Community members keep eyes peeled Published May 13, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Dennis L. Sloan Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- On-base housing members add extra community policing with the McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Neighborhood Community Watch program. The overall intention of the group is to improve the quality of life in the community by effectively involving residents in the neighborhood watch program and area patrols. "Last September, three other spouses were talking at the bus stop about various issues and concerns that included: quality of life, bus transportation and safety issues," said Angel Hartman, MDL Neighborhood Watch president. "We realized a solution for many of these problems would be a community watch program." The group continuously monitors the base for suspicious activity and reports to the Joint Base Police Department Squadron. A combined effort from the JBPD and the North Hanover police department, who respond, track and pursue leads, helps to make the neighborhood watch program successful. "The group helps the community by policing their housing areas and the base," said Senior Airman Xaimara Otero-Ortiz, 87th SFS consignment and operations support non-commissioned officer. "We can't be everywhere at once so the group provides us with eyes and ears all over the base." More than 2,800 crimes occurred on JB MDL in 2010. The top five crimes included: drugs and drug paraphernalia, vandalism, driving under the influence or damage to government property. With block captains, watchers, foot, bike, vehicle and the youth patrolling members the group deters these crimes. "Neighborhood watch focuses on eliminating illegal behavior that undermines peoples sense of well being and public safety in an area," said Hartman, "The crimes we target are drug usage, drug dealing, property theft, vandalism, graffiti, noise violations and speeding." If the group encounters a crime, they contact the JBPD. They meet bi-weekly with security forces to discuss recurring problems to track patterns. In emergency situations, the group always calls 911 and advises all community members to do the same. "The JBPD feels the MDL Neighborhood Community Watch Program is an excellent force multiplier in the prevention and reporting of crimes," said Otero-Ortiz. "Even if their presence does not stop a crime, it expedites the reporting of crimes. If crimes are reported, JBPD can impact an apprehension and stop personnel and property from being victimized." Deterrence is one of the group's biggest weapons against crime, which provides community members and deployed servicemembers with peace of mind. "Deployed servicemembers can put their minds at ease about their family's safety with the neighborhood watch program working with 87th SFS," said Hartman. "It is just another added measure to help keep their minds focused on their assigned missions and return safely home to their loved ones." An applicant must be 18 years or older with no criminal background to become a MDL Neighborhood Community Watch program member. Applicants must complete training and receive approval from JBPD and the Board of Directors along with age and non-criminal background requirements. Most members of the group are from the active-duty, military family members, retired military, DOD civilian and retired DOD civilian members of JB MDL. Both groups are voluntary and are made available free of charge. To join community members can email mdlwatch@hotmail.com, call 723-6563 or visit the MDL Neighborhood Community Watch Facebook page. "The JBPD are thankful for the efforts of the MDL Neighborhood Community Watch Group and believes it will continue to flourish and become more prevalent in the community," said Otero-Ortiz. "The cornerstone of community policing is people watching and reporting suspicious activity. This program has already had a direct positive reflection on the community."