Resident David Blackmore urges neighborhood watch, warns against vigilantism

David Blackmore, who identified himself at the start of the meeting, presented a plan to form a neighborhood watch in Hemlock and surrounding Westfir neighborhoods, saying the group’s purpose is reporting and mutual aid, not enforcement. “So that’s my big point: don’t be a vigilante,” he said, and described home‑help and wildlife responses his previous group organized.

Oak Ridge Police Department staff in the room welcomed the idea but urged clear coordination so dispatch is not flooded with duplicate reports. “If it’s a very serious type of crime … the 911 line’s ringing off the hook … we know how to cope with that,” the Oak Ridge PD representative said, noting the department’s ability to triage urgent calls.

Council members and staff discussed practical steps: using the city newsletter and Facebook to recruit volunteers, creating sign‑up templates, coordinating meeting logistics at City Hall or other public venues, and establishing a single “nucleus” contact to manage reports and pass consolidated information to dispatch. Blackmore said he had about 13 names on a sign‑up sheet and offered to serve as a local contact and to distribute templates.

The council emphasized that any signage or “safe house” designations would require government permission and must follow rules to avoid implying authority or creating liability. Staff also noted neighborhood watch efforts can help code enforcement and vulnerable residents by recording and, if needed, testifying about observed problems.

Next steps: staff will help publicize the effort, consider scheduling a neighborhood‑watch briefing at the March 3 council meeting, and follow up on contact and meeting logistics.