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Start a Community Watch Program
Why a Community Watch Program?
Community Watch Management is shown to reduce crime, such as residential burglaries, vandalism, thefts of property and even traffic offenses by as much as 65% when neighbors unify to form a communication network. In an already low-crime area, the program can help assure it stays that way while helping to develop relationships with governing bodies, and unity among neighbors looking out for each other. Together, we can better protect our families, homes, businesses, and way of life.
The Lake Dow Community Watch engages in development, implementation, and management of community watch programs throughout the State of Georgia. We help to empower communities through training, education, communication, collaboration, and community engagement. We help communities create a communication network that spans through the ranks of government, law enforcement agencies, local businesses, and members of the community.
Our history
In the summer of 2019, the Lake Dow area experienced a string of car and home break-ins. Car windows were smashed, house doors were kicked in, guns, jewelry, money and even cars were stolen right off our neighbors’ properties.
In response to these events, approximately 150 residents from Lake Dow North & Estates attended an emergency safety meeting at Pilgreen’s Steakhouse on September 10, 2019. Sergeant A. Militello, assisted by Officers C. Mears and H. Smith from the Henry County Police Department, provided us with guidance on how to establish a Community Watch Program.
That night, LDN property owner Edwin Cordero, Sr. agreed to organize the program and about 100 concerned property owners signed up to be part of the newly established Lake Dow Community Watch Crime Suppression Program. Since this establishment, over 50 property owners have participated as Block Captain and over 1000 Henry County households have enrolled to be members of the program.
Getting Results
One month after our visit to the precinct, the Henry County Police Department arrested a suspect in connection with multiple Burglaries, Thefts, and Car Break-Ins that occurred in the McDonough area (HWY 20 east, Airline Rd, Lake Dow Rd, and McGarity Rd). The suspect was charged with one count of Aggravated Assault, four counts of residential Burglary, nine counts of Entering Auto, two counts of Felony Theft by Taking, and other crimes related to multiple incidents. The suspect was also charged for multiple incidents by the McDonough Police Department.
If you believe you were a victim of crime, please contact the Henry County Police Department’s Non-Emergency line at (770) 957-9121 and file a report. If you have information about these cases, please contact Detective G. Turner at 770-288-8246 or at gturner2@co.henry.ga.us.
NOTE: LDNPOAB, LDEPOAB, BLOCK CAPTAINS, LDCW, MEMBERS, DIRECTORS, ORGANIZERS, PARTICIPANTS, affiliates do NOT assume responsibility/liability for your safety or actions of any member, participant, or group. We urge ALL participants to ONLY observe and report and NEVER approach suspicious activity. Contact your local PD or 911 for assistance.
Privacy - Your Block Captain & the organizer maintain a general database of the program with an updated contact list of all residents on your Block. We do not share members' personal information with other members or other Block Captains.
Information
Block Captain District Representatives
Each Block Captain works to establish and maintain close communication with the residents in their Block District and has access to our weekday HCPD patrol officer assigned to this area.
We have divided the community into 15 Block Districts managed by 20 Block Captains who have received education from the Henry County Police Department on effective management of a Community Watch and receive ongoing training. We meet periodically at the HCPD precinct with detectives, the C.O.P.S. unit, and high-ranking members of the department to collaborate on ways to get results and give our community members a stronger voice by following up on police reports filed by Lake Dow victims of crime.
All our Block Captains are Lake Dow and surrounding area property owners who volunteer their time and experience for the betterment and common good of our entire community. We are all very grateful for these selfless men and women.
Communication Network
The success of this program is 100% dependent on our neighbors’ ability to communicate. Please contact your Block Captain today & enroll into our communication network today! We have set up and use the following systems to facilitate effective distribution of safety data to help keep us and our neighbors safer from criminal activity:
- Biweekly phone/video conference/Zoom meeting for Block Captains to discuss all community safety matters.
- Monthly Block District Phone/Video Conference/Zoom Meeting for neighbors to team up with their Block Captain & each other to address safety issues concerning their immediate street and the community.
- Quarterly Community-Wide Zoom Meetings - Broadcasted live on social media, these meetings are open for members to chime in, voice their concerns, and ask questions to our guest peace officer.
- Seasonal In-Person Community Events - We organize events to bring the community together in a positive way. Some of our events include Graduation Parades, Jazz by the Lake, Bullying Awareness and Prevention Fall Festival, Meet & Greet at the Clubhouse, and more!
- Private Facebook group - Join 1,000+ residents of Lake Dow area and over a dozen local police officers where we share safety information easily and privately by visiting facebook.com/groups/LakeDowCommunityWatch
- Email Notification Network - Receive important safety updates from the Community Watch & your Block Captain.
- Text Message Groups/Telephone Tree – Receive real-time emergency alerts by neighbors on your street.
What We Are Asking You To Do
We have received a tremendous amount of support from The Henry County Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, Board of Commissioners, McDonough Police, and we communicate closely with LDNPOA and LDEPOA Boards. Maintaining this momentum will require everyone’s effort to move this vital program forward from the initiation stages to the successful implementation of safety stages. As a Lake Dow resident, this is where YOU come in:
1. Please, contact your Block Captain today and join our communication network today!
2. Keep an eye out for suspicious activity in your area and report it to your Block Captain or call 911 for emergencies.
3. If you would like to know more about becoming Block Captain, email LakeDowCommunityWatch@gmail.com.