Neighborhood Watch To Hold Meeting

Van’s newly formed Neighborhood Watch Program will hold its next meeting on Tuesday, July 8 at the Van Community Center and anyone interested in being a part of the program is encouraged to attend.

"Neighborhood Watch is one of the oldest and most effective crime prevention programs in the country, bringing citizens together with law enforcement to deter crime and make communities safer," said Van Police Chief Kelly Smith.

Sponsored by the National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA), Neighborhood Watch can trace its roots back to the days of colonial settlements when night watchmen patrolled the streets.

"The modern version of Neighborhood Watch was developed in response to requests from sheriffs and police chiefs who were looking for a crime prevention program that would involve citizens and address an increasing number of burglaries," said Smith.

Smith said that Neighborhood Watch counts on citizens to organize themselves and work with law enforcement to keep a trained eye and ear on their communities, while demonstrating their presence at all times of the day and night.

"Neighborhood Watch works because it reduces the opportunities for crime to occur. It doesn’t rely on altering or changing the criminal’s behavior or motivation," said Smith.

Smith said that the Van Police Department is revitalizing Neighborhood Watch in all of its communities.

"Our mission is to build upon the original concepts of Neighborhood Watch, utilizing all available resources to create a proactive community-police partnership for crime prevention and problem solving in each community," said Smith.

Smith said that since there cannot be a police officer on every corner, citizen involvement is essential to combat crime.

"You and your neighbors are experts and the ones who really know what is going on in your community. By cooperating with each other and the police, you can help fight crime the most effective way, before it begins," said Smith.

Smith said that the group is currently organizing block parties and citizen support in order to participate in National Night Out in October 2008.

"The program is open to everyone that has ties to the community of Van. Therefore, you do not need to live in the city limits to participate," said Smith.

Smith said that the police department will be hosting a training event or demonstration at each meeting.