Communities Cutting Down Crime: Suffolk County Police Revamp Neighborhood Watch Program

SAYVILLE, NEWYORK- The Suffolk County Police Department needs the help of the communities they serve to reduce crime, and one way to contribute is an old and effective crime prevention program like neighborhood watch.

The SCPD is comprised of seven precincts as well as other special offices, with Neighborhood Watch run by the Community Outreach Bureau, which recently streamlined the program, making it easier for people to retrieve information, noted Lieutenant Robert Donohue, Commanding Officer of the Yaphank-based bureau.

Donohue is the program coordinator, who noted he oversees each precincts neighborhood watches in a "roundabout way." The COPE unit in each precinct usually has one or two officers who, manpower permitting, will attend meetings and assist residents by explaining the purpose of a neighborhood watch or explain individual crime trends in that specific precinct's district.

"Neighborhood Watch programs have shown to be quite successful in deterring crime," said Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy, who added that the SCPD improved the program by naming program coordinators for all seven precincts as well as placing information directly on the department's website, www.suffolkpd.org.

Existing neighborhood watches have shown the SCPD how important Neighborhood Watches really are to help to get the community involved with reducing crime in their neighborhoods, noted Donohue.

Police need the help of the community to reduce crime, and neighborhood watches are an inexpensive, efficient way to do so," Donohue said, "There are tremendous benefits from neighbors working together to observe and report suspicious activity."

Some benefits include increased property values, low crime, and friendships and camaraderie within a community, noted Donohue.

The website, presents information on how to start a neighborhood watch in your community, and provides links to help you complete the process of developing a watch group, including a Free Neighborhood Watch DVD, Getting Started, Safety Tips/Handout Materials, Observe and Report Form, Crime Prevention Kit - 2010 Calendar for Kids and important contact information.

All these steps get the process moving, but it is up to that person (who wants to start a group) to coordinate with neighbors and reach an agreement, Donohue said.

In the past, SCPD suggested that watch groups hold monthly meetings and/or events, but Donohue noted just being part of a group allows people to reach the program's main goal, to be aware of their surroundings, recognize suspicious activity and partner with neighbors.

"We encourage people to participate to continue to keep their community safe," Donohue said.