One of the most effective ways in reducing crime is to lessen or eliminate the opportunity.
Criminal opportunity can be minimized by increasing the community's level of participation. Residents actively involved in the prevention of crime have a far-reaching impact. The police department and the community benefit from their support.
The Southfield Police Department founded the Mobile Watch Program in 1979, with Southfield residents as volunteers. They patrol the streets and help the community as the "eyes and ears" of the Police Department. Mobile Watch provides a valuable service to the community and its high visibility has been a deterrent to crime.
Before they begin, members must undergo an extensive training program provided by the Mobile Watch Coordinator in conjunction with the Southfield Police Department. Members wear plain clothes and use their personal vehicles identified with magnetic and overhead signs.
Members patrol Southfield streets and parks looking for suspicious activity or vehicles. They are equipped with portable radios to notify their base station for immediate police response. They report potentially dangerous situations such as downed wires, refrigerators left at the curb with the locking mechanism or door still intact, open garage doors, or situations that may provide criminals with unnecessary opportunity. Members are assigned to the base station or street patrol.
The Mobile Watch program is open to Southfield residents willing to work with the Police Department to achieve safer neighborhoods.
For more information, call (248) 796-5415.