Get Involved in your Neighborhood! (Part 1)

I get it, we are all busy. Between work, kids, baseball games, groceries, school, gas and other daily tasks, there is little time for much else. I leave for work in the dark and oftentimes come home in the dark. My kids have been picked up from daycare and lamented how late I was more times than I’d like to admit. Attending block parties to get to know the neighbors is not high on the list of priorities. Most people nowadays don’t really know their neighbors. Gone are the days of borrowing a cup of sugar.

But we all need to take a more invested approach in our communities. This article is written in collaboration with two beautiful ladies who have taken up the call to organize their neighborhoods to keep an eye on each other and form micro-communities within the city. These neighborhood watch groups have historically lessened crime, brought neighbors together, and provided a forum where like-minded folks can discuss critical city, county or state legislation that affects our daily lives.

There are no costs associated with starting a neighborhood watch. It just takes a few concerned residents to organize and spear-head the effort. Participants learn how to make their homes more secure, watch out for each other and their neighborhood, and report any suspicious activities to the Las Cruces Police Department. You can form a neighborhood watch group around any geographical unit, such as a few blocks, an apartment complex or a business area. It is important to note that watch groups are not vigilantes. They are the “extra eyes and ears” for reporting crimes and helping neighbors.

Neighborhood watch is one of the most effective and least expensive ways to prevent crime in our community. It forges bonds among neighborhood residents, builds pride, and improves relations between law enforcement and the community. It can also help to address other neighborhood issues such as child safety, youth development, senior citizen welfare and overall quality of life.

So, if you reside within the city limits and are interested in setting up a neighborhood watch program in your community, you can reach out to mvswatch@yahoo.com. The group can help with sample flyers, a list of captain duties, meeting agenda ideas, and other information to get your watch started. This no longer has to be an effort you undertake all alone – there are others who are willing to help get your group started in the best ways and provide support long after your group is successful. Together we can make a difference and make our neighborhoods safer!

Next week we will discuss the critical role LCPD has in collaborating with and supporting neighborhood watch groups.

Shawna Pfeiffer is a guest columnist for the Las Cruces Bulletin. She is a life-long Doña Ana County resident, graduate of New Mexico State University, a small business owner, hobby farmer, dog-lover, outdoor enthusiast and mother to two young children. She can be reached at srpfeiffer1@gmail.com.