Citizens On Patrol In Chatham Township

CHATHAM, NJ - Chatham Township residents looking to increase safety and security in their own community can get involved as a member of the Neighborhood Watch. The community-wide Neighborhood Watch Program aimed at educating residents on how they can help prevent crime while implementing home and personal security strategies was launched over three years ago and dovetails with the Chatham Township Police Department's community policing policy.

Community policing is a philosophy that promotes and supports organizational strategies to address the causes and reduce the fear of crime and social disorder through problem solving and community-police partnerships. According to officials, this is a fundamental shift from traditional, reactive policing, community policing stresses the prevention of crime and other quality of life issues before they occur.

"We believe that the core component of community policing is the partnership between our officers and the people they serve. This partnership is vital in maintaining the quality of life we have come to enjoy here in Chatham Township" -Chatham Township Police

In order to increase this partnership between officers and residents, the township has been divided into ten Community Policing districts. Each district is assigned one officer who acts as the direct contact for the residents within district.

Through email, officers provide residents within their district the most current information regarding local crime and concerns throughout the township, as well as safety and crime prevention tips during the year.

Those who have an interest in learning more about the program and how it can be implemented in their neighborhood can contact Officer Michael Bloom at 973-377-0100 x551 or at mbloom@ctpd.net

(Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

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