GIRARD Block watch to begin in 4th Ward

Block watch issues will be discussed at the Girard Community Center.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
GIRARD -- Efforts are being made to rekindle block watches so that neighbors can help neighbors.
Police Capt. Jeff Palmer, who has been assigned to the program by police Chief Anthony Ross, said the initiative will begin in the 4th Ward on the city's south side because residents have shown the most interest.
"That's just the starting point," Palmer said.
Meeting coming up: Residents of the 4th Ward are being asked by police and Councilman Thomas Grumley, D-4th, to attend a meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the city community center, the former Tod Woods School.
During the hourlong meeting, police will discuss how a block watch can benefit the community, how the program is structured, how residents can qualify to participate and what is expected of them once they become involved.
Ross explained that the city once had block watches but they "died out."
"At first, it's wonderful. Everybody wants to do their part," he said, noting participants became bored as they walked their neighborhoods on patrol.
Palmer said the new watches will be socially oriented, rather than an anti-crime program.
Residents will be asked to keep an eye out for their neighbors and their property, help clean up their neighborhoods to instill pride and simply meet their neighbors, the captain explained.
The 4th Ward watch should be functioning within two weeks of the Wednesday meeting, Palmer said.
Initially those involved won't be asked to patrol their neighborhoods, but may eventually become a part of the watch, Palmer added.
One aspect of the initiative is that it's not politically motivated, because Grumley has decided to give up his council seat by not filing petitions for the May 8 primary.
Neighborhood problems: Problems in the 4th Ward, Ross said, include vandalism.
"We want neighbors to watch out for neighbors," the chief said, adding that simply picking up the mail or newspaper of a neighbor who is on vacation will help.
Ross said that an officer at the city senior center, the former Tod Woods School in the 4th Ward, will probably be set up for the ward watch.
The chief said that four other officers will work with Palmer in establishing other block watches in the city.