As interest for the program has grown, Oak Lawn signed an agreement with the Illinois Association of Park Districts to manage and promote the program. Illinois' top law enforcement official, Attorney General Jim Ryan, is the honorary chair of IAPD's Eagle Eye Neighborhood Park Watch Program. Ryan endorses the program because it encourages citizen involvement in local parks and has a track record of reducing crime, vandalism and gang activity in local parks. With everyone watching, vandalism and criminal activity won't stand a chance. The program encourages residents to assume more responsibility for the activities taking place in their own neighborhood.
Residents keep watch over neighborhood parks and notify authorities of any suspicious activities.
Photo by Richard Russell. Here, grade-schoolers from a Springfield, Ill., elementary school pose with Seemore after a presentation about safety in the parks and keeping parks clean. Photo by Richard Russell. They take ownership of park use and will let the park district know of any problems. While citizen involvement is critical to the success of the Eagle Eye program, it is also important for park districts to build strong partnerships with local police, schools, businesses and other community organizations.