These academies, which meet weekly over a three-month period, are a valuable tool to ensure the public is cognizant of the complexities of operating a large police agency. Preventing crime before it happens is the ultimate goal of this department. Many outstanding programs have been created and put in place which have had a dramatic impact on the city s crime rate over the past decade. Neighborhood Watch - More than 250 individual blocks have started Neighborhood Watch programs in their areas. The Beat Coordinator takes a lead role in ensuring these watch groups continue and are kept apprised of the activities in their respective neighborhoods.
Neighbors act as the eyes and ears of the police department.
They do not intervene when witnessing criminal activity but rather call the department for assistance. The neighborhood watch participants often provide valuable information to officers and detectives about criminal activity in their areas. This program is similar to the more traditional Neighborhood Watch program listed above but the patrols actually patrol their respective areas using radios, flashlights, and cell phones. The city makes available to these neighborhoods a small grant to purchase the necessary equipment. They are also instructed not to intervene when witnessing criminal activities but rather call the department and ask for assistance.