Chief Powell held an informational meeting Tuesday, October 13th in Fulton on setting up a Neighborhood Watch program. In addition to Fulton residents, the Mayor of Clinton and two city council members were in the audience.
Clinton CIty Councilwoman Phyllis Campbell had discussed setting up a Neighborhood Watch program in her city at the October council meeting. She was given the go ahead to explore the program. That's why she and other city officials were at the Chief's public meeting. The Chief showed a power point presentation from state law enforcement organizations. Neighborhood Watches are "citizens uniting to: Be the eyes and ears of Law Enforcemetn by watching, listening and reporting suspicions activities in their neighborhoods". Neighborhood Watches are NOT citizens
- Confronting or questioning suspects
- Detaining or arresting criminals
- Physically putting themselves in harm's way
There are different responsibilities in a successful program: Law Enforcement, Watch Captain, Neighborhood Watch Members. Additionally, there may be Watch Secretaries and Treasurers. Law enforcement cannot be everywhere and even on patrol, they may not know who belongs in a neighborhood and who is suspicious.
After the meeting, Chief Powell will divide his community into manageable areas and find citizens willing to take part in the program. Additionally, the Chief offered to come to Clinton to share information with citizens there on setting up their own local Neighborhood Watch. Councilwoman Campbell is committed to seeing the program take off.
Her last words to Chief Powell were "Now, don't forget us."
