Page last updated on February 6, 2020 at 3:56 pm
The days of the older neighborhood when everyone knew everyone on the block or in the addition have changed. Today, especially within the Bloomington community, neighborhoods tend to be highly transient and growing. People seek more privacy during their home time and this causes a feeling of unfamiliarity with neighbors. This unfamiliarity often enhances the opportunity for any criminal element and increases community vulnerability to criminal activity.
A Neighborhood Watch Program:
- Increases awareness of crimes in the neighborhood through a continuing information program.
- Trains residents in the area of better property security.
- Develops a neighborhood action program where neighbors help watch each other's property and well being.
- Helps neighbors learn what constitutes suspicious activity and how to report any such activity to the police department.
- Encourages ALL people in the neighborhood to participate and cooperate with the police department to reduce community crime.
Download the Bloomington Neighborhood Watch brochure as well as tips on how to Evaluate your Neighborhood Watch Program
Resources can also be obtained by contacting the Bloomington Police Department via telephone at (812) 339-4477.
Bloomington Police Department officers offer their time and talent to educate as well as protect. A well-informed public is a valuable resource for law enforcement, and educating the public about the police and the community helps in reducing the fear of crime. Officers may be available upon advance notice to speak at public and private seminars and classes. Topics can include information concerning what the police do and how they do it, crime prevention and safety information, and gang and drug awareness.
Community Policing
Effective community policing has a positive impact on reducing neighborhood crime, helping to reduce fear of crime and enhancing the quality of life in the community. It accomplishes these things by combining the efforts and resources of the police, the local government, and the community.
While police continue to handle crime fighting and law enforcement responsibilities, the police and community work together to modify conditions that can encourage criminal behavior. The resources available within the Bloomington community allow for an expanded focus on crime prevention. Communication is the foundation of community policing.
Bloomington police officers speak to neighborhood groups at neighborhood meetings and participate in business and civic events by sharing information on a wide array of topics. They also take part in educational programs for the community schools and area clubs like the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization.
Foot patrols on Kirkwood and in the Cresmont area increase approachability to the police by bringing officers closer to the community. Bicycle patrol around town also aids in facilitating a more trusting relationship between the police and the community.
Creating a Neighborhood Watch Program is one way for the community to assist the police with finding solutions to crime.