APD discusses improving Neighborhood Watch groups

ALBANY, Ga. – The Albany Police Department is making a push to strengthen and in some cases even revive Neighborhood Watch groups across the city. And, they’re seeing how they can incorporate different technologies into the effort.

The police department held a Neighborhood Watch meeting Monday evening to discuss forming a new Neighborhood Watch in Albany’s Doublegate neighborhood.

Albany Police Corporal Dillard Glover says that like any community, Neighborhood Watch groups are certainly a welcome outlet for law enforcement.

“What we’re trying to do is get more involvement from our community. You know sometimes if you can get them started before they start having problems, because usually that’s when we get calls in reference to trying to start one. So if we can get the information out there, maybe we can get some groups interested…” said Cpl. Dillard Glover, Albany Police Department.

Corporal Glover says there are nearly two dozen Neighborhood Watch groups in the Good Life City.

And, he says that Facebook has been a vital tool in these Neighborhood Watch groups keeping each other informed, and keeping potential criminals out.

“When things start happening in the neighborhoods, a lot of that stuff gets posted and then we also have access to these Facebook pages. So, we get that information instantly, or as soon as something is posted,” said Cpl. Dillard Glover, Albany Police Department.

The Albany Police is also using one of their more recent projects, the FUSUS Connect Program and Police Camera Registry to bolster the response to these Neighborhood Watch calls.

“Going forward, we hope that we can build on that and have that communication between us and them in our ultimate goal to reduce crime in our neighborhoods,” said Cpl. Dillard Glover, APD.

But, the most important aspect that glover says will benefit these Neighborhood Watch groups, are the people who make up the neighborhoods themselves.

“I will work with them any way I can to help them garner some interest in the neighborhood. Cause ultimately the success of the Neighborhood Watch program is up to the neighborhood itself,” said Cpl. Dillard Glover.

Corporal Glover also says that there are also Neighborhood Watch groups operating without the police not even aware of them; and that contacting law enforcement will only make their efforts stronger.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Neighborhood Watch program, you can contact Corporal Glover at 229-302-0851.

Brian Roche reporting.

Copyright 2023 CBS 44 South Georgia. All rights reserved.