Anyone up for boot camp? No head shaving or camouflage required — we promise. And there won’t be a drill sergeant barking at you to “give me 10 more push-ups, you sissy!” This boot camp, sponsored by the Northeast Patrol Division, has air-conditioning, cushy seats and dozens of people ready and willing to tell you everything you always wanted to know about crime watch (but haven’t gotten around to asking).
So you’re working with neighborhood folks to put on this event?
Different people in the community brought it forward, and we started talking about it and figured it would be a good idea to get some new crime watch and Volunteers in Patrol (VIP) groups going and reinvigorate some existing ones.
What can neighbors expect?
I think they can expect either a refresher or hopefully they’ll pick up a few new tidbits and pointers. If they’re new and learning how to get going and get their neighborhood organized, it’ll be just some of the basics and introduce them to people who can help them continue. There are still some neighborhoods that don’t have crime watches or may have more of a homeowners association as opposed to a crime watch. I’ve been to some homeowners association meetings, and they want to get a crime watch going and don’t know how to do that, and this should help them. We’re hoping to get some of these going in our multi-family locations and businesses, too.
How did the session topics emerge?
That was through discussions with me and our Interactive Community Policing (ICP) unit and citizens. We tried to decide what topics are most critical to the most people, Some courses, like VIP training, are all day long. Others include how to build your crime watch and get people on board, or understanding the difference between 311 or 911 or when to go through your ICP unit. Code issues are always big in the neighborhood, so how to go about those. Also, how to link your neighborhood. You might have a crime watch, but how do you talk to everybody? With signs out front? E-mail?
Is this for active crime watch members, or can anyone attend?
Anyone can attend. I’m hoping we can get some new people on board.
What do you hope will come out of boot camp?
I’m hoping it will develop better communication within the neighborhood and between the neighborhood and police department and fire department and code. This is just helping people know what resources we have out there and where they can turn to get help. Obviously active and energized crime watches are good for the community, and it’s good for us and results in a safer and more cohesive community.
Northeast Division Boot Camp
When: Saturday, Sept. 16, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Bishop Lynch High School, 9750 Ferguson
Cost: Free
To register: Contact Doug Woodham at 214-342-9259 or e-mail bdw1023@yahoo.com
Sessions: VIP Training; CPR Training; Citizens Helping in Parking Solutions (C.H.I.P.S.); Build Your Crime Watch and VIP Group from Scratch; Home Safety and Security; How to Use 311, Get Your Request Service Numbers Answered and Submit An Open Records Request; Newsletter Writing and Building Your Website; Graffiti and How to Attack It; Crime Alert Hotlines
