A good Neighborhood Watch Program is one of the most effective crime prevention tools ever invented. It is the combination of concerned residents and law enforcement working together to reduce residential burglaries and other crimes. It consists of a cohesive body of concerned citizens addressing issues that affect their neighborhood.
The Oro Valley Police Department has two Crime Prevention officers who organize, train and provide valuable information to these neighborhoods in order to reduce and prevent crime. Neighborhood Watch provides communities a direct liaison with the police department and monthly newsletters are distributed.
A number of Homeowners Associations (HOA) recently received an email message from the OVPD Neighborhood Watch. The email included a two-page document entitled "Know Your Police Department's Budget" said to have been completed in an effort to address questions concerning the Oro Valley Police Department's (OVPD) 2011/2012 fiscal year budget. [Click here to retrieve it.]
I believe that the OVPD should identify which Neighborhood Watch participants and which Homeowner’s Associations demanded answers to questions about the OVPD's budget? Did the Council authorize the time and cost to produce this brochure information for its approval prior to the e-mail being sent by OVPD and this information being posted on the Town Web Site? Is it possible that the public might question the justification and validity of this brochure?
John Musolf
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