September 27. 2002-
The Wantage Town Council held a workshop on "Elements of a successful community watch program" at the Wantage Municipal building at 7:00 PM. Representatives from the New Jersey State Police and the Sussex County Sheriff's Office held a presentation and addressed questions from the public.
About 60 residents attended the work session to learn more about establishing a community watch program, and what such a program would do, and what it would not do. The police representatives explained what elements are needed to make a watch group successful.
The most important element, of course, is the people in the group. The group will act as the eyes and ears of the community. The more people involved, the greater the chance will be that a lawbreaker will be seen committing the crime.
Educating the area is very important. The word must get out that this neighborhood is watching and will not tolerate people breaking the law. Violators will be reported.
The Sheriff's office has offered to meet with residents to help set up their watch groups. A large group can be divided into subgroups to watch specific areas. Needed for a group are a place to meet, a leader, officers, and interested people.
The concern that seemed to be shared by the majority in attendance was the illegal use of all terrain vehicles (ATVs) and motorcycles. The State Police advised the audience to find out who the violators are: get a description of the rider — what he/she is wearing, what the vehicle looks like, direction in which the vehicle left. Tell everybody you know about the incident and the description. Somebody will recognize this person. Call the police. Let them know what is happening in your area. They are interested in keeping your community safe.
The police need the community's help in dealing with the ATV problem. They have a vast area to patrol and by the time they arrive on the scene the illegal riders are usually gone. That's where the community watch group's eyes are valuable to assist the police in tracking down the violators.
Tom Jable, president of the Friends of Lake Neepaulin, will be coordinating the Lake Neepaulin group. Further plans will be discussed at the FOLN October meeting.
Jim Doherty will act as the intermediary with the state police to schedule a meeting with other residents interested in forming a watch group. Everyone in our township is invited to become involved with keeping our community safe. For more information contact Jim Doherty at the municipal building at 875-7192 or e-mail him at administrator@wantagetwp-nj.org