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"The time involved is minimal but it gives you an opportunity to learn how to prevent crime while being updated on any crime trends within our town," police chief Chief Larry Minda said.
Members of the group:
- Have regular meetings to help residents get to know each other and to decide upon program strategies and activities.
- Sponsor a crime and drug prevention fair at a church hall, temple, shopping mall, or community center.
- Sponsor cleanups, encourage residents to beautify the area, and ask them to turn on outdoor lights at night.
"Watch groups are not vigilantes and should not assume the role of the police," Minda said. "Their duty is to ask neighbors to be alert, observant, and caring – and to report suspicious activity or crimes immediately to the police. Even it it’s one neighbor you reach, it will make a difference."
The organization's next meeting is at 7 p.m. Oct. 13 at police headquarters, 117 Stanley St., East Rutherford.
The application is available here.
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