GROWING THE NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH TEAM

As the community knows, the Neighborhood Watchers are performing exactly as expected -- excellence! The evidence is the relative absence of trespassing and/or any other significant issues. The program's only problem is the shortage of watchers, i.e. only 14 are on the roster, yet not all are equally available. At present, there are potentially seven two-person teams, but the same teams are working every 4-6 weeks, which is wearing. If we could recruit ten more residents -- who would be trained of course -- the potential would become twelve teams and that would change the rotation to one shift every 7-10 weeks. If you are at all interested, please contact the Neighborhood Watch coordinator, Marc Powe.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH UPDATE - FEBRUARY 2012:

Neighborhood Watch teams are diligently over-watching, as usual. They are on the alert for an unusual development, i.e. a person or persons, dressed entirely in black, have been trespassing near S Drive on either side of the creek.

In mid-late December, a non-COA resident who lives adjacent to the creek provided a delayed report (3 January) to the police that she observed a person, in hooded all black, coming from the wooded area that parallels both sides of the creek. The intruder crossed behind her house, limited by a fenced yard, and continued on to Carrleigh and disappeared.

Subsequently, on 10 January at about 10 p.m., an intruder in all-black, with hood, was observed in the backyard of a COA resident whose home backs up on S Drive. When the owner opened the back door, the trespasser fled and disappeared. The resident could not discern gender, race, age, etc. The residence did not have a light on in the patio, but lighting along S Drive is generally good.

On about 11-12 January, one of our watchers observed a white male, in black, walking up Carrleigh in the early evening, i.e. after dark. It was raining, and he had his hood up. He walked into Reddington, our watcher followed him into the parking lot and saw him go into Waterbury Court. No further info.

Recommendation: It is well-established that criminals/trespassers avoid lighted areas, so it is a good idea to have a light on in your patio and behind your residence. The COA is responsible for general lighting, but there always will be some rather dark spots. In that case, many residents have mounted light(s) on the end of the shed. And, as always, if you see something unusual, call the non-emergency number 703-691-2131, or 911, if appropriate.

West Springfield Police District Info from Our Community Liaison Officer, MPO J. Frey
From 15 - 22 January, the West Springfield District experienced five reports of stolen vehicles in the vicinity of Silverbrook Road, i.e. near Lorton. In all the cases, the vehicles were either running and/or the keys for the vehicles were left inside and unsecured. All were parked in close proximity to the homeowners' residences. Time frame: approximately 5am and 7:30am.

Two of the cases were reported in the Newington Heights neighborhood, one in the 8500 block of Blackfoot Court and the other in the 8400 block of White Feather Court. The other three cases were reported in the Laurel Hill Neighborhood (across from South County HS) - 2 in the 8100 block of Bluebonnet Drive and 1 in the 8700 block of Bitterroot Court.

The police offer the following tips in an effort to help reduce crimes of opportunity:
- Do not leave your car running or unattended with the keys anywhere in the vehicle.
- Do not leave valuables or other personal property in your vehicle.
- Be alert to your surroundings - If you "See Something, Say Something."
- Report any and all suspicious activity to the non-emergency line, 703-691-2131, or 911, if appropriate.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH UPDATE - JANUARY 2012:

The COA Neighborhood Watch's success in deterring youthful trespassers from illicit behavior, e.g., substance abuse, addresses a larger problem, i.e. widespread abuse throughout the Fairfax County school system, although generally below the national level. This became very clear at the January meeting of the West Springfield Police Civilian Advisory Committee. At every meeting (the first Tuesday of the month, and citizens are always welcome), guest speakers address subjects of community interest. This month's session was presented by Parents Reaching Out to Educate Communities Together (P.R.O.T.E.C.T.), which is an action arm of the Unified Prevention Coalition of Fairfax County. The specific subject: protecting against the realities of substance abuse, as outlined by a UPC flier (www.unifiedpreventioncoalition.org/calendar/icalrepeat.detail/2012/01/10/41/-/protect-presentation-at-citizens-advisory-committee-meeting.html). In particular, this week's speakers all have direct experience with middle and high school students who are/were substance abusers, including a young adult in recovery, a parent of a daughter in recovery, the parent of a daughter who died of an overdose, and the West Springfield alcohol and drug abuse counselor. Most attendees at the CAC meeting did not know that smoking and alcohol, not marijuana, is the threshold to drug abuse.

