Can nosey neighbors reduce violent crime?
November 25th, 2009 | 
Author: | The recent escalation in shooting violence in and around Walterboro and Colleton County has had some residents on edge and many seeking to place blame. During a meeting of the Ecumenical Ministerial Alliance last Thursday, Colleton County Sheriff George Malone and Walterboro Public Safety Chief Otis Rhodes agreed with the ministers that nosey neighbors could be a good alternative to help communities regain control |
According to Malone, the few communities that have organized and taken steps to gain control of their own streets and communities have experienced a visible reduction in deviant behavior.
Malone highlighted the contrasting elements of a crime watch and neighborhood watch to point distinctive differences. He explained that a crime watch requires more interaction with law enforcement to facilitate, while a neighborhood watch is basically carried out through cooperative neighbors who look out for each other.
Reverend Jerry Harrison of Jericho United Methodist Church in Cottageville compelled the group to take action within each communities to empower neighbors to begin forming effective neighborhood watch initiatives.
The sentiment of the nosey neighbor was delivered in Reverend John Stephens message entitled, “A Time to Speak,” at the triple memorial service for the Kitrell family on Sunday.
“It’s time to speak up and not keep silent,” said Stephens. “There is a lot of information in here today…Some of you know…It’s time for you to speak.”
Currently there are several people and groups cooperating to reduce violence within Walterboro and Colleton County.
The Walterboro City Council is facilitating a town hall meeting on December 1st at City Hall. The Community Action Line Against Violence is hosting a neighborhood meeting at Saint James Holiness Church at 121 Harper Street on December 5th at 12:00 noon.
On December 19, 2009, the Community Response Alliance is facilitating a countywide Town Hall Meeting and Community Forum at the Hampton Street Auditorium from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. A professional moderator will moderate. If you are unable to attend the meeting on December 19th, please forward your ideas in writing to Phillip Taylor at PO Box 2201, Walterboro, SC 29488.
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