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Neighborhood Watch Forum Set for Nov. 17
(Posted: October 28, 2009) (Printable Version)
The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith is reaching out to its neighbors — both on-campus and off-campus — with a kick-off forum for a neighborhood watch program scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 17 in room 129 of the Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center.
University Police Chief Kevin Thiele of Van Buren said the forum to explain Den Watch is open to the campus community and to those in close proximity to the campus.
“We are reaching out to our neighbors,” said Chief Thiele, “which we believe will be beneficial to them and to us. This is a way to strengthen and further protect our community.”
Officers Doug Lewis of Alma and Niels Bouse of Greenwood are completing door-to-door visits in a two-block radius of campus, Thiele said, to inform residents about the forum.
Bouse said as they deliver notices about the meeting they are explaining a little about Den Watch and what the neighborhood watch program is.
“Most of the individuals I have spoken to have remarked that they are glad that University Police is here, that they see us out and about and that it makes them feel comfortable knowing that they’ve got that personal connection,” said Bouse.
“This is going to be a win-win program for everyone,” he said. “The overall attitude I’ve received is that the public is very aware of what is going on with UA Fort Smith and wants to keep up with events. Most, if not all, are glad to have the University here, and we want to keep the University in that positive light by keeping everyone involved.”
Lewis said he had also encountered positive comments from those he has met while delivering the meeting notice.
“Owners of neighboring businesses and members of the four churches surrounding the campus really appreciate the University Police Department’s presence,” said Lewis, “and have jumped at the opportunity to be a part of a proactive approach to preventing crime and heightening safety awareness in our part of the community.”
The Nov. 17 meeting, designed to introduce Den Watch and go over some of the basics of what the program can do, will include an opportunity for area residents to voice concerns. UPD also plans to have quarterly meetings which could include guest speakers and safety awareness programs.
Lewis said neighborhood watch programs are known to deter criminal activity.
“By working together in a neighborhood watch program, residents and law enforcement officers are becoming partners, with the goal in mind to provide a safe, pleasant environment for everyone,” said Lewis. “That’s what we want to do.”
Bouse said the area near the UA Fort Smith campus does not see a large amount of crime.
“With a program like this, we can keep it that way,” said Bouse. “We simply want to lend the tools for everyone to take an active role in personal safety, for individuals and for their property.”
Chief Thiele said Den Watch is more than an on-campus effort.
“We are members and a participating agency of Fort Smith Crime Stoppers, and the local Crime Stoppers board has endorsed the Den Watch program on our campus,” Thiele said.
The UA Fort Smith Police Department provides 24-hour police services, 365 days a year. The department is located at 425 N. 51st St. UA Fort Smith Police Department can be reached by telephone at 788-7141 for non-emergency calls and at 788-7140 for emergency calls.
| Article by: Sondra LaMar, Director of Public Relations | |
| Photo(s) by: Kat Wilson, Photographer, Marketing and Communications |
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