I am writing to support the concerns raised by Bart Zoellner regarding his recent experience with Community Watch. I share similar questions about the role of the program after experiencing a similar dismissive response firsthand.
Shortly after a golf cart was stolen from a garage in our neighborhood, I noticed an unfamiliar car parked near a corner with a man sitting inside for an extended period. There were no construction or landscaping projects underway nearby, and given the recent theft, the situation seemed unusual.
I called Community Watch, explained the circumstances, and suggested they have a vehicle drive by. I assumed they maintained a close working relationship with law enforcement and would know the appropriate agency to contact if something looked wrong. At the very least, I figured a visible Community Watch presence would alert the individual that he had been noticed. Instead, I was bluntly told that they do not do that.
It is disappointing that a vehicle cannot be dispatched to simply drive down a street where a resident has reported suspicious activity following a neighborhood crime. Like Mr. Zoellner, I am left with similar questions: What exactly is the scope of their duties, and are residents truly getting value from the program?
Van White is a resident of the Village of Charlotte.