Police chief outlines neighborhood watch program; info session set for June 18

Police Chief Gary Williamson briefed council on a citywide neighborhood watch program the department plans to launch and asked for council endorsement and help in outreach. The chief described the program as a resident‑led effort in partnership with police that emphasizes observation, reporting and deterrence rather than confrontation.

Program elements and timeline - Outreach through social media, flyers and HOAs; first informational meeting scheduled for June 18 at 6 p.m. in council chambers to recruit block captains and explain procedures. - Police role: provide training, statistics and meeting attendance; supply signage and crime‑prevention materials; act as a liaison and offer patrol guidance and observation logs. - Tools suggested: communication apps (Nextdoor, WhatsApp, Signal), patrol guidance, and neighborhood signage. - Chief proposed pilot neighborhoods and said staff would appoint a police liaison to support groups; at least one resident from District 1 had already expressed interest.

Council reaction Council members supported the idea and asked staff to consider reviving broader monthly community meetings with police, a practice some residents had valued under prior leadership. Council clarified that neighborhoods would decide their geographic scope (street, block or larger) and that the program would be resident‑led.

What comes next The police department will hold the June 18 informational session and identify pilot neighborhoods and block captains; staff and council members encouraged outreach to HOAs and neighborhood leaders.

Quote "Residents act as extra eyes and ears for us, and they focus on observation, reporting, and deterrence and not confrontation," Chief Gary Williamson said.

Provenance Presentation and subsequent discussion occurred during the work session; the June 18 meeting date was announced on the record.