Racine & Me: Dog Walker Watch program with Racine Neighborhood Watch
RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The Racine Neighborhood Watch has a new program aimed at helping keep communities safe. Susan Feehrer-Laack is the Executive Director of the Racine Neighborhood Watch and a Board member.
She joined us in studio to talk about their efforts.
Dog walkers know their surroundings best. Every day, they witness the typical comings and goings of their neighborhoods. Walkers are in a unique position to notice when things are amiss. They are experts on who and what belongs in a neighborhood. Racine Neighborhood Watch's DOG WATCHER WATCH program is a volunteer opportunity for pet owners to be an extra set of eyes and ears in their neighborhoods and report any observed suspicious activity to law enforcement. DWW creates a positive partnership between residents and police to prevent crime proactively. Racine Neighborhood Watch trains volunteers to be observant dog walkers and effective reporters when unusual occurrences are seen. Dog Walker Watch program (DWW), an innovative crime prevention and community awareness initiative. A program of the National Association of Town Watch since 2016, DWW encourages residents to actively safeguard their neighborhoods by simply doing what they love—walking their dogs. There are nearly 3200 DWW registered with NATW. DWW Benefits · Contribute to neighborhood safety by acting as the eyes and ears of law enforcement. · Requires no additional time and a bit of effort · Builds community with neighbors and other dog walkers. · Recognition for you and your dog Recognizing Suspicious Activity · A stranger loitering in the neighborhood, especially one who has no apparent destination.
An unfamiliar person who goes to the rear of a residence · People looking in parked cars and checking door handles · Someone conducting business out of a car, van, truck or other vehicle · A person running from a residence after the sound of breaking glass or screaming is heard How to Report · Call 911 for emergencies or crimes in progress · Call 262-886-2300 (Racine County non-emergency dispatch) for reports · Contact Crime Stoppers of Racine County o Call 888-636-9333 o Report online www.racinecrimestoppersweb.com o Use P3 Tips app To Register for the Next DWW Training (registration required) November 14th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. City Hall Annex, 800 Center Street, Room 323 · Call the RNW office 262-637-5711 · Text 262-417-4795 · Email [email protected] About Racine Neighborhood Watch At Racine Neighborhood Watch (RNW), we are deeply committed to fostering safe, connected, and vibrant neighborhoods throughout the Racine community. For over 40 years, we have worked side by side with residents, helping them prioritize crime prevention and safety, strengthen neighborhood unity, and improve the overall quality of life. As a trusted and integral resource, RNW builds bridges of cooperation and mutual respect between law enforcement and the communities they serve, encouraging collaboration that empowers residents to take ownership of the safety and welfare of their neighborhoods. At the heart of RNW is the belief that empowered residents build strong communities. Through our Neighborhood Block Watch crime prevention and other personal safety programs, we provide practical, effective solutions to reduce crime and enhance quality of life. Our monthly meetings, trainings, and events serve as platforms for sharing information, offering advice, and fostering partnerships between citizens and law enforcement. We proudly embrace Racine's diversity, working with all residents to create inclusive, safe neighborhoods. Our mission is clear: to work with residents to create safe, friendly, and vibrant neighborhoods throughout the Racine community by addressing crime prevention and quality of life concerns.
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