On the plus side I have seen two police patrols go by this morning.

I think the HOA should have a neighborhood meeting in regards to all the break-ins and vandalism so that we can see what we can do to get these guys out of our neighborhood.  Maybe Neighborhood Watch signs posted at all the entrances into the neighborhood.   I am sure they could get some COPS volunteers signed up too. 

I recruit for COPS members at every neighborhood event, in every newsletter, on websites, etc. I attend Lakes of River Trails meetings, talk to people at playgrounds, kids sporting events, via email, etc.  It is an ongoing recruitment for members. Yet the turn out is very minimal.

I get tons of emails in appreciation but, little to no response to individuals who want to actually participate. The highest the number of volunteers we have had at one time was 11. But, it's a struggle to maintain even that kind of participation.  We currently have three.

Code Blue is a Citizens on Patrol program. It consists of trained volunteers that act only as the eyes and ears for Fort Worth Police. Individuals donate as little as a hour a month to as much as they like to volunteerly patrol the neighborhood via walking, bike or own personal vehicle.

The COP classes are quarterly. I had a few people sign up right after the last class and they only have them once a quarter now. So, there very well could be a wait depending on when the application is submitted.

The next class is April 18th from 8 am - 4pm at 1000 Calvert. Go to www.fortworthpd.com, click on Community Policing. The application to join Code Blue is available there.

Please send me an email letting me know you submitted an application. Several applications have slipped thru the cracks. If I know you filled out an application, I can follow up on it.

Melissa McDougall

How bout we just watch out for each other?  We know what our neighbors drive and who should be around or not.  It's a shame that we don't know our neighbors better.  I have followed many a suspicious car in this neighborhood and gotten plate numbers.  That's what a neighbor does.    Your sitter should have shot the first time and then we might not have had any more problems.