How significant is the problem? The "School Year 2010-2011 Fairfax County Youth Survey" from October 2011 (www.fairfaxcounty.gov/demogrph/pdf/2010_highlights_presentation.pdf) reports on responses from 44,000 FCPS students. Use of alcohol percentages: 8th grade, 7.7; 10th, 19.9; 12th, 36.5. Binge drinking (5 or more in a row): 2.6, 8.9, 20.5. Marijuana in the last 30 days: 2.4, 10, 18.9. Prescription drugs /painkillers in the last 30 days: 5.9, 7.9, 9.8. To be fair, the 44 slide survey addresses other negatives, e.g., bullying, and the positives, e.g., physical activity (at least 60 minutes on at least five days per week): 48.7, 43.0, 35.8. An important set of statistics is called "Three to Succeed: Youths who have three assets are less likely to engage in risky behavior than youths who have none." The specific assets: high personal integrity, perform community service, teachers recognize good work, have community adults to talk to, participate in extracurricular activities, and parents are available for help.

Factually, COA has had some drug abuse issues involving residents as well as trespassers. The value of neighborhood watchers, whether organized teams or community residents, is to look for things that seem wrong, such as trespassers, and act appropriately, e.g., call the non-emergency police phone number (703-691-2131). Remember: If you see something, say something.

What can we as parents and a community do? To begin with, addressing the youth(s) who may be abusing, asking questions, watching behavior, as opposed to ignoring warning signs and thus enabling risky behavior. An article from the Washingtonian, "Getting High," is recommended as a guide to risk indicators for marijuana (www.washingtonian.com/articles/businesscareers/6348.html). Finally, like WSHS, every county high school has an alcohol and drug abuse counselor (to make contact, call the school main number, ask for the counselor), who can interact with youths who are at risk and his/her teachers, who are likely to note telltale indications. The abuse specialist has the ability to help the youth in various ways, which includes parents, ideally nipping substance abuse early. Among other objectives, a key element is to avoid having the police to become involved, which they definitely prefer.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH UPDATE - DECEMBER 2011:

Here are some crime prevention and safety tips for the holiday season and every day.

Crime Prevention and Safety Tips-December 2011 - click here to view.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH UPDATE - OCTOBER 2011:

September - Quiet As the community knows, the Neighborhood Watchers continue to perform their duties with excellence. As a result, it appears that trespassing has dropped to a bare minimum, primarily because we have signaled that we won't tolerate it. Thanks, teams!

West Springfield District Police Station. Now is a good time to provide some details about our WS District police, especially because this district is both the largest in the county (68 square miles) and the one with the lowest crime rate. Captain Joe Hill gave a state of the district presentation to the Citizen's Advisory Committee (CAC) on 6 September. With a few exceptions, of the 12 metrics (homicide, robbery, burglary, larceny, stolen property, etc.) most are improved over 2010. The metrics that have increased are motor vehicle theft, DUI, drug violations, and unlawful on-line pornography. Captain Hill credited the Crime Prevention Unit, led by Master Police Officer J.T. Frey and his crime analyst aide, for the district's positive results. FYI, you can track crime in the district on-line (www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/stations/westspringfield) or in the Washington Post's Thursday Living Locally section. Also, FYI, The CAC meets the first Tuesday of each month at the station, and all citizens are invited to attend. Monthly guest speakers range from the Bomb Squad to Internal Affairs.

WS District's Structure

Personnel:185 including 135 sworn officers, 14 auxiliary officers and 36 civilians (police citizen aides, crossing guards, crime analyst, administrative staff and volunteers). The most obvious police presence is the Neighborhood Patrol Unit (NPU) providing 24/7 coverage with three shifts, employing marked and unmarked vehicles, as well as motorcycle officers.

Outreach

Youth Bicycle Rodeo. On Saturday, 29 October, from 1 - 5 p.m., the NPU will host a bike rodeo for grade school aged children (6-12) at the WS station. Families are welcome to stop by at any time during the event. Children will learn about bicycle safety and participate in a challenging obstacle course to reinforce safe riding. Additionally, there will be several police vehicles and equipment pieces on display, along with a visit from McGruff the Crime Dog. Groups of six or more children are asked to register in advance by contacting the NPU directly -- FCPDWSPNPU@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Car seat checks. On 29 October, from 5 - 9 p.m. at the WS Station. Attendance will be BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please call 703-644-7377, press 0 at the recording to schedule your visit. Notably, car seat checks will be held twice a month. For planning, go to www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/stations/westspringfield for upcoming dates.

