Neighborhood Watch
A neighborhood watch, also known as a crime watch or neighborhood crime watch, is an organized group of citizens devoted to the prevention of crime and vandalism within their neighborhood and throughout the city. In the United States it builds on the concept of a town watch from Colonial America.
A neighborhood watch is conducted twice a month on the first Tuesday and third Thursday of the month. Meetings on Tuesdays cover concerns for the side of Forest Park located south of Forest Parkway, and meetings on Thursdays cover concerns for areas of the city located north of Forest Parkway. Neighborhood watches are not vigilante organizations. When suspecting criminal activities, members are encouraged to contact authorities and not to intervene.
During the month of July the department hosts a hamburger and hotdog cookout at one of the neighborhood watch meetings, and in the month of December there is a covered dish dinner.
National Night Out
National Night Out is a wonderful opportunity for communities nationwide to promote police-community partnerships, crime prevention, and neighborhood camaraderie. While the one night is certainly not an answer to crime, drugs and violence, National Night Out does represent the kind of spirit, energy and determination that is helping to make many neighborhoods safer places throughout the year. National Night Out is a night to celebrate safety and crime prevention successes - and to expand and strengthen programs for the next 364 days.
The event is held the first Tuesday of August every year. The Police Department hosts the event at Starr Park every year help from some corporate sponsorship. Food is provided along with an opportunity for the community to have their children's information documented through the Georgia Child Identification Program (GA CHIP). This information is kept by parents and can be of vital aid to police in the unlikely event that the child is abducted or runs away.
Operation ID and Home Security Inspections
Operation Identification (Operation ID) is a burglary prevention program for use in homes and businesses. The Operation ID program involves marking property with an identifying number as a means of discouraging burglary and theft. It also provides police with a way to identify property should it be stolen and recovered. In communities where it has been properly implemented, Operation ID has shown dramatic results in burglary reduction.
An important step in preventing home burglary and other crimes is to make sure that a residence is as secure as possible. A careful inspection by someone trained to observe security precautions can indicate features which would make entry easy or difficult for a prospective burglar. Chances are good that home security can be improved. Take a hard look at entry points in your residence and determine what steps can reduce vulnerability. A security inspection begins at the front door and goes on to include side and rear doors, windows, locks, lights, and landscaping.
We appreciate the opportunity to be of assistance to you in the community's fight against crime. We urge you not only to take steps to make your own residence safer, but also to become active in a Neighborhood Watch program for the benefit of your entire community
