To encourage members of the community to actively participate
in reducing crime and promoting safety, Crime Watch sponsors the following
programs:
In homes throughout the City, Crime Watch
schedules neighborhoods meetings to present information about public safety
matters. A Block Captain is selected and a neighborhood Crime Watch is formed.
Crime Watch signs, which act as deterrents to crime, are installed at locations
around the neighborhood if requested at meetings.
Since 2002, Crime Watch has helped sponsor
nationally recognized self-defense classes called RAD, radKIDS and Advanced
RAD, which are taught by certified police instructors and offered for women and
children.
Recently, Coral Gables became the first law
enforcement agency in the country to provide a pilot program called MightyDot.
The MightyDot technology is a property identifier and theft deterrent device
for homes, motor vehicles and boats. This device is installed by trained
officers from the Coral Gables Police Department.
In 1983, Crime Watch helped to initiate the
volunteer program known as the Coral Gables Citizens’ Crime Watch Mobile
Patrol. This program which has been a model for cities around the country,
allows trained citizens to assist the Police Department in patrolling
neighborhoods throughout the City.
In order to encourage children to act
responsibly and channel their talents constructively, Crime Watch helped
sponsor the Coral Gables Police Athletic League Graffiti Art Program.
Crime Watch also sponsors block parties
annually in neighborhoods throughout the City. At these events, neighbors have
an opportunity to become acquainted with one another, as well as meet City
officials and members of the Police and Fire Departments.
In an attempt to prevent and reduce crime in
neighborhoods, Crime Watch encourages members of the community to report
incidents of graffiti to the Crime Watch office so that this can be removed
promptly.
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