Neighborhood Watch

Our neighborhood has a very well-organized volunteer watch program. Once a year, or so, each resident of the development is asked to take a turn ‘on watch.‘ 

Over the weekend, it was our turn in the slot. It was our turn to keep the peace.

The key goal, I think, is to place someone conspicuously near the front of the subdivision and have them be seen at various points throughout the evening. Volunteers are also encouraged to patrol with the oversized car magnets identifying you as subdivision security.

Visibility = safety.

Honestly, I think the cycle has shortened over the years. Seems like it used to be about every 18 months. Now, we are inside a year. For example, the last time we had the neighborhood patrol was the night of my big birthday bash last June. Holly and Paul volunteered for that duty as I enjoyed visiting with guests.

Our first time on deck – which must’ve been about a year after we moved in back in 2002 – fell during the holidays. It was especially fun to do the drive-around and see all the wonderful decorations from street to street.

Another time, a few years later, our shift fell on Labor Day night. We took Lisa’s car for the patrol and the battery died while we were on watch. I remember, we were out very late as AAA came to give us a jump-start.

Generally speaking, our turns as neighborhood watch volunteers have been fairly quiet. That was the case on Saturday as well. We didn’t have to make a citizen’s arrest, or anything.

Near the end of our patrol, we did roust someone who was hanging out in a car parked in the lot by the neighborhood pool.  All it took was an extra set of headlights to encourage those folks to head home.

Like I said: Quiet.

Still, more than anything, the evening provided the two of us a wonderful opportunity to get some yummy ice cream, sit comfortably outside and talk about a number of interesting topics on a beautiful spring night. I’ll take that deal anytime.

JG

Originally posted 5/6/2014