The Fulton Police Department has conducted two meetings of the newly implemented Neighborhood Watch Program.
Chief Terry Powell said there has been a light turn out for both meetings; however, those who attended want to involve themselves and left with a positive outlook.
Fulton Mayor Dan Voegeli encourages citizens to take part in the program. “Fulton’s Police Department, the City of Fulton and I are committed to the Neighborhood Watch program. However, it can only be successful with the involvement of a large number of citizens from each and every neighborhood,” he said.
“At this point in time, we are trying to come up with a contact list of names, addresses, phone numbers and/or e-mail addresses for those who wish to take a positive stand to improve life in our community.”
There is a form that can be used to collect that information available at the Fulton City Hall, the Fulton Police Department, the Fulton Public Library or those interested may send an e-mail to: yourvoice@bellsouth.net and Voegeli will return a copy via e-mail.
Voegeli continued, “Through the efforts of all of working together we can make a difference in our community.”
Chief Powell said the role of the members include observation, reporting suspicious persons and/or information of common drug activities, team work, practicing personal safety and security, and meeting with fellow members.
“We need the community to work, and work hard on this program. We are wanting to reduce and prevent crime in our community,” said Powell. “It takes more than the law enforcement to combat this task. One of the most valuable, overlooked resources to prevent crime are the residents themselves. But they don’t always know where to begin. As residents train and work with law enforcement to report suspicious activity and practice crime prevention, they find they can tackle frustrating concerns like littering and vandalism to more serious problems like gangs and drugs.”
Powell said he and Sergeant Steven Williams, who conduct the meetings, are considering having two meetings per month on the same day, one at around 1 p.m. for people who can attend, and one at 6 p.m. for those who work during the day.
The next meeting will be held at the Fulton City Hall at 7 p.m. Dec. 10.
