WARWICK TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT

COMMUNITY WATCH PROGRAM

      The Warwick Township community watch program is a program that was started by the National Sheriffs’ Association at the request of the Chiefs of Police and Sheriffs from around the country.  For over thirty years, the program has been a successful tool in effectively preventing crime.

     In addition, Community Watch is one of the main components of the Bush Administration’s Citizen Corps volunteer initiative.  In the aftermath of September 11, 2001 President Bush announced that the Community Watch Program would be taking on even a greater significance.  As citizens join together, their community becomes a safer place and the quality of life is preserved.

 COMMUNITY WATCH BENEFITS

·        Teaches citizens techniques to reduce the risk of being victimized at home and in public.

·        Trains citizens on the importance of recognizing suspicious activities and how to report them.

·        Allows neighbors to get to know each other and their routines so that any out-of-place activity can be reported and investigated.

·        Increases awareness of possible threats to a citizen or community.

·        Builds a cohesive body of concerned citizens working together.

·        The police department offers its services to citizens in keeping crime down.  The department has representatives who can assist in home surveys in which a crime prevention officer will come out to your home and show you different ways to secure your premises to be safe.  The department also has Operation Identification where a homeowner can borrow an engraver to mark their possessions with a specific identification mark or number.  The police department will also check your home while you are on vacation.

THE DEPARTMENT ALSO TAKES PART IN THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES FOR THEIR CITIZENS TO EDUCATE CITIZENS IN THE WORKINGS OF THE POLICING FIELD.

·        National Night Out (NNO)

·        Citizens Police Academy

·        Junior Police Academy

·        Personal self-defense courses

HOW IT WORKS

     The police department oversees the Community Watch program.  A citizen Coordinator serves as the liaison between law enforcement and the citizens.  Block Captains are chosen from neighborhoods throughout the community.  The Coordinator passes information to the Block Captains, who have the responsibility of relaying that information to the citizens.  This is usually done by phone or e-mail chains.

THE ABC’s OF COMMUNITY WATCH

     In Warwick Township the Community Watch Program has a three-fold purpose:

A – AWARENESS

Community Watch increases citizen awareness and preparedness by equipping citizens for daily life, emergencies, and even disaster.

B – BONDS

Community Watch helps to strengthen the bonds between neighbors and builds a cohesive, more unified community.

C – CRIME PREVENTION

Government statistics have shown the Community Watch is the most effective and least costly tool for preventing crime in neighborhoods across the country.

WE NEED YOU!

In order to have a successful Community Watch Program in Warwick Township we need you!

Consider how you can become involved today.  Increasing citizen awareness, building a stronger community, and preventing crime are goals that benefit us all.  Through Community Watch, together we can work toward achieving these goals and make a difference here in Warwick Township!  You’re invited to join.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information on how you can become a member of the Community Watch Program, you may call the police office at 626-3162, or e-mail for information at the following: communitywatch@warwicktownship.org