Blogs

In a recent blog we talked about protecting your home and I hope that some of the proactive steps recommended have now become a habit in your home! If you read the blog you may have noticed the beginning talked about looking out for your neighbors and asking them to look out for you. To reiterate this point we remind you that as a community YOU know what is out of the ordinary and YOU absolutely make a difference in protecting not only your home but also your community!

While neighborly care is important, research has shown that an organized system within a neighborhood does have a positive effect on decreasing crime in that area. Because of this, individual communities across America form neighborhood watch or neighborhood crime watch programs which are an organized group of citizens devoted to crime and vandalism prevention within a neighborhood.

The Dothan Police Department strives to work hand in hand with citizens willing to participate however it seems as if organized, proactive groups have decreased in the past few years. Our agency believes that now more than ever it is crucial to remain diligent in the partnership with the eyes and ears of our citizens. The nation as a whole has seen an unfortunate trend over the past few years and that is while economy turns downward, crime turns upward. Here in Dothan, Alabama, we are not immune to this trend which is why we are MORE DETERMINED than ever to FIGHT crime in EVERY neighborhood!

So with that said we would like to announce the upcoming “Project 365”. The Dothan Police Department’s Project 365 for 2010-2011 will be a project devoted to enhancing and expanding the Neighborhood Watch Programs for the City of Dothan. Our goal is to build an even stronger law enforcement and community partnership within “365” days!

Right now we are forming a Community Impact Team who will be trained in how to start and maintain an effective neighborhood watch. These teams will grid out neighborhoods on a city map and then will meet with local residents and/or church leaders in that area to plan an organization meeting. The Community Impact Team will then work with members of the neighborhood throughout the year to plan neighborhood block parties! These parties, such as community cookouts, will allow neighbors to get to know each other, which is a key to the program success. It will also allow neighbors to meet with police in a relaxed atmosphere where they can talk about concerns they may have or law enforcement in general.

So are you ready to be a part?? Project 365 kicks off on Tuesday, August 3, 2010. A booth to learn more, sign up and get involved will be located at the Civic Center during the National Night Out. If you are wondering, What is the National Night Out?, then you better read the next blog!!!

Gregory J. Benton

Chief of Police