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Keep our neighborhoods safe....volunteer for neighborhood watch in your area today. If we could show you a way to make Midvale City a safer place for our children and the elderly, would you invest 2 hours a month?

The Neighborhood Watch Program involves the joint efforts of the police and the community. It is designed to strengthen neighborhood security, increase the communities power of observation and encourages mutual assistance and concern among neighbors.
The goal of Neighborhood Watch is to reduce crime by:

Encouraging all citizens to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in reporting crime.
Increasing citizens' awareness of neighborhood crime (Burglaries, drug activity, nuisances etc.)
Developing a neighborhood action program where neighbors help watch each others property and report suspicious persons and activities to law enforcement.
Training citizens in property security and assist them in making their property more secure.

Without the assistance of local residents, the job of the Police Department can be very challenging, that's why we ask you to help by being our "eyes and ears".

BLOCK CAPTAINS: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

A block captain acts as a liaison with the police department and disseminates any information communicated to them.
Hosts a neighborhood watch meeting.
Invests less than two hours each month.
Coordinates activities in their community i.e. National Night Out.

If you would be interested in becoming a block captain or would like further information regarding what a block captain entails, please contact Officer De Jarnatt, 256-2512.

WHAT IS SUSPICIOUS?

Anything you feel is out of the ordinary or makes you feel uncomfortable.

The effectiveness of the police departments efforts is enhanced by active participation on the part of citizens. By calling to report suspicious persons or activity, you not only aid the police you make you community a safer place to live.

Some people fail to call because they are not aware of activities that might be suspicious. Others may notice suspicious activity and hesitate to call for fear of being labeled a "nosey neighbor". Still others take it for granted that someone else has already called.

CALL 9-1-1 or your local police department immediately when you observe suspicious activity. Do Not worry about "bothering" them. Do Not worry about being embarrassed if you suspicions prove unfounded. Think instead about what could happen if you do not act.

National Night Out

This night is an annual crime and drug prevention event celebrated nationwide.

It's a time to strengthen neighborhood spirit and reinforce police-community partnerships. It also sends the message to criminals that drugs and crime cannot and will not be tolerated in neighborhoods and communities.

National Night Out rekindles friendships with neighbors and gives you an opportunity to meet new people on the block.

The citizens of Midvale City have responded enthusiastically and each year the block parties get bigger and better.

Tips for Successful Block Parties:

Distribute an invitation to all neighbors and form a committee. Hold party in large open area (preferably in a front yard for visibility). Use tables and chair arrangements that encourage chatting. Introduce new neighbors that have moved in since last year's party. Invite elected officials, police officers and fire fighters (kids love police and fire vehicles).

Have areas designated for food, seating, music, games and the little ones.

Place garbage containers in strategic locations.

Have everyone make their own name tags and have an informal activity or duty. Duties could include; assisting with name tags, coordinating activities, organizing food table, setting up BBQ's, setting up seating and eating area, and act as host for introductions.

Informal activity could include; questionnaire regarding issues of interest, help decorate area, craft table for kids, and neighborhood trivia.

Party schedule; arrival, greeting, informal activity, announcements, dinner, speaker, activities, games, and clean up.

Activity for the kids; street hockey, street soccer, volleyball, badminton, 3-legged races, face painting, finger painting, treasure hunts, story telling, and games.

Activities for the older crowd; free book exchange table, idea-suggestion table (walking group, sketching group, book club, study group), Needs and Wants table (baby sitting, lawn care, gardening, dog walking, shopping), History table (pictures from past parties, guess who the baby picture is), Emergency Preparedness table (brochures, plans, checklists), Plant exchange table (seeds, seedlings).

Organize Neighborhood Watch in your area.
Contact Officer Ken Davis at 801-256-2512.