EDDYSTONE
Community Bulletin Board 

WARNING

Neighborhood

Community

Watch

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CITIZENS IMMEDIATELY REPORT ANY

SUSPICIOUS PERSONS OR ACTIVITIES TO THE

EDDYSTONE POLICE

DEPARTMENT

The Neighborhood Watch Program

Neighborhood Watch is an organized group of local citizen volunteers working together to assist their town in protecting the community.  Members of the Neighborhood Watch patrol their neighborhoods as additional eyes and ears, watching and listening for suspicious activities or unsafe conditions.  If we see crime, we report it!

Immediate and accurate reporting of a patroller’s observations will effectively prevent crime and assist police in apprehending criminals, strengthening the partnership between the community and the police who serve us, making our town a safer and better place to live and work.

The primary function of a Neighborhood Watch program is to act as the eyes and ears of the Eddystone Police Department.  Participants are instructed to promptly report any unusual activity as accurately as possible to the proper authorities.

Good advice is to trust one’s intuition. Even if the report turns out to be a false alarm, it is better to let the police make that determination.  Criminals find it difficult to operate in areas where citizens take an active role in crime prevention.

Primary Objectives of Neighborhood Watch – Do’s and Don’ts

·         Maintain a cooperative system of surveillance over each other’s property

·         Accurately and immediately report suspicious activity or dangerous conditions to the police or appropriate agency (police, fire, ambulance, etc.)

·         Work with the community, municipal government and residents to accomplish the goal of a better and safer Eddystone Borough.

·         Neighborhood Watch members are restricted to performing eyes and ear surveillance ONLY, reporting their observations immediately to the police. NO weapons and NO direct involvement with a crime situation are permitted. Neighborhood Watch members are NOT authorized to perform in a law enforcement capacity.

·         Neighborhood Watch is not the formation of a vigilante group.  It is also not a plan whereby citizens can attempt to pursue or apprehend a criminal, or become involved with an actual event other than making a report to the police from a safe vantage point. 

·         Neighborhood Watch is not a law enforcement program but rather a cooperative effort among responsible citizens to improve security for themselves, their families and their property.

Role of the Police

The overall effectiveness of Neighborhood Watch within the community can be greatly increased by the role of the Eddystone Police Department and its officers.  The contribution of the police includes providing assistance and gaining momentum.

Community Teamwork Fights Crime

Working together, we can eliminate criminal activity and make our neighborhood safe by:

·         General awareness, being informed and not afraid to report criminal or suspicious activity

·         Keeping an eye on our neighbor’s house, especially when they are away or on vacation, etc.

·         Watching out for children and the elderly

·         Walking and riding patrols

·         Showing a “we care about our neighborhood” attitude which will deter criminal activity

·         Being alert for sources that cause neighborhood deterioration such as drugs, graffiti, gangs, slums and trash

·         Sticking together so no one has to go it alone

GOALS OF COMMUNITY WATCH

The goals of Neighborhood Watch are to bring…

·         STABILITY

·         PEACE

·         SECURITY

·         SAFETY

·         CLEANLINESS

…into our neighborhood

What Neighborhood Watch IS

Neighborhood watch is a crime prevention program that:

·         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

·         Teaches members how to make their homes more secure and properly identify their property

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

·         A cohesive body of concerned citizens addressing issues that concern the entire community

What Neighborhood Watch IS NOT!

·         A vigilante force working outside the normal procedures of law enforcement

·         A program designed for members to take personal risks to prevent crime

·         A 100% guarantee that crime will not occur in your neighborhood

A Word of Caution!

Neighborhood Watch does not mean prying or nosy neighbors who try to stop criminals all by themselves.  As a member, your responsibility is to call the police and report what you have seen – NOT to take action yourself.

PATROL GUIDELINES FOR NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

SCOPE OF POWER AND DUTIES OF THE WATCH PATROLLER

1.      A patroller does not possess police powers.

2.      You cannot make an arrest or interfere with an arrest in progress. 

3.      Do not confront, attempt to apprehend or arrest a suspected criminal.

4.      You cannot carry firearms (even if licensed to do so), night sticks, mace, taser, knives or any other type of weapon to include handcuffs.

5.      You are not above the law, you must obey the law.

6.      Do not go on private property.

7.      When driving, obey all traffic laws

8.      You do not direct traffic

9.      You do not question suspects

10.  DO NOT represent yourself as a police officer

11.  A watch patroller’s duty is to be a passive crime fighter:

a.      A high visibility mobile crime deterrent

b.      A vigilant observer

c.      A good witness

d.      A thorough and accurate report writer

e.      A helpful friend to local law enforcement

REQUIRED ITEMS FOR EACH PATROL MEMBER

1.      Flashlight

2.      Pocket notebook and pen and appropriate reporting documents

3.      Personal cell phone, if possible

4.      Neighborhood Watch Identification Card issued by Chief of Police

5.      Valid driver’s license

6.      Neighborhood Watch vest, issued by Chief of Police

7.      Appropriate dress for the weather

STARTING PATROL

1.      Patrol in a random fashion at staggered times when possible

2.      Neighborhood Watch patrollers will consist of a maximum of two groups of two per night

3.      Notify the police officer on duty that you are going on patrol and provide them with your expected time of return to your residence

