The Walnut Creek Chamber listing also provides a phone contact of (925) 934-2007 and a physical office at 1280 Civic Drive, Suite 100, Walnut Creek, CA 94596.

City and chamber postings frame the launch as the first step in ongoing engagement between merchants and police. With formal presentations scheduled at City Hall and promises of recurring “Lunch and Learn” sessions, the Business Watch launch signals a structured effort to channel downtown business concerns directly to WCPD leadership and to coordinate crime-prevention resources across the downtown corridor.