Back in November of 2009, about a dozen Islands residents met to discuss the recent spike in crime, and how to combat it. From that meeting emerged the beginning of our current DI Neighborhood Watch organization. We currently are trying to grow the Davis Islands Neighborhood Watch Block Captain program and need your help! Below are some Neighborhood Watch Block Captain Frequently Asked Questions and Answers.
Q. What is a block captain?
A. A block captain is the eyes and ears for a block of houses, and looks for anything out of the ordinary that might need attention. They carry out the Neighborhood Watch Program on a given street. They are not vigilantes; they notify the police when necessary and do not try to act as police themselves.
Q. What is a block?
A. A block can be all the houses along one or more streets, or it may be a portion of the houses on a given street.
Q. What are the duties of a block captain?
A. A block captain: creates a contact list for their block holds a block meeting to explain the program to their neighbors tracks incidents around the block and updates residents of the block about any pertinent issues such as a break‐in Keeps their ears and eyes open and calls (813) 231-6130 to report issues detected Calls 911 if an officer is needed Coordinates annual National Night Out activities on their street if they choose to do so
Q. What are the benefits of the Neighborhood Watch program and having a block captain on our street?
A. It fosters communication and a close‐knit community on your block. The time commitment is very small and the outcome can be extremely helpful. Block captains have gotten Neighborhood Watch signs installed, alerted residents of everything from break‐ins on their street to happy events going on. The idea is to watch out for each other and keep communication open, which makes for a better community all around.
Q. How do you become a block captain?
A. Email Neighborhood Watch committee chair at sdefraties@gmail.com.
Becoming a part of Neighborhood Watch not only keeps you informed but keeps you on the inside track for valuable tips. If you would like to become a part of the Neighborhood Watch Block Captains network, simply email me at sdefraties@gmail.com , or call 813.220.0883, with your name, street address, phone number and email address.
Scott DeFraties, Chairperson, Davis Islands Neighborhood Watch