Anonymous (76.104.192.x) 18 Jan 2008 19:22
Information for Block Watch Captains
TYPES OF BLOCK WATCH MEETINGS
We encourage Block Watch members to get together at least once a year, on a formal or informal basis, to maintain acquaintance, update the block map, select a new Block Captain if necessary, and to get to know the new neighbors on the block.
The first thing to do is to determine what type of meeting to have. Here are a few possible types of meetings:
General Meeting - Examples are Maintenance meetings, where the block meets to refresh themselves with crime prevention tips and the services available to assist in crime prevention efforts. Often, this is just an informal get together with a Crime Prevention Coordinator.
Problem Meeting - If there is a problem on your block (street lighting, a vacant house, traffic problems, etc.) neighbors may want to get together to try and solve this problem. You may want to invite speakers from public or private agencies who can provide information or assistance. Often neighbors get together to discuss projects they can do to improve the neighborhood, (such as a litter pick-up or a graffiti paint out), or projects they can do for each other (such as helping a neighbor prune back the brambles in their yard).
Agency Meeting - An example is a meeting where you learn about other agencies and organizations which are available to help you and your neighborhood. The Fire Department, City Light and other agencies have educational or informational programs they can present to a group.
Community Meeting - Often, there are issues that impact an entire community, not just a block. In these cases, many Block Watches have gone to the surrounding neighborhoods to communicate with other Block Watches and generate a community meeting to address these concerns. This could be an 'Agency' or 'Problem" meeting, but it involves more than one block.
Annual Night Out - Night Out is an annual event, usually held on the first Tuesday in August, where neighborhoods show their active involvement in Block Watch and Crime Prevention by turning on their porch lights early in the evening, getting together as a block or neighborhood, and possibly even have a party. Several blocks have had block-wide picnics, potlucks, barbecues and, quite literally, block parties. This is a fun way to keep the block going and meet your new neighbors at the same time.
If you have difficulty determining what type of meeting to have, ask a few neighbors for their ideas.
After selecting the kind of meeting you want, choose a place to hold it. It does not necessarily have to be at the Block Captain's home; it could be at the local library, community center, a neighbor's home, etc. Set a convenient date and time. It helps to invite all the neighbors in person.
STARTING A BLOCK WATCH PROGRAM
If you are interested in starting a Block Watch, please contact the Crime Prevention Coordinator in your precinct for more information:
North Precinct(East of I-5)
Diane Horswill
(206) 684-7711 | vog.elttaes|lliwsroh.enaid#vog.elttaes|lliwsroh.enaid
North Precinct(West of I-5)
Neil Hansen
(206) 684-4689 | vog.elttaes|nesnah.lien#vog.elttaes|nesnah.lien
East Precinct
Michael Yasutake
(206) 684-7717 | vog.elttaes|ekatusay.leahcim#vog.elttaes|ekatusay.leahcim
South Precinct
Mark Solomon
(206) 386-9766 | vog.elttaes|nomolos.kram#vog.elttaes|nomolos.kram
Southwest Precinct
Benjamin Kinlow
(206) 684-7724 | vog.elttaes|wolnik.nimajneb#vog.elttaes|wolnik.nimajneb
West Precinct
Terrie Johnston
(206) 684-4741 | vog.elttaes|notsnhoj.eirret#vog.elttaes|notsnhoj.eirret
WHAT IF I CANNOT CONTINUE AS A BLOCK CAPTAIN?
If you find you are no longer able to continue as a Block Captain, we ask that you find a replacement in your block and pass that information onto the Crime Prevention Coordinator responsible for your geographic area. If you are unable to find a replacement, please pass that on as well.