Crime Watch
What is Crime Watch?
- A joint effort between Law Enforcement and the Community
- A program designed to enhance neighborhood security
- Organized to heighten community observation
- An effort to encourage mutual assistance among neighbors
Who Needs Crime Watch?
EVERYONE. In our modern growing community there is less familiarity with neighbors and more privacy. These conditions increase your communities’ vulnerability to crime and, in turn, call for a relationship that will tighten security and provide for support and cooperation among community members.
What Are Crime Watch Objectives?
- Increasing citizens awareness of neighborhood crime through a continuing education process
- Educating citizens so they will recognize and report suspicious activity
- Teaching citizens ways to keep themselves and their property secure
- Encouraging an effective working relationship between Law Enforcement and the Community
- Crime Watch Members Are Encouraged To…
- Act as “Eyes” and “Ears” for their neighbors and to report any suspicious activity.
- Study all crime prevention material available through the program.
- Check on their neighbors’ homes when they are out of town.
- Secure their homes in compliance with the recommendations of the crime prevention officer.
- Participate in Operation Identification and other crime prevention programs.
How Can You Join Crime Watch?
You can join by attending any Crime Watch meeting. Meetings are held quarterly on a Tuesday in the Swatara Township Building in the Commissioners hearing room at 7:00 PM and last approximately one hour. The current schedule and meeting topics are:
Check Back for the New Meeting Schedule
Crime Watch Meeting Agenda
At each meeting, a police officer will read the previous months’ crime report, advise you of crime trends in your area and give you tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of crime. A program on some aspect of crime prevention will be presented each meeting. You will be given a chance to ask questions and voice any concerns you may have. In addition, you can find out how to participate in other Crime Prevention Programs already in operation, such as: Bicycle Registration, Operation ID, Home and Business Security Surveys. Guests are always encouraged to ask questions and discuss concerns openly during the meeting or in private after the meeting with the officer in charge. Suggested topics of interest or special guests for future crime watch meetings are always welcomed.
If you have questions or comments
Contact Sgt. Brian Zimmerman at 717.564.2550 or send an email to BZimmerman@swatarapolice.org
Please indicate if you would like to be contacted.