PATROL OBERVATIONS

1.      Be observant and vigilant

2.      Look and listen for the unusual and suspicious such as:

·         Open doors, garages and gates that are usually closed

·         Suspicious persons and vehicles that do not belong in the neighborhood

·         Sounds such as screaming, gunshots, broken glass loud crashing sounds or any audible alarm

·         Anyone or anything out of the ordinary for your neighborhood

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITIES THAT SHOULD BE REPORTED

1.       Anyone who is looking into parked vehicles or windows

2.      Anyone sitting in a parked vehicle – in front of a home or business, parking lot, especially at an unusual hour.

3.      Anyone removing parts or license plates from a vehicle

4.      Anyone going door to door without apparent reason; seems overly aggressive or forceful; appears hesitant; does a lot of unnecessary looking around; or asks unusual questions concerning you or your neighbor’s daily schedule or habits.

5.      Anyone loitering outside of, entering or leaving a place of business after hours

6.      A stranger going into a backyard

7.      A stranger who rings the doorbell and then goes to the rear of the house

8.      Anyone with a weapon

9.      Subject(s) carrying what may be loot; for instance, radios, TV’s, stereo equipment or large sacks, bags or pillowcases, which appear to be full

10.  A stranger going into an unoccupied or abandoned house

11.  A stranger loitering around children or around the neighborhood who are unknown to you

12.  Vehicles cruising slowly back and forth on your street

13.  Drug activity of any kind

14.  Subject(s) running from a house

15.  Sounds of gunshots, screaming, someone in distress, broken glass, etc.

16.  Any obvious crime in progress

NOTIFY THE POLICE BY CALLING 911 AND FILE A REPORT ON THESE CRIMES/CONDITIONS

1.       Drug trafficking

2.      Teens- underage drinking and drugs/drunken and underage driving

3.      Theft, burglary and trespassing

4.      Person using a firearm or other weapon

5.      Vandalism and graffiti

6.      Domestic Violence

7.      Threatening behavior

8.      Disorderly conduct

9.      Assault of any degree

10.  Racial and hate crimes

11.  Motor vehicle accidents and pedestrian accidents

12.  Violent activity (fighting or signs of a fight)

FILE A REPORT FOR NON-CRIME RELATED CONDITIONS

1.      Code violations

2.      Dilapidated properties

3.      Safety Hazards

4.      Abandoned Vehicles

CALLS TO THE POLICE

·         Use discretion before you call

·         Is the incident or condition an emergency or non emergency

·         Does the incident or condition require an immediate emergency call or incident report only

·         When contacting the 911 Operator be professional, patient and as cooperative as you can. The dispatcher needs a certain amount of time and information to determine the coding, disposition and priority of your call. 

·         Call 911 for crimes in progress and emergency situations

·         Upon arrival of the officer(s), immediately identify yourself to avoid confusion

·         DO NOT interfere with the Police, their investigation or the process. 

·         Be available for questioning and leave the scene after you provide the information and continue patrolling

INCIDENT REPORT AND FOLLOW UP

·         Before the end of your patrol, fill out provided incident report form while the facts are still fresh in your mind.

·         Write legibly and accurately

·         Include what happened, when, who, why and how.

·         Put all completed reports in the drop box located at the front door of the police station.

·         Be a willing witness to Police, giving them written statements and testimony when required.

·         Provide court testimony when necessary.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH MEETINGS

Turnout to Neighborhood Watch meetings determines the degree of unity achieved with our group. Regular attendance is necessary. Some topics of our meetings may be:

·         Personal Safety

·         Burglary and Crime Prevention

·         Discussions of local frauds and scams

·         Drug Education

·         Home and Fire Safety, etc.

·         Guest Speakers

The underlying purpose of every meeting is to stimulate a public awareness that each individual needs to remain alert!

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

1.      All members must reside in the Borough of Eddystone, PA

2.      All members must be 18 years of age or older

3.      All members must complete the required membership application

4.      Complete and sign waiver

5.      Membership is free for the first year. Thereafter, annual fees will include a non-refundable payment of $25.00 per member for costs associated with the Neighborhood Watch.

6.      All members must attend meetings as scheduled to be held at a location agreed upon by the Police Chief. Any member who misses three meetings will have their membership revoked.  Meetings will be no more than a maximum of one (1) hour per month. Meetings will be for Neighborhood Watch members only.

7.      All applicants are subject to a criminal background check. Review and final determination for membership will be made by the Police Chief.

8.      Membership can be terminated at any time for unacceptable behavior or violation of the Rules and Regulations set forth by the Police Department/Police Chief.

9.      Members are not to divulge proprietary or confidential Neighborhood Watch or law enforcement information to the general public or use such information for personal gain or agenda.

10.  All members are required to complete the necessary reports and submit them timely.

11.  All members will be registered to the Borough of Eddystone Police Department. When registered, you will receive a Neighborhood Watch ID Card. This card is the property of the Eddystone Police Department and must be surrendered if you move out of town, resign your membership or your membership is revoked.

OTHER

·         Block Supervisors/Block Captain will be assigned by the Chief of Police.

·         Monthly Neighborhood Watch meetings are for discussions regarding Neighborhood Watch activities. 

If you would like a future event posted on this board, please contact the web-master
Eddystone.Fire,Marshal@comcast.net

Updated,  September 27, 2010