Vincennes Police re-starts neighborhood watch program

The program had been downsized in recent years.

Police stations across the nation are trying to figure out how to reach out better to their communities.

One way of doing that is setting up a neighborhood watch program.

News 10 bureau chief gary brian tells us how the city of vincennes is looking to revitalize their program.

Gar} "it's been less than a year since robert dunham took back the reigns of police chief here in vincennes.

Part of his return is to revitalize a program he started."

Neighborhood watch was established in vincennes during dunham's first run as police chief.

But since he left the department the program was downsized.

"then with the first of the year with covid and we're not being able to meet kind of set us back a little.

But i think it's very important for any community to have some type of neighborhood involvement in policing their communities."

The first step in revitalize the program happened last week.

The department held it's first meeting with the public.

"the people who live here, instead of shutting themselves in and not becoming involved, call us.

You don't even need to give a name.

Give us a problem.

Give us a location.

That gives us a reason to be there to investigate."

Dunham hopes to have a virtual option for residents to get involved.

"we're trying to get back on board.

We are actually trying to set up to where you can go online and ask questions and maybe zoom the meetings out.

With a phone number to call in."

For dunham the program goes beyond just reporting crimes and suspicious activities.

He sees it as a way to increase the communication between cops and residents.

"it just gives them a chance to voice their opinions and their needs and wants.

I can't say we can fulfill everything but it makes them feel apart of what we're trying to do."

Gar} "neighborhood watch meets on the first monday of every month.

Working from home in vincennes, gary brian news 10."

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Spending more kids are family while you and your wants to help public library knox county news 10."

Gary brian news 10."