After conversations with his officers and residents like Christine Ricketts, Russells Point Police Chief Joe Freyhof is bringing back the village’s once very active Neighborhood Watch program.
Freyhof said that before 2015, the group was thriving, but participation slowly faded, and the COVID-19 pandemic ultimately brought it to an end.
Neighborhood Watch is a community-based crime prevention program where residents work together—and with local law enforcement—to protect homes and property and reduce crime.
By looking out for one another, reporting suspicious activity, and improving home security, neighbors help create a safer community.
The chief emphasized that the goal is not for citizens to act as vigilantes, but rather to serve as the “eyes and ears” for police.
An active watch program also helps deter criminals by signaling that the neighborhood is paying attention.
Freyhof hosted an introductory meeting on Wednesday night to relaunch the effort.
He noted that residents’ commitment will be minimal, requiring only basic training to recognize things that are out of place, unusual, or potentially dangerous.
One of the important things Freyhof talked about when residents notice someone out of place is how to describe them to law enforcement:
Freyhof talks about the revival and why to bring it back to the community:
Ricketts talks about why she wants to be involved:
The group plans to meet again in November and will share more details on social media as the date gets closer.
