Aurora Begins Watch Walkers

Jul 09, 1998

Aurora Begins Watch Walkers

On Saturday, May 30th the first Watch Walkers training was held at the Aurora Police Department. The Aspens was represented and we got an opportunity to tour the 911 Center as well as learn about the new program.
Aurora?’s Police Neighborhood Watch Board, wanted to encourage neighbors to get together, walk their neighborhoods, and make a positive statement about the quality of their neighborhoods. Participants in Walkers groups number from one to eight or nine people. They ?“patrol?” together in a friendly, respectful, non-confrontational way while observing all laws. Watch Walker members carry no weapons of any kind - only a cellular phone.
Watch Walkers do more than look for crime. They may check in on senior citizens in the neighborhood, pick-up trash as part of their walk, promote block parties and other neighborhood get togethers, visit local businesses, or note code violations and report them to Access Aurora.
The Watch Walkers May training included a program overview, identifying neighborhood problems, networking with your PAR officer, non-confrontational skills, how to be a good witness, communications and a review of current laws.
The Aspens will be forming our own Watch Walkers soon. To get involved call your district representative.