Citizen interest spurs continued Neighborhood Watch growth
By Bob Robinson

GREENVILLE – Nearly 100 people crowded into the Greenville City Council room and the hallway outside for the second meeting of citizens interested in forming Neighborhood Watch groups.

Greenville Police Lt. Steve Strick started the Aug. 8 meeting with an apology and a success story.

The apology? “This was supposed to be a follow-up meeting with the Central Avenue group, but so many citizens wanted to be involved, it will have to start as an introductory meeting again.”

The success? “We kept getting calls, and more calls, from the Central Avenue group… in just two weeks we got four suspects.” Strick added there was another successful incident, also due to citizen involvement.

Safety Service Director Curt Garrison told the group he appreciated their concern. “You’re here tonight because you care about your community. We need you just as much to help us do our job,” he said.

Police Chief Dennis Butts noted that everyone in the room has a vested interest in their community.

“We want everybody to feel safe in the community… safe where you work and live. If you see something, know something… call!”

Strick assured the Central Avenue group they will get an opportunity to break into smaller groups, then covered some of the information needed to get started: First, make it happen! Second, purchase signs. Third, identify areas of concern…

“The appearance of your neighborhood can affect crime rate,” he said. “We can’t prevent crime but we can displace it.”

A volunteer from the Central Avenue group said they chase the buyers. “If they can’t sell dope in our neighborhood, they’ll go somewhere else,” she added.

Criminals like places where they can be incognito, Strick added. They want someplace where they can blend in. He told them keeping lawns mowed, repairs made, getting to know your neighbors, all will have an impact on crime.

“It is about building a relationship with those around you.”

About half the group was at the original meeting on Central Avenue July 22 or had become involved since then. The rest of those attending were interested in forming groups but Strick’s attempts to group them by area were unsuccessful.

He said any individual who is interested should call him.

“I’ll help,” he told them. “If you are really interested I’ll walk with you to talk to your neighbors.”

Strick then broke out two groups. The Central Avenue group went to the basement to go to ‘step two’ while those still interested from other areas met in the Mayor’s office. Several people left at that point.