'BLOCK WATCH' PROGRAM STALLED
No show for police at meeting
CAMERON COUNTY:

Community members hoping to get involved with the "Block Watch" program to curb criminal activity in Emporium may have to wait a while.

No one from the police station attended a session Tuesday to explain how a partnership between citizens and police can minimize crime. Police could not be reached for comment.

About a dozen residents wanted to express their concerns of the recent burglaries and vandalism. A make-up session is being planned.

Recently, police renewed efforts to recruit citizens to help fight crime. Emporium Police Chief Rufus Jones proposed the concept last summer, hoping to get neighbors to watch each others' homes and report any suspicious activity to the police.

Jones pointed out that the program is among the best ways to fight crime. In addition to neighborhood watch, citizens can form disaster response plans, plan neighborhood functions and begin public safety programs.

A copy of the Community Crime Prevention Neighborhood Block Watch Handbook is available at the police station. Additional details are available by calling 486-3384