Boston Police Neighborhood Crime Watch

East Boston Community Summit on Substance Abuse

Carolyn MacNeil — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:19:00 -0500

Be Heard, Be Informed, Get Connected, Get Involved!

This Saturday, February 13th join the City of Boston, the Boston Public Health Commission, East Boston NoDrugs Coalition and concerned neighbors at the Harborside Community Center at 312 Border Street for an informational and educational event on the issue of substance abuse. The event runs from 10am to 2pm and will be a way for residents to ask questions and get answers to an insidious and widespread problem that effects individuals, families and neighborhoods. The Neighborhood Watch Unit will be attending and will have information available on how YOU can get involved in your neighborhood.

Business Watch beginning to take hold

Carolyn MacNeil — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:55:00 -0500

Business members of the Peabody Square/Ashmont area in Dorchester along with St Marks Area Main Streets met this morning to discuss implementing an organized Business Watch in their local business district. "The idea has been tossed around for awhile but unfortunately has never taken hold" said Dan Larner, Executive Director of SMAMS. A number of recent incidents along with an increase in loitering, aggressive panhandling, skatebording and lack of cleanliness has prompted business owners, managers and employees to rally around the idea that an organized group of individuals can make an area inhospitable to crime and more hospitable for business. The Neighborhood Watch Unit has also presented to Hyde Park and Dudley Square Main Streets. We, along with our many partners, look forward to getting this preventative program off the ground!

Informational Handout at Jackson T Station

Carolyn MacNeil — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:07:00 -0500

Shown here is Carolyn MacNeil, Director of the Neighborhood Watch Unit and Sgt John McNulty of District E-13.

A Note from Brighton Street Neighborhood Watch Charlestown

Carolyn MacNeil — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 11:28:00 -0500

On Tuesday, December 29, 2009 @ about noon, a 38 year old white male broke into 19 Wheeler St, Somerville. Wheeler St. is a side street off of Mt. Vernon St. Shortly after the break, the female homeowner arrived and observed the suspect in her home. She immediately dialed 911 and gave an excellent description of the suspect to the Somerville Police dispatcher.

Within seconds, several Somerville cruisers spotted the suspect fleeing on foot toward Charlestown via Perkins St. Somerville P.D. contacted Boston P.D. and the Transit Police for assistance. Laura Johnson of Brighton St. saw many of the police cruisers in the area and began making phone calls to alert neighbors of suspicious behavior, not knowing what had transpired several streets away in Somerville.

A short time later, the Somerville Police Chief and one of his deputies arrested the suspect who was hiding under a car on Brighton St. They brought the suspect back to the scene of the crime for a " ShowUp. " Once the victim identified him as the suspect that had entered her home, he was given a free ride to the Somerville Police station and booked on several felony counts.

This case highlights the need to remain vigilant in watching out for each other's property. The suspect in this case gave his home address as Franklin St., Somerville. However, he is a known Charlestown resident.

Keep up the good work ............And don't hesitate to call the police if something appears suspicious.......

Thanks everyone!

Neighborhood Watch Welcomes Two New Groups in JP

Carolyn MacNeil — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 12:18:00 -0500

Two new groups have formed in the E-13 Jamiaca Plain area. The Southbourne and Woodbourne area has begun to organize because of the recent spate of car breaks. Many neighbors turned out for a meeting on December 15th. They are in the process of getting an email list together and trying to get a person on each street as a block captain.

The other neighborhood watch group is in/around the Chestnut Street area including Forbes, Chestnut, Sheridan and Beecher St's. This group has rallied and gotten together because of a number of robberies in the neighborhood. Residents are concerned, wanted to get more involved and learn what they can do working together and with the police.

Welcome and we look forward to supporting your neighborhood efforts to make JP a safer place to live!

Neighborhood Watch has new slogan

Carolyn MacNeil — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:01:00 -0400

As part of a re-branding of the Neighborhood Crime Watch Unit to the more inclusive Neighborhood Watch Unit we have come up with a new slogan!

"Working Together, Finding Solutions, Making a Difference"

Please contact us and start making a difference today!

Neighborhood Watch and Neighbors for Neighbors Unite!

Carolyn MacNeil — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 12:57:00 -0400

The BPD Neighborhood Watch Unit is partnering with, and supporting, the Neighbors for Neighbors networks in the City of Boston. We believe it to be another avenue for information sharing, collaboration and education. The official launch party for Neighbors for Neighbors will be held on October 24th from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm at the Milky Way in Jamaica Plain. Please join residents, neighbors and city officials.

