FAQ
What is City Watch?
City Watch is a crime prevention program (like a Neighborhood Watch) which enlists the active participation of residents and businesses in cooperation with law enforcement to reduce crime downtown Macon.
Why City Watch?
There cannot be a law enforcement officer on every corner, so citizen involvement is essential to combat crime. By cooperating with each other and law enforcement, people can help fight crime in their community the most effective way – before it begins. It works! Throughout the country, dramatic decreases in burglary and related offenses are reported by law enforcement. City Watch also helps build pride and serves as a spring board for efforts that address other community concerns such as recreation for youth, child care, and affordable housing.
What will City Watch do for Downtown Macon?
City Watch implements crime prevention techniques such as home security, operation identification, etc. It also creates an information sharing network using cell phones, social media, email, and flyers. Residents and businesses are also trained to recognize and report suspicious activities downtown. City Watch provides the community with a strong unified voice to inform community leaders on programs and actions that the “people” support. This is a great opportunity for residents to get to know each other and work together in a program of mutual assistance.
How do I join City Watch?
Any resident, business owner, employee or college student who spends time downtown is encouraged to join City Watch. There are several different ways that you can join. Contact Kris Hattaway (kris@newtownmacon.com) or Laura Schofield (laura@newtownmacon.com) at NewTown Macon, contact Patrick McConnell (patrick@citywatchmacon.org), or join one of our meetings the first Thursday of every month at The 567, 567 Cherry St for more information.
Will City Watch replace the responsibility of law enforcement?
To try and replace the responsibility of law enforcement would completely defeat the purpose of our program. City Watch endeavors to work alongside law enforcement, non-profits, fire department and city officials to combat crime and clean up the city. There are currently 5 law enforcement officers assigned to a very large area in downtown Macon. Enlisting the active involvement of citizens offers those offers more eyes and ears on the street. City Watch leaves the responsibility for apprehending criminals where it belongs – with law enforcement agencies.