--Marc Powe, Chairman, Neighborhood Watch

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH UPDATE - SEPTEMBER 2011:

False representation as law enforcement official:One evening in August, a white male was observed to be sitting in a maroon sedan parked on the curb, engine running, in front of a resident's house. Quite reasonably, the alert resident asked what the stranger was doing. He initially produced what appeared to be a badge and claimed that he was an officer of the court who was delivering a warrant. Our resident asked for further identification, at which point the stranger became belligerent, and he stated that he had a gun but did not demonstrate it. The resident immediately called 911 within the stranger's hearing, and he immediately and rapidly drove away. Unfortunately, the license number was missed. The FCPD responded promptly and took a report. Absent the license number, it appears that the police were unable to identify this trespasser. What can we learn from this event? First, the willingness of the resident to take note of something that seemed suspicious and to act accordingly is invaluable to the community. Second, with the benefit of hindsight, ideally the resident might have called the police non-emergency number (703-691-2131) immediately without the trespasser knowing that the police had been notified, thus avoiding any possible risk to the resident and the likelihood the trespasser would depart before the police arrived. Third, noting the vehicle license number, its description, and that of the occupant(s) is crucial.

Once again, an appeal for help:This event underscores the value of the Neighborhood Watch! Unfortunately, there is a serious shortage of watchers, i.e. only 14 are on the roster, and not all are equally available. At present, there are potentially seven two-person teams, but the same teams are working a one-week patrol every four to six weeks, which is wearing. If we could recruit ten more residents -- who would be trained of course -- the potential would become twelve teams and that would change the rotation to one shift every seven to ten weeks. If you are at all interested, please contact the NW coordinator, Marc Powe (marc.powe@gmail.com).

Be Ready! September is National Preparedness Month:The Centers for Disease Control and Preparedness are sponsoring a project to encourage citizens to prepare for emergencies of any type from fire, flood or an attack on our country. It is providing recommendations, including preparatory checklists. http://emergency.cdc.gov/preparedness/kit/disasters/

--Marc Powe, Chairman, Neighborhood Watch

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH UPDATE - AUGUST 2011:

Trespassing. We have noted in the Chronicle recently that there has been a significant uptick of trespassing, particularly on the boundaries of Charlestown. We can report improvement. As a result of aggressive watch patrolling and excellent cooperation from many residents, it seems that we have convinced most of those who are disposed to trespass that we will not tolerate it. A case in point: A number of adult men decided that they would use the tot-lot behind Bldg 3, just off Reddington, for drinking and smoking at all times of the day and night, and in at least one case, harassing a female resident. Saturation patrolling, asking for police support, and the willingness of nearby residents to watch from the second floor was especially effective. Their calls to the police non-emergency number (703-691-2131) helped deter the trespassers. They have not been seen for several weeks. Similar blanket coverage of S Drive seems to be working. This is proof of the value of the watchers, who are all pretty tired. Please consider joining the team!

Security notes. An important security addition is the upgrade of lighting throughout the community. Credit goes to our maintenance team, headed by Jessie Yelton. Thanks, guys! We still encourage residents to supplement visibility with lighting in front and back, and we should not become complacent. A vehicle parked on Forrester was burgled for tools in late July. Reminder: Don't leave anything of value in your vehicles, and avoid leaving GPS mounts in sight.

Another familiar topic: Dogs off-leash. We have detailed the Fairfax County municipal code, which makes it illegal for your dog(s) to be off-leash. Claiming that the dog is under voice control does not mean anything to Fairfax County animal control officers. Almost every resident is complying with the law and respecting their neighbors, but there are a few who are unwilling to comply. Particularly concerning is reports of unleashed bully breed dogs, such as pit bulls and other bulldogs. If you observe ANY dog off-leash, call the non-emergency number (703-691-2131).If you are unwilling to identify yourself, identify Marc Powe (703-795-0706) as the point of contact. He has worked successfully with an animal control officer who issued a warning to a resident, which could lead to a potential penalty of several hundreds of dollars. This is serious stuff, folks.

--Marc Powe, Chairman, Neighborhood Watch

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH NOTICE TO RESIDENTS OF BUILDINGS 1-5 - JUNE 29, 2011

NH Watch Notice to Residents of Buildings 1-5 - click here to view.