Community Policing-The Block Captain's Role

Although neighbors have traditionally helped one another throughout history, host Brian Fraser points out that today many of us don't even know the names of the people living next door. Unfortunately, isolation increases a criminal's chances of moving about undetected, while community watch type programs act as a deterrent-sending a clear message of unity and vigilance to would-be lawbreakers. After emphasizing the need for neighborhood watch programs, this video outlines the basics of creating and maintaining community policing, focusing on the role of the block captain. Advice is offered for initiating the program with local authorities, working with community members, and the importance of creating block maps and telephone trees. In addition, viewers are encouraged to set up occasional meetings, where a wide variety of topics may be addressed (including gang problems, domestic violence, and child neglect). An accompanying handbook provides some reproducible forms and more information. The one major drawback here is the price, which is a bit steep for a how-to targeted specifically at community libraries...especially when this is also being sold directly to individuals at the far more reasonable price of $21.95. Recommended, with reservations. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)