The importance of community watch groups

Folks in Shelby take their community watch efforts seriously. The city has groups in more than 30 areas where neighbors look out for neighbors and people are always watching.

"When I first started about four or five years ago, we only had five community watches," said Shelby Police Officer Shannon Porter told The Star. "Now we're up to 32."

When a neighborhood expresses interest in such a group, Officer Porter pays the neighborhood a visit and talks to the residents there. He wants to make sure they are serious about starting a group. He also wants residents to understand that these groups are only as good as the involvement level of the residents.

Residents in these groups must stay vigilant and keep an eye out for anything that appears suspicious. Posting a sign alone won't do the trick. Also, the existence of a group in a neighborhood doesn't cure that particular neighborhood from crime-related problems.

It only works if residents take it seriously and in partnership with police.

This isn't to say police are encouraging people to perform a Gomer Pyle impersonation by making a "citizen's arrest." But they would like residents to report what they see to police.

Officer Porter attributes much of the program's popularity to residents being prepared to step up and protect their homes.

"I think people have gotten tired of things going on in their neighborhood," Porter said. "They're willing to make a stand."

In addition, the groups have paid dividends. Community watch organizations have provided law enforcement with many tips ranging from property crimes to drugs. It's clear that when residents and police interact in a positive manner, the level of trust they build benefits both parties. Community watch groups help illustrate that point.