Most people living in Stratford have heard of Crime Watch, have seen the familiar Crime Watch signs posted throughout the town and probably know someone who belongs to Crime Watch, but have no idea what the organization is all about. Crime Watch of Stratford is an incorporated, 501(c)3 non-profit organization recognized by the IRS. Our Tax ID #06-1072381.
A Board of Directors consisting of the President, First and Second Vice Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, five Directors and the Stratford Police Crime Prevention Detective govern it. Appointed members consist of a District Leader from each of the Town’s voting districts and Oronoque Village, as well as Youth Representatives. There is a Publicity Chairperson a Newsletter Chairperson and a National Night Out Committee. Other committees are formed as needed by direction of the Executive Board. Executive Board meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month at the Police Department. There is a "Public Forum" session starting at 7:00 pm for those citizens who would like to discuss problems in thier respective neighborhoods. At 7:30 pm the genreal business meeting begins. Anyone attending the public forum is welcome to stay for the business meeting.
Crime Watch is a citizen’s involvement program where citizen’s, in cooperation with their local law enforcement agency, help participate in the detection and prevention of crime. Other communities may use other names such as Neighborhood Watch, Block Watch, etc., but the basic concept is the same, citizens watching out for each other. Crime Watch initiated the “Block Captain” program several years ago. Ideally there would be one person designated as a person designated as a Block Captain on every street in Stratford. In this way every neighborhood would have a network of people that could communicate with each other to let each other know what types of problems are occurring in their neighborhood. Using this proactive approach, the “Block Captain” can then contact the appropriate agency and hopefully resolve the problem before it gets out of control.
When a person joins the Crime Watch organization they are asked to pay a one-time fee of $5.00. Each new member is given a reference manual. This manual explains the Crime Watch Philosophy, a brief history on the background of Crime Watch, explains the neighborhood awareness concept, helps the user use the proper terminology when reporting a crime, gives the user comprehensive instructions on the proper procedures for reporting a crime to the police, how to detect and determine what is and isn’t suspicious activity, how to describe a suspect or suspect vehicle. The manual also gives the user do’s and don’ts regarding crime prevention information.
Some of the money from membership dues go towards purchasing Crime Watch signs, costs incurred to publish a yearly newsletter, for educational materials such as handout material and advertising. “McGruff the Crime Dog," a nationally recognized symbol, accompanies Crime Watch members to schools, malls and other events. Children love “McGruff” and just about every school age child know whom “McGruff” is and that he “Takes a Bite Out of Crime.
Crime Watch is not a group of vigilantes or lawless people taking the law into their own hands. Crime Watch does not take the place of the police department in enforcing the law or apprehending criminals. Crime Watch and the success of the organization depend on citizen participation. This is one of the most effective tools against crime, because members of Crime Watch serve as additional eyes and ears of local law enforcement agencies in the community. A strong, healthy, united community is one of the strongest deterrents to crime! But it all has to start somewhere. It can start with you--Contact Us--join Crime Watch today
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