Lieutenant Wetherby from the St. Albans Police Department provided a public presentation on the Neighborhood Watch program and how to get one started in your neighborhood. Don’t worry if you missed the presentation because Erik’s here to help. Erik is your city councilor and willing to help coordinate with those interested in starting watches within Ward 5.
There are a few active watches in the city including around Elm Street and High Street. Nationally neighborhood watches are more effective when they’re setiup more locally to neighborhoods rather than the entire city or ward. As your councilor it’s my job to help provide support and information for starting a watch.
If you’re interested in getting a watch started in your neighborhood please email erik@ward5vt.com or call him for more information.
The St. Albans Police Department (SAPD) has posted a helpful manual for starting and operating a Neighborhood Watch, and it’s a great resource to get our community more engaged in safety efforts. If you’re interested in protecting your neighborhood and fostering a sense of security, starting a Neighborhood Watch could be a powerful step.
Here’s a quick 1-2-3 guide to help you get started:
- Reach Out to Your Neighbors – Begin by connecting with your neighbors to gauge interest. You’d be surprised how many people are eager to get involved in making the community safer.
- Contact Local Law Enforcement – SAPD is here to help! Once you’ve gathered enough interest, reach out to the department for guidance and support. They can offer valuable insights and even provide training materials from their manual.
- Host Your First Meeting – Set a time for an initial meeting with your neighbors and invite SAPD to participate. This is a great opportunity to discuss common concerns and set up a plan of action.
For more detailed instructions, tips, and strategies, check out the full SAPD manual here.
