Community Watch Training Set For May In Ardmore

ARDMORE, PA — Lower Merion Township residents are invited to attend an upcoming training event that aims to teach them how to spot crime and more suspicious activity.

The Lower Merion Police Department and Community Watch are hosting a training class for residents interested in joining Community Watch and/or Dog Walker Watch.

The training will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 18 at the Ardmore Fire House, 35 Greenfield Ave. in Ardmore.

"This is a great way to help keep Lower Merion safe," Matt Peskin, President of Lower Merion Community Watch and of National Association of Town Watch, said. "The more trained eyes and ears – the better. The Dog Walker Watch training program includes both dog walkers and recreational walkers."

To join Lower Merion Community Watch, you must be at least 18 years old and a Lower Merion Township resident.

Members volunteer for a patrol shifts in their neighborhoods on a designated day or night throughout the year.

Dog Walker Watchers help their neighborhoods by acting as extra sets of eyes and ears while out walking their pets.

During the class, Lower Merion Township Police officers will train attendees on how to be more aware and alert while they are out on their normal walks.

Also, officers will teach walkers on how to effectively report suspicious activity to 911 using their cellphones while out with their dogs or just walking in the township.

Peskin told Patch the Community Watch program has been running for about 45 years.

"One of the longest running in the country," he said of the program. "Dog Walker Watch is about seven years old and has been very well received – both here and around the country."

He said residents who attend the class take away several key pieces of information upon completion.

"Residents remark that they learned a lot about ‘what is suspicious’ and how vitally important it is that all neighbors learn to be aware," he said. "Secondly, they learn a lot about calling 911. What to communicate, not to be nervous, et cetera. Finally, they learn a lot about LMPD and get acquainted with the officers doing the training."

Those interested in attending the training can register online here or email hello@LMCommunityWatch.org.

Classes typically see about 30 participants, according to Peskin.

Parking will be available on the lot next to the fire house.