Operation Tips Redux: "Homeland Security in the Hometown"

NJ
Posted: 2008-05-07 18:24:07

We live in a different world than we did before September 11, 2001. We are more aware of our vulnerabilities, more appreciative of our freedoms and more understanding that we are personally responsible for the safety of our families, our neighbors and our nation.

We also know that we can take action now to help protect our families, help reduce the impact an emergency has on our lives and help deal with the chaos if an incident does occur.

The Neighborhood Watch Program is a highly successful effort that has been in existence for more than thirty years in cities and counties across America. It provides a unique infrastructure that brings together local officials, law enforcement and citizens to protect our communities.

In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, the need for strengthening and securing our communities has become even more critical, and Neighborhood Watch groups have taken on greater significance. In addition to serving a crime prevention role, Neighborhood Watch can also be used as the basis for bringing neighborhood residents together to focus on disaster preparedness as well as terrorism awareness.

The NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH - NEW JERSEY PROGRAM provides the opportunity for citizens to partner with members of the law enforcement and emergency management communities for mutual benefit. Our Program provides training in five basic and inter-related areas:

- HOME & FAMILY SAFETY
- PERSONAL SAFETY
- TERRORISM AWARENESS
- CRIME TRENDS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
- HOW TO REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY - WHO/WHERE/WHAT/WHEN/HOW

A standardized curriculum, Instructor Guide and related materials to present the program have been created and placed on a CD disc available to all groups and municipalities upon request.

Working in partnership with the New Jersey Chiefs of Police Association and the County Sheriffs Association, over 300 Neighborhood Watch groups are active throughout the state.

Participants are provided with information emphasizing disaster preparedness, the terrorist planning cycle and identity theft, the fastest growing crime in America. Upon completion of the training, all participants receive a portfolio pad, Neighborhood Watch baseball cap, USA on Watch pen and lapel pin.

In this day and age it is important that our citizenry be more engaged in our homeland security efforts. Citizens are encouraged to contact their local police department to find out more about Neighborhood Watch-New Jersey, or to visit the website http://www.usaonwatch.org. Additional information can be found at the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management website at http://www.ready.nj.gov or call 609-963-6996.