As part of the launch, "The Neighborhood Challenge" will commence. This is a contest to get as many people involved and signed up across the city. The Neighborhood Watch Unit encourages participation at all levels in order to make your neighborhood safer. This is your city get involved!

National Night Out Boston 2009

Blog Admin — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:29:00 -0400

The 26th annual National Night Out for Boston is a citywide celebration that cultivates and strengthens partnerships between the community, youth, police, city agencies and community-based organizations. The event also acknowledges the contributions that Neighborhood Watch groups make to Boston's safety and it fosters community participation.

Each of the 11 Police Districts will host a celebration.

There will be block parties hosted by Neighborhood Watch groups across Boston.

There will be two award ceremonies: one will honor the Top Ten Neighborhood Watch groups and the Crime Fighter of the Year, and the second will honor the poster/essay contest award recipients.

WILD ABOUT NATIONAL NIGHT OUT!

Please join us, as well as the expected 10,000 community members, in participating at the Franklin Park Zoo Gathering on Tuesday, August 4th from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.

Neighbors are encouraged to attend and enjoy the evening activities that include: Beverages from Honest Tea and Cookies from Late July. Entertainment by the Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park, Radio Disney, Camelia Latin Jazz and gospel choir Ashmont Hill. The event will feature sponsor tents and giveaways from Target and Tedeschi. Festivities will also include information made available by BPD's Neighborhood Watch Unit, The Mayor's Office of Emergency Preparedness, The Department of Correction, Suffolk County Sheriff's Office, MA HealthNet Plan and Neighbors for Neighbors. Other attractions for community members to enjoy include Zoo Encounters, the ReadBoston Storytelling Van, and Facial Expressions face painting.

Update to National Night Out 2009 Poster Contest

Blog Admin — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 11:45:00 -0400

This years National Night Out 2009 Poster Contest was a great success. With this years' theme "Street Safe Boston" we recieved over 400 posters and we had 15 schools participating. We also incorporated an essay component to this years contest and those who submitted were asked to articulate what Street Safe Boston meant to them. The essays were thoughfully written and demonstrated how important safety and security is to young people. The winning posters will be displayed at City Hall throughout the next two months and the winners will be invited to an award reception at Boston Police Headquarters on July 31st from 10am-noon. Winners will be contacted soon. We thank all participants!

Swine Flu Information

Blog Admin — Fri, 01 May 2009 12:05:00 -0400

Human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) infection have been identified in the United States and internationally. As of Wednesday, April 29, two cases of swine flu have been confirmed in Massachusetts; there are no confirmed cases in Boston. The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) is working closely with state and federal health officials to increase surveillance and will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Swine influenza (swine flu) is flu virus in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu; however, human infection can happen. Symptoms are similar to regular flu and include sudden fever, cough, muscle aches, headache, chills, and general weakness. Some people have also had diarrhea and vomiting. These symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Residents can take steps to protect themselves.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue every time you cough or sneeze. Then throw the used tissue in a waste basket. If you don't have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your upper sleeve.

Clean your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. You can also use alcohol-based hand cleaner.

Do not go to work or school if sick. Stay home when you are sick. It is recommended that you stay at home for 7 days after you first get sick or for 24 hours after your symptoms have gone away, whichever is longer.

Try to limit contact with others to keep from getting them sick.

Information and Resources

For more information about swine flu and what the Commission is recommending, please read our our Swine Flu Fact Sheet <http://www.bphc.org/programs/Fact%20Sheets/CDC/Infectious%20Diseases/SwineFlu_FS_English_2009.pdf> and Frequently Asked Questions <http://www.bphc.org/programs/Fact%20Sheets/CDC/Infectious%20Diseases/SwineFluFAQ_FS_English_2009.pdf>. These documents are available in multiple languages in the right column of this page. Resources for health care providers, such as posters, are located at the bottom of this page. Residents can also follow us on Twitter <http://twitter.com/BosPublicHealth> and Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/pages/Boston-MA/Boston-Public-Health-Commission/47308341278>. Multilingual videos are available on our YouTube channel <http://www.youtube.com/BostonPublicHealth>.

