The Griffin Police Department is currently looking for motivated citizens to bring back Neighborhood Watches in their respective neighborhoods and subdivisions.  Captain Dwayne Jones, Jeff Mason, Donald Britt and Keith Daniel talked with WKEUs Bill Taylor about the program and the importance of local citizens being involved in a  Neighborhood Watch for their area.  When asked about an over view of the program Captain Dwayne Jones said: "The watch is in the community in their prospective neighborhood and the local citizens are the departments eyes and ears.   Individuals that live in their locations know who should and should not be there.  It is always a plus to have observant neighbors in their area.  a Watch is the local residents observing their area and being aware of their surroundings.  The department can furnish assistance in setting up a program."  Captain Jeff Mason said that already individuals are getting their programs started and the police department has shown then how to communicate with each other and what to possibly look for in their neighborhood.  With each district being slightly different due to residential bordering on Commercial areas or being just residential." Captain Keith Daniel stated it s a life long tradition for neighbors looking after each other. And that any call to the police department will be responded to and the officers need your help.    Captain Donald Britt said that in his area almost every citizen is needed to watch the Business areas and call if you see something that may not be exactly right. Especially around vehicles.   Captain Jones said that in spring and summer there seems to be a rise in the amount of entering autos and burglaries. And that most burglaries occur during the day. A most important thing to do is to lock your vehicle and be aware of what is left inside the vehicle of value.  Place valuables in your car trunk.  You can hear the interviews in their entirety next Monday May 12th on WKEU.

The Neighborhood Watch Program is not a vigilante organization, since members are expected not to directly intervene in possible criminal activity. Instead, Neighborhood Watch members are to stay alert to unusual activity and contact the authorities. It builds on the concept of a town watch from Colonial America. A neighbor watch shares crime prevention responsibility with their local law enforcement. Watch members are expected to be aware and report any suspicious activity as it is occurring.  

The Griffin Police Department will work alongside any organized Neighborhood Watch in an advisory capacity. If any neighborhood or subdivision is interested in organizing a Neighborhood Watch, they should contact the Griffin Police Department Captain responsible for the area they live in: 

Zone 1 (North of Taylor Street, West of North 9^th Street/Experiment Street): 

Captain Keith Daniel - Kdaniel2@cityofgriffin.com or 678-255-5636 

Zone 2 (South of Taylor Street, West of S. 9^th Street/South Hill Street): 

Captain Dwayne Jones – DJones@cityofgriffin.com or 678-255-6681 

Zone 3 (South of West Taylor Street, West of South 9^th Street/South Hill Street):

 

Captain Jeff Mason – JMason@cityofgriffin.com or 678-614-5890

 

Zone 4 (North of West Taylor Street, West of Experiment Street): 

Captain Donald Britt – DBritt@cityofgriffin.com or 678-255-6593