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WHAT IS CRIME WATCH?

  • A joint effort between Law Enforcement and the Community

  • A program designed to enhance neighborhood security

  • Organized to heighten community observation

  • An effort to encourage mutual assistance among neighbors

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    Who Needs Crime Watch?

    EVERYONE. In our modern growing community there is less familiarity with neighbors and more privacy. These conditions increase your communities’ vulnerability to crime and, in turn, call for a relationship that will tighten security and provide for support and cooperation among community members.

    What Are Crime Watch Objectives?

    • Increasing citizens awareness of neighborhood crime through a continuing education process

    • Educating citizens so they will recognize and report suspicious activity

    • Teaching citizens ways to keep themselves and their property secure

    • Encouraging an effective working relationship between Law Enforcement and the Community

    Crime Watch Members Are Encouraged To…

    • Act as "Eyes" and "Ears" for their neighbors and to report any suspicious activity.

    • Study all crime prevention material available through the program.

    • Check on their neighbors’ homes when they are out of town.

    • Secure their homes in compliance with the recommendations of the crime prevention officer.

    • Participate in Operation Identification and other crime prevention programs.

    How Can You Join Crime Watch?

    You can join by attending any Crime Watch meeting. Meetings are held quarterly on a Tuesday in the Swatara Township Building in the Commissioners hearing room at 7:00PM and last approximately one hour.  The current schedule and meeting topics are:

    • November 20, 2007:  Minutes from this meeting.

    • February 19, 2008:  Meeting topic.

    • May 20, 2008

    • August 19, 2008

    • November 18, 2008

    Crime Watch Meeting Agenda

    At each meeting, a police officer will read the previous months' crime report, advise you of crime trends in your area and give you tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of crime. A program on some aspect of crime prevention will be presented each meeting. You will be given a chance to ask questions and voice any concerns you may have. In addition, you can find out how to participate in other Crime Prevention Programs already in operation, such as: Bicycle Registration, Operation ID, Home and Business Security Surveys.  Guests are always encouraged to ask questions and discuss concerns openly during the meeting or in private after the meeting with the officer in charge.  Suggested topics of interest or special guests for future crime watch meetings are always welcomed.

    If you have questions or comments

    Contact Patrolman John Schmoyer at 717.564.2550 or send an email to JSchmoyer@SwataraPolice.org .  Please indicate if you would like to be contacted.

    The following are the minutes for past Crime Watch meetings:

    November 20, 2007

    Attendance: Four township residents

    Special guest: Barry Nauss, Security Consultant for Shearer Security Devices, 3815 Paxton Street, Harrisburg, PA 17111

    Patrolman John Schmoyer opened the meeting at 7:00pm by reviewing Swatara Township’s crime statistics for the period of August to November 2007.  These were compared to the previous quarter’s statistics.

    Two recently enacted motor vehicle laws were reviewed.

    1.   Motorists are required to turn on headlights when their vehicle’s wipers are in use during any inclement weather.

    2.   Motorists approaching an emergency response area shall pass in a non adjacent lane if possible and or slow down to a careful and prudent reduced speed.

    The remainder of the meeting time was a presentation by Barry Nauss of Shearer Security Devices.  He covered various door and window locks available that provide a greater level of security.  Electronic home security systems and related costs were discussed.  Each guest in attendance received a coupon to have a free key cut at Shearer Security Devices.

    The meeting was completed by 8:10 pm.

     

    February 19, 2008

    Meeting topic:  Child predator laws and protecting children.

    Special guest:  Swatara Township Juvenile Detective Darrell Reider.

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