The World Health Organization <http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html> (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control <http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/> (CDC) are frequently updating their websites with swine flu information and guidance. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health <http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/> (MDPH) provides statewide updates, including a blog and podcasts.

Carolyn MacNeil

Director

Neighborhood Watch Unit

Boston Police Department

20 Vine Street

Boston, MA. 02129

Letter from Ed Geary, Deputy Director of Suffolk County Sheriff's Department

Blog Admin — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 10:58:00 -0400

Dear Neighborhood Watch Group Leader,

I am writing on behalf of Suffolk County Sheriff Andrea J. Cabral. Sheriff Cabral who is the 30th High Sheriff of Suffolk County and is currently serving a six-year term to which she was elected in September 2004.

Sheriff Cabral has made a commitment to the citizens of Suffolk County that the Sheriff’s Department will be an active community partner. Although we are not first responders such as the Boston Police and Fire Departments, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department does have an active role in public safety. Since last year, our staff has visited with over ninety community-based groups and organizations across the neighborhoods of Suffolk County introducing programs we run and our role in public safety.

I would ask that your neighborhood watch group allow our staff to introduce the Sheriff’s Department during an upcoming meeting. Please contact me at 617.961.6672 so that I may work with you to schedule a convenient time for one of our staff members to attend.

I would like to thank you in advance for the opportunity to attend a meeting and for all the hard work being done by your members to help make Suffolk County a better place to live.

Sincerely,

Edward Geary, Jr.

Deputy Director

Communications and External Affairs

Suffolk County Jail

Tel: 617.961.6672

Fax: 617.961.6750
E-mail: egeary@scsdma.org

Walk and Watch Event: Saturday, March 28th 2009

Blog Admin — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:41:00 -0400

Good Morning,

On behalf of the Neighborhood Watch Unit, and in conjunction with the Boston Public Health Commission, I want to invite you to join us this Saturday, March 28th for a kickoff event to "Walk and Watch". What better way to join your neighbors, get some exercise and look at what's going on in your neighborhoods. Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to call our office at 617-343-4345! Hope to see some of you then!

Regards,

Carolyn

Please read the following attachment flyer for more information! Thank You!

Police to alert public with Twitter dispatches

Blog Admin — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:01:00 -0400

As many of us know, one of Boston's famous traditions is the St. Patrick's Day Parade in South Boston. This parade is held every year the Sunday before St. Patrick's Day. Due to increasing public drinking and problems, the Boston Police are cracking down on problems via a technologically savy approach. Police personell are utilizing the internet tool "Twitter" to monitor the days events. If you are attending the event, please be curtious and respectful to the residents of South Boston and follow all typical rules and regulations of the City of Boston.

The following is an except from the article:

"A crime-blotter blog. E-mail alerts. Anonymous tips via text message. Now comes the next high-tech weapon for the Boston Police Department: A sergeant in the emergency dispatch center has been experimenting with Twitter, the micro-blogging tool that facilitates group conversations in 140-character bulletins to subscribers via computers and cellphones."

Read Mentioned Article here:

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/03/12/police_to_alert_public_with_twitter_dispatches/?s_campaign=8315

21st Annual POSTER CONTEST

Blog Admin — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 14:28:00 -0400

May 8, 2009 SUBMISSION DEADLINE

What: The 21st Annual National Night Out Poster Contest run by the Neighborhood Watch Unit of the Boston Police Department.

For whom: All children between the ages of 5 and 18 enrolled in any school, community center, library, before and after school program, or any adult coordinated youth activity program/group in the City of Boston are eligible.

Theme: "Street Safe Boston."The theme of the 2009 Boston Police Neighborhood Watch Unit’s poster contest is “Street Safe Boston”. Each artist is to show how their school, neighborhood and/or everyday life represents a safe Boston. The 12 contestants will be selected as winners will be awarded a gift card and invited to meet Mayor Menino and Police Commissioner Davis at the Boston Police Headquarters in Roxbury. A Grand Prize Winner will be revealed and honored with a pizza party for their Art class.

Prizes: Three Winners will be selected from four grade categories: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12. Art work will be judged on quality, theme, originality and message the Artist is conveying. Notification is made to students and teachers during the school year. All entries will be judged and the put on display. Show your Boston pride by entering! We look forward to viewing your work!

