CRIME WATCH MINUTES
FEBRUARY 27, 2008
Present: Mrs. King, Cator Robinson, Bob Zangueneh, Chief Weigand, Vince Umstot, Kim Weigand
Bob opened the meeting at 7:00 PM and explained to the new member of Crime Watch how the meetings are conducted, when and where the meetings are held along with a brief history of Crime Watch.
Bob Reviewed the presentation of Crime Watch that was prepared for the school and added that the purpose of Crime Watch is for added communication between the community and the police.
It was announced that the DARE graduation is Tuesday March 11th at 1:00 PM in the middle school of Bermudian School District and that the public is welcome to attend.
Bob announced that the Community Crime Watch “Adopt a Cop” program was done to purchase safety equipment in need by the police department, namely protective vests. Chief Weigand informed that the goal to raise was $2,800 dollars and that that amount would purchase new vests for all of the officers. To date $4,350 was raised, $700 of that amount was in the form of Gift Cards where the vests were purchased from. Chief Weigand informed that 5 vests were ordered at the total cost of $3,464.75 Chief Weigand stated there is a separate line item in the budget for this purpose and the treasurer has the bill. The Chief stated that after the purchase of the vests there was a balance in that line item of $850.00 and that the officers would like to use that money for the purchase of a ballistic helmet and explained there is mutual aid within the County and most departments are equipped with this equipment, that these are also important to officer safety. Chief Weigand informed that this was the worst year for officers loosing their lives on the job. Chief Weigand informed that the residents and businesses that “Adopted a Cop” were given a Certificate of Adoption with the name of the officer whose vest they assisted in purchasing with that officers signature on the Certificate of Adoption. Chief Weigand stated that the program was very successful and showed that the community was concerned about police safety and he and the officers wish to convey a very heartfelt Thank you to the community and the Crime Watch Committee. Bob stated that a news release should be done along with a letter to the media thanking them for their support, and that this was not just another fundraiser but a much bigger story of Little Town American working to support their local police. Chief Weigand asked the committee if they wanted a ceremony to present the new vests to the officers? Mrs. King suggested doing it at the next Township meeting and inviting the media to attend.
Chief Weigand gave the crime report and indicated an increase in drug use on campus facilities of all schools, not just Bermudian Springs. The Latimore Police Department with the cooperation of the school district are doing interdictions with the use of the canine unit. He explained that the canine was at the school district twice and six arrests were made for drug violations. The Chief explained that the surrounding Police Departments, East Berlin, Reading and the Pennsylvania State Police were all actively involved in this event as the students of the school district reside in each area. The Chief also said that the parents have all been very supportive of these events. The Chief stated that the police department along with the school district are shooting to be very pro-active.
There was discussion about having a “bike rodeo” informing children of proper helmets and bike safety at the school. The Chief stated he would also like to get TEAM DUI to the school and possibly do another mock crash like was done previously. The Chief said anything to be pro-active and that he would need the Crime Watch Committee’s help.
The Chief informed the Committee that on May 4th Make a Wish Truck Convoy would be coming through the community and that the police department will assist with traffic and the escort and that usually the police officers that take part in this event donate their time. May 4th is also the Annual Health and Safety Day at All Sports Complex in Gettysburg.
Bob stated that the general public “doesn’t get” what all the department and police officers do. Chief Weigand explained that a lot of officers belong to a group called the Blue Knights and explained their purpose of raising funds for local sick children or children and families in need of assistance.
The Chief also informed the Committee that he submitted a grant for a new police car and that the grant will be reviewed in March. The funds are usually available sometime in September or October if they are approved.
CALLS FOR FEBRUARY: 124
CALLS FOR JANUARY: 140
SCHOOL ZONE: The Police Department is allowed to enforce the school zone with Pa State Police. It is being aggressively enforced. The fine is $500 and the points are double.
The meeting will be held on March 27th at 7:00 at the Latimore Township Municipal Building.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:07.
At the request of Bob Zangueneh the following is the program put together for the school district on the Crime Watch Program.
PURPOSE: To educate and provide awareness to the public and residents of all ages. To increase their ability to assist law enforcement in providing a safe and healthy environment in the community and enhance their quality of life.
SPONSORS: Latimore Township Police Department, Latimore Township, local businesses and residents from the community.
GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE: Areas served by the Latimore Township Police Department, Latimore Township, Lake Meade Community and Bermudian Springs School District.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION: This program is a non –profit organization and accepts donations, dues and business sponsors to operate the program. A contribution from the municipality’s involved is not necessary. The operational costs of this program are generally minimal. Law Enforcement agencies network with each other, and agencies such as the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency can provide information to assist us in educating the public.
MEETINGS AND TRAINING: The Latimore Township Community Crime Watch Association develops training sessions to be presented on special occasions. They have a regular scheduled monthly meeting combined with a specific topic. The participate in community sponsored events.
EDUCATION PROGRAM: The Latimore Township Police Department in cooperation with other law enforcement agency’s, private industry and professionals in law, develop and sponsor educational programs, networking and community oriented policing programs.