Conservation District Kicks Off Neighborhood Watch Program

Police Department is looking for volunteers to get involved in project S.W.E.E.P., Safety Watch Education and Environmental Program.

An orientation meeting will be held April 27, from 7 to 8 p.m. at McHenry County College, 8900 US Hwy 14, in Crystal Lake.

“SWEEP is being kicked off under the guidelines of a neighborhood watch type program. The Conservation District Police Department is encouraging people to become regular users to a site and be an extra set of eyes and ears," said Communications Manager Wendy Kummerer. “This increased awareness of our volunteers may help alleviate and prevent potential crime issues like graffiti, property damage or other undesirable behavior.”

S.W.E.E.P. volunteers create a presence at a site by being there on a regular basis, going through their normal activities, whether it is hiking, fishing or bird watching—basically be an extra set of eyes and ears for the Police Department, reporting any unusual or suspicious behavior from other patrons.

For more information or to volunteer, call (815) 338-6223.