Neighborhood watch program could be eliminated

Around Pocatello’s neighborhoods it’s easy to find a sign telling people the neighborhood watch program is keeping an eye out for homes there.

Robin Brown, who lives right by a neighborhood watch sign, actively participates in keeping an eye out for her neighbors.

“I mostly watch the children as they go to school to make sure they’re safe,” Brown said. “(I also keep an eye on) my neighbors to make sure nothing is happening around them.”

However, the Pocatello Police Department said the neighborhood watch signs could be coming down. The current leaders of the program have been in those positions for more than ten years, but there isn’t anyone set to replace them.

Unless there’s people willing to step up in those leadership positions, the program will be cut. The police liaison for the program, Dianne Brush, said there isn’t as much neighbor interaction as there used to be.

“There seems to be a lack of face-to-face interaction with our neighbors,” Brush said. “We need to know our neighbors. We need to rely on them to help us protect our property and deal with neighborhood issues.”

Several residents we spoke to, including Brown, said neighborhood watch has been effective in the Gate City. Most saying they don’t want the program to end.

If it does go away, though, Brown said on behalf of herself and her neighbors, “We have a close-knit group that is always watching out for each other.”

Whether you’re interested in participating in the neighborhood watch program or just want to say you want to see it continue, you can call Dianne Brush at 208-234-6117 or email her at dbrush@pocatello.us.