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Chief presents Neighborhood Watch program to CIA  Share
A Neighborhood Watch program can result in a dramatic decrease in burglary and related offenses. Casey Police Chief Mark Jenkins gave a PowerPoint presentation to Casey in Action on Nov. 19 to explain the function and organization of a watch program. The program's inception was sparked by the 1964 rape and murder of Kitty Genovese in Queens, New York, when 28 witnesses did nothing to assist Genovese or to apprehend her killer. Locals formed groups to watch over neighborhoods and to look out for suspicious activity in their areas. The National Sheriff's Association began a concerted effort in 1972 to revitalize the ''watch group'' effort nationwide, Jenkins explained. Crime prevention is a shared responsibility between law enforcement and private citizens. ''The fact is, the impact on crime prevention by law enforcement alone is minimal with law enforcement and with each other,'' Jenkins said. Watch programs are most effective against burglary, the most prevalent and difficult crimes facing law enforcement today, according to Jenkins. And, burglary, which accounts for nearly one-third of the index crimes, is also the one major crime against which watch programs are most effective.
Although generally considered a crime against property, Jenkins explained that burglary has a high potential for death or injury to the victim who comes into surprise contact with the burglar. Burglary is statistically on the rise because of a variety of factors, including busy lifestyles leaving homes unattended more frequently and for longer periods of time, limited contact with neighbors, increase in lower income populations and higher unemployment. Objectives of a neighborhood watch program are varied. Jenkins listed home security inspections, lock and lighting upgrades, locking homes and vehicles, marking valuable property, and educating residents to watch for suspicious activity when homes are vacant. Other objectives include organizing block parent and block watch groups to assist children, the elderly and other at risk persons, ''safe house'' designations, neighborhood group meetings with police officers to discuss needs and prevention strategies, development of a neighborhood ''fan'' or telephone tree system for quick alerts, ongoing programs for police officers to present security tips, gathering of informative materials, and identifying the areas participating with decals and metal road signs. Anyone, regardless of age, can join a neighborhood watch, Jenkins said. The watch functions independent of any other community organization and is overseen by the police department. Members will learn how to keep their own homes more secure and to watch out for their neighbors, reporting activities to the police. Watch groups can also be formed around any geographical unit, with someone designated as the area leader to oversee and plan activities for that group. ''Keep in mind that watch groups are not vigilantes or law enforcement officers,'' Jenkins said. ''They are the extra eyes and ears for the police department. Neighborhood Watch does not expect or require anyone to be placed in danger.'' The next step is to assess the interest in the community for a watch program. Casey In Action has volunteered to help. Also, Thursday, night, the Playground Action Committee reported to have enlisted the help of a grant writer and is seeking possible grants to cover the cost of a poured rubberized surface beneath Fairview Park playground equipment. April Hagen is stepping down as the PAC leader due to personal commitments. A replacement is being sought. CIA will ask permission to sell the Warrior t-shirts and PAC purple and gold umbrellas at basketball games. It was reported that the recent Harvest Festival finances show a deficit of $753.33. During the month of October, the Casey Animal Shelter group has adopted seven dogs and one cat. The group will offer pet photos with Santa from 5 to 8 p.m. The location will be announced. On Dec. 14, there will be a CAS meeting in conjunction with an appreciation meeting for fostering families and State Animal Control. It was also announced that CAS is beginning a building fund for an actual Casey Animal Shelter. The first planning meeting for the National Road Festival 2010 will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10 at the Great House of Pizza. Howard Loftis, CIA facilitator, reported that the brass plaques on downtown benches have been removed and are being etched. It was also confirmed that the benches and planters would be removed and stored for winter by the city. Marsha Lee has applied for a $1,000 grant for city beautification. If obtained, this money will be used for replanting of downtown planters and perennial plants and/or shrubbery at the new Welcome to Casey sign to be constructed soon. It was also noted that Lee and her Environmental Lab Science Class have planted daffodil bulbs around light posts on Main and Central. During the months of December, January and February, CIA will hold team meetings on the first Thursday of each month. Marcy Shonk is a staff reporter for the Casey Reporter.
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