Poster Suggestions: Any drawing or painting materials or combination thereof (crayon, paint, pencil, etc.) on paper. Collages of magazines or newsprint are not permitted. Bold colors are encouraged. Posters may be submitted on either a 11"x17” or 12"x18" sheet of paper. Also, artists should attach to backa one page essay or poem which entrants will describe how crime prevention and neighborhood watch participation can effect their environment.

Deadline: Friday, May 8, 2009, 3:00 P.M. Mail/deliver to The Neighborhood Watch Unit at 20 Vine Street, Charlestown, MA 02129

Important: Posters must be accompanied by a completed entry form securely attached to the back of posters. (If entry form is unavailable, simply provide student's name, complete address, telephone, school, grade, teacher's or adult coordinator's name and summer telephone number on a page attached to the back of the poster).

Neighborhood Watch Unit, Boston Police Department

www.BostonCrimeWatch.com

617-343-4345

Broken Windows Theory Proved in Lowell

Blog Admin — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:18:00 -0500

We’ve been excited to share with you a recent article in The Boston Globe. The article, titled “Cleaning up crime in Lowell”, is an analysis of the Broken Windows Theory. The Broken Windows Theory was first introduced in 1982 by James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling in an article titled “Broken Windows”. The theory states that the neglect of a simple repair, such as a window, can lead to a cycle of deterioration which affects not only the home with the broken window, but the whole neighborhood. One broken window can lead to further vandalism, trash, home vacancy, and eventually crime.

Although some may judge this theory as being pessimistic and drastic, the positive message of it is that with simple attention to detail, pride and care, crime can easily be prevented. This article uses the City of Lowell to exemplify the positive changes which can occur in a short period of time.

Please click on the link below to read the article:

http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/editorials/articles/2009/02/13/cleaning_up_crime_in_lowell/

Neighborhood Crime Watch Loses a Dear Friend

Blog Admin — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 11:09:00 -0500

It is with a deep sense of sadness that we announce the passing away of Chris Hayes, the original founder and director of the Neighborhood Crime Watch Unit. Chris' contributions to the City of Boston cannot be underscored. He brought a sense of humility and compassion to what he did and he cared very deeply for the residents and neighborhoods of this great city. He truly believed in the concept of "knowing thy neighbor" just as community policing was starting to take root. That attention and consideration is the hallmark of what we continue to do to this day. Our thanks to Chris Hayes for making this a better city for all!

Please view this link from the Boston Globe

http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/obituaries/articles/2009/01/27/christopher_hayes_76_founded_crime_watch_program/

Snow Removal Rules and Requirements

Blog Admin — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 12:55:00 -0500

At the Neighborhood Watch Unit, our philosophy is that a clean neighborhood is a safe neighborhood. When residents and neighbors take the time to address small issues such as picking up trash and cleaning grafitti, it goes a long way in detering crime because it shows a collective concern. The same can be said about shoveling snow.

Shoveling is a vigorous work out which everyone can agree is tedious. It falls into the category of requirements in order to maintain a healthy neighborhood. With that being said, we want all residents to know that shoveling stairs and sidewalks in front of your home or residence is NOT optional. Per order of a 2007 ordinance, any resident who does not shovel their sidewalk/walkways/stairs will be fined with a ticket. Please read the following ordinace at length for all specifications regarding specifications.

http://www.cityofboston.gov/snow/pdfs/Bos_Snow_Ordi.pdf

Remember to shovel a width of 42 inches, so that wheelchairs and strollers will be able to pass easily. There is also a time limit, therefore watch weather forecasts and monitor the conditions.

If there is a senior citizen on your street or someone who is physically incapable of shoveling, talk among your neighbors to see if you could schedule shifts. This is an oppurtunity to interact within a neighborhood and talk about what is going on. This helps to strengthen and unify your community!

Expect more snow to come, since it's only January!

Christmas Vacation

Blog Admin — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 12:45:00 -0500

From Monday, December 22nd to Monday, December 29th, the Neighborhood Watch Unit will be on vacation. Our voicemail and email will be checked daily. If you should need assistance, call your local district and ask to speak with the Community Service Office. As always, in the case of an emergency, dial 9-1-1.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Neighborhood Watch Unit!

Our New Home

Blog Admin — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:29:00 -0500

As many of you know, the Neighborhood Watch Unit has moved from the Boston Police Headquarters in Roxbury to District A-15 in Charlestown. We are located on 20 Vine Street, which is accessible via public transportation (Orange Line to Sullivan Square, 93 Bus). We are thrilled with our new facility, which includes a spacious community room that can be reserved in advance for meetings.

