Duncanville Police Department hosting events to increase public involvement

by Angel Morris of Duncanville TODAY

In an effort to bring the public into the crime-fighting fold, Duncanville Police Department announces two upcoming activities for residents.

National Night Out events will take place Aug. 7 and the Citizen Police Academy will begin its annual series of classes Aug. 28.

“The Duncanville Police Department wants to utilize the community policing theory by generating participation in National Night Out and the Citizen Police Academy, as well as anti-crime programs such as the Neighborhood Crime Watch,” Crime Prevention Officer Doug Sisk said.

Community policing is a theory utilized in some law enforcement agencies to encourage residents to help officers in fighting crime. Not by becoming vigilantes, but by being vigilant in reporting suspicious activities to police.

“Crime prevention programs give people information about being aware of their surroundings and not being hesitant to contact their local police,” Sisk said. “Several neighborhoods are planning their own National Night Out events and the police department will also host a safety fair in a central location.”

The Dr Pepper StarCenter will be the site of this year's community NNO event from 6-9 p.m., featuring free public skating on one rink and hockey on another. Topical information on crime prevention will be available, and civic groups will also be on hand distributing material.

“It's just going to be a fun, family event to help beat the heat this August and, most importantly, to get residents involved in community policing,” Sisk said.

Neighborhoods that have already begun planning their National Night Out events with the Duncanville Police Department are The Homestead on Big Stone Gap from 6-9 p.m., Hollywood Park from 7-9 p.m. and Dean Court, District 5 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Jubilee United Methodist Church, 301 Frank Keasler Blvd.

“There isn't a better way to start helping police fight crime in Duncanville than by organizing or attending an NNO event. There is still time to contact us and let us help you get a program in place for August,” Sisk said.

NNO activities typically involve a question-and-answer session with a local officer, followed by the distribution of anti-crime material and contact information between neighbors. Refreshments often follow.

“We're happy to have an officer on hand to discuss what any neighborhood can do to maintain or improve their safety,” Sisk said. “NNO events are always casual and fun and generally very informative.”

National Night Out, established in 1981, is a program designed to:

• Heighten crime awareness and crime prevention measures;
• Heighten crime awareness and crime prevention measures;
• Deter criminal activity;
• Create a greater sense of security and reduce fear of crime;
• Generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs;
• Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships;
• Build bonds with neighbors - people look out for one another, stimulating neighborhood awareness;
• Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back by calling the police on suspicious activity;
• Instruct residents on how to observe and report suspicious activities in their community;
• Address quality-of-life issues and mutual interests in the city; and
• Provide information to make individuals and their property target-hardened against the criminal element

“A lot of crime prevention is simply a matter of making it tough for criminals to make you a victim,” Sisk said.

Sisk encouraged anyone who considers crime on the rise in their neighborhood to participate in NNO.

“Crime prevention in a neighborhood, business district or park is a community responsibility. If the neighborhood isn't bad, let's keep it that way. If your neighborhood is questionable or becoming crime ridden, by all means get a neighborhood watch started now,” he said.

Sisk said watch groups make citizens the “eyes and ears” of the police department.

“These groups also serve as an empowering outlet for victims of crime. It helps give victims a greater sense of control - ensuring that what happened to them will be less likely to happen to others,” Sisk said. “Neighborhood watch programs can also be a springboard for many other efforts to address the causes of crime, reduce crime and improve neighborhood conditions including youth recreation, childcare, economic development, senior-citizen activities, affordable housing and community beautification.”

Those who want to develop an NNO event in their neighborhood can call Sisk at 972-780-5027 or e-mail him at dsisk@ci.duncan ville. tx.us.

Others who want to learn more about community policing should mark their calendars for the city-wide NNO StarCenter event.

“Come out, and enjoys some cool temperatures at the ice rink and receive a number of crime prevention tips to make your property a harder target for criminals,” Sisk said.

The StarCenter is located at 1700 S. Main.