I AM A NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
By Sergeant James Sanborn
Hawaii County Police Department
I AM A NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH. My birth certificate is the date a community decides to have me. I am basically conceived to provide citizens an opportunity to address crime, the fear of crime that threatens a community's well being, and to encourage all-hazard preparedness by community members. Today's lifestyles can contribute to community isolation and weak civic ties.
I am the opportunity for you and your neighbors to prevent or break this cycle, and in the process build your community into a safer, friendlier, and nice place to live.
I am a strategy that can be used for many things and involves many people from all walks of life. I have been successful in those communities that have embraced me and used me as one tool to improve the quality of life in their community.
I can be found in rural areas, subdivisions, cul-de-sacs, agricultural areas, towns and cities. I am a strong and committed group of citizens wherever I am! I search for a "safe and secure" environment in every program or project I undertake. I am busy at this very moment building a better tomorrow today!!
I am a meeting at a government facility, church, school, business, or in someone's home, built with love and sweat. I am a farmer, a salesman, a retiree, a Christian, a Buddhist, a grandparent, a senior citizen, a teenager, and someone who's trying to be a contributing member of society after having chosen the wrong path in life.
I am a letter to a Council member, government agency, business or neighbor pleading for assistance to address a problem impacting the community's quality of life. I am growing through all I undertake.
I am never a loser!! I am about roles and responsibilities, communication, planning, accountability, training, mobilization, and seeking out resources. I am neighborhood and park cleanups, teen dances, home security checks, finding solutions to traffic problems, collecting toys, clothing and food items for the homeless, organizing after-school activities, helping crime victims, reclaiming playground areas from drug dealers and task forces that influence policy-makers.
I am S.A.R.A., a problem-solving model and CPTED, an environment approach to crime prevention. I am committed to making Hawaii a nice place to live! Be proud, be great, be still and know I AM A NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH.
05/17/03
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