BHNA Neighbors,

In response to the increase in criminal activity in the Barton Hills area we are reactivating the Neighborhood Watch Program. This is a non-confrontational program that focuses on the idea of neighbors looking out for neighbors. It is an effective way to supplement the police presence by adding dozens of extra eyes and ears of BH residents to see and hear suspicious persons or activity within our neighborhood and report to APD at 911. It is a great opportunity for BH residents to stand up and take an active role in seeing that our neighborhood is and remains a safe and secure place to live.

An introduction to the Neighborhood Watch program will begin with a brief meeting and training session on Monday, March 30 at St. Mark's Church at 7:00 PM. This meeting will not last more than one hour. It may be the best hour you could invest yourself in if you want to be a part of reducing crime in our neighborhood. This meeting is essential for those residents interested in being block leaders for Neighborhood Watch or if you would like to participate in Neighborhood Watch Patrol; a segment of the program in which volunteers will be driving the neighborhood during evening hours as an added level of protection against criminal activity. Details of this aspect of Neighborhood Watch will be covered at the March 30 meeting.

Neighborhood Watch is strongly endorsed by the Austin Police Department and they will be working with us to see that volunteers receive orientation and training related to this program. APD envisions BHNA as becoming the model for other neighborhoods based on our traditional "get it done" attitude and response to community needs. I am sure our Neighborhood Watch program will be no exception to that tradition.

If you are planning to attend this meeting or if you have any comments concerning the reactivation of Neighborhood Watch I would love to hear from you.

I Will See You There,
John Luther, Chair
BHNA Neighborhood Watch Program

Neighborhood Watch Meeting
Monday March 30, 7:00 PM
St. Marks Church
Barton Skyway at Barton Hills Dr.