A block watch can be particularly important in the fight against crime in our neighborhoods. When you have an effective, well-organized block watch it is something to behold. Let us first look at how do you form one from the beginning. I was a member of the MPD crime prevention division in the mid-eighties and one of my tasks was to help form a block watch on the northside of the city. I started out knocking on the doors of the various neighbors asking would you like to form a block watch. Many were hesitant to state they did not know their neighbors and did not trust them coming into their homes. I advised that was one of the good things about forming a block watch was getting to know your neighbors. It turns out it is also a safety issue as you know who belong on your block and who does not fit in.
It took me several months to convince enough neighbors to finally come together and have a meeting. We had the first meeting on the front lawn of one of the neighbors. It went good with about half the neighbors on the block attending. After several weeks more neighbors started to attend, and the meeting were held at the school on the corner. This block became a lot safer because everyone knew each other. The neighbors exchanged telephone numbers and would call each other about what was going on in the neighborhood. MPD passed out block watch signs to put in your window. The signs stated if I do not call the police, my neighbor will. We advised everyone to turn on their front porch light at night. Criminals like the dark so they will go somewhere else if they see a block all lite up.
This turned out to be one of the best neighborhoods in the whole district for quite a while. It takes time and effort to keep a good block watch going but it is worth it. Hopefully the new MPD administration will look closely into forming good, concrete block watches. It will help the neighborhoods plus help the police control crime in some areas.
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