Here our some pictures of District A-15 in Charlestown. Besides housing the NCU, A-15 is home to Recruit Investigations, the Fugitive Unit, Community Disorders Unit and Crime Stoppers. As always, contact us at 617-343-4345 with any questions or concerns.

Message From the Director

Blog Admin — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 11:59:00 -0500

Dear Neighborhood Watch Members,

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your support and hard work over the past year. What each and all of you do is so vital to the health and safety of your neighborhood and the City of Boston. I’ve enjoyed meeting many of you and learning more about the tremendous impact that Neighborhood Watch Groups have in their community. Now more than ever, as the country goes through a very tumultuous time, and everyone is forced to do more with less; your participation is a key element to the strength of this city. Remember to reach out to your neighbors and call us with any questions or concerns. Especially remember to call 9-1-1 to report anything at all suspicious. Again, our thanks go out to you and, let’s not lose the momentum as we look towards next year. May all of you have a safe and happy holiday season. I look forward to seeing and hearing from all of you in 2009.

With Best Wishes,

Carolyn MacNeil

Director, Neighborhood Watch Unit

Holiday Safety Tips

Blog Admin — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 12:53:00 -0500

HAPPY HOLIDAYS The holidays are a special and joyous time of year. It is also a time when individuals need to be alert to the possibility of crime. The Boston Police Department encourages individuals to take simple precautions to ensure a happy and safe holiday. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can easily create a distraction for people. However during this festive time, it is important to pay special attention to the things going on around you. The holiday season is considered peak season for burglars, pickpockets and shoplifters. Don’t let the spirit of giving lull you into giving burglars and pickpockets a chance to dampen your holiday spirit. Thieves love the holidays as much as everyone else, especially because it’s an opportune time for crime.

Move to Charlestown, MA

Blog Admin — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 19:37:00 -0500

The Boston Police Neighborhood Watch Unit has moved to 20 Vine Street in Charlestown, MA. Our location is in the newly opened District A15, on the Corner of Vine and Chelsea streets.

Our telephone number has NOT changed. You can still contact us at 617-343-4345 and 617-343-4779.

Directions: http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

Joseph Porcelli's last day at the Boston Police Department

Joseph Porcelli — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:30:00 -0400

Today is my last day serving the people of Boston in the capacity of Program Coordinator here in the Neighborhood Crime Watch Unit at Boston Police.

A message from the Neighborhood Crime Watch Unit's new Director, Carolyn MacNeil

Joseph Porcelli — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:38:00 -0400

It is with a profound sense of enthusiasm and gratitude that I introduce myself as the newly appointed Director of the Neighborhood Crime Watch Unit of the Boston Police Department. I firmly believe that the residents of this wonderful city have the power to change neighborhoods, block by block, and make it a safer place to live.

September Boston Youth Resources & Opportunities

Joseph Porcelli — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 18:45:00 -0400

Click more to see details

Boston Public Schools to host Back-to-School Jamboree

Joseph Porcelli — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:14:00 -0400

Mayor Thomas M. Menino, the Boston School Committee and Superintendent Carol R. Johnson announced today that the Boston Public Schools (BPS) will host the first-ever Back-to-School Jamboree on Saturday, August 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on City Hall Plaza.

Updates have been made to Boston Police Area phone lists sheets.

Joseph Porcelli — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:10:00 -0400

Updates have been made to Boston Police Area phone lists sheets. They are available for download at Police Phone numbers page.

Boston's National Night Out Celebration at the Franklin Park Zoo

Joseph Porcelli — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 15:08:00 -0400

Boston's National Night Out Celebration at the Franklin Park Zoo was a huge success. In total 12,318 people attended the event. We truly did demonstrate "The Power of Neighbors."

Top Ten Neighborhood Crime Watch Groups and Crime Fighter of the Year 2008

Joseph Porcelli — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 15:07:00 -0400

Click more to see pictures and read write ups about the Top Ten Neighborhood Crime Watch Groups and Crime Fighter of the Year 2008

The "Power of Neighbors" National Night Out City Wide Celebration

Joseph Porcelli — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:30:00 -0400

Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Police Commissioner, Edward F. Davis invite you to the city-wide National Night Out Celebration Tuesday, August 5, 2008, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.