KANSAS CITY, KAN. — The shooting of a Florida teenager created a nationwide conversation on how citizens should respond to suspicious activity in their neighborhood.
Several groups came together Wednesday evening to discuss crime and concerns in their neighborhoods. Many areas in the city have dealt with drugs and violence for years, but many believe that is changing.
Scott Murray/Neighborhood Watch Group Member says, “The police were amazing as far as getting here. If there was trouble they would be here in 30 seconds to a minute.”
Scott Murray and his neighbors called after they witnessed drug trafficking at a house across the street that lasted for months. Police arrested several people and the house now sits empty. KCK Police started the neighborhood watch initiative in 1995. There are now more than 100 watch groups in the city. At the meeting community police will talk about the importance of the program and stress watch members use only their phone to combat crime.
Cpt. Victor Webb/KCK Police Dept. says, “All they’re supposed to do is be the eyes and ears for our police department. Tell us what they see and what’s going on, give us a call and by all means stay free from the action so they don’t get hurt.”
Captain Webb says statistics back up what they’ve seen first hand. Crime is down and by 65 percent since the program started.
And 30 neighborhood watch groups are expected to attend.
