Starting a Neighborhood Watch Program In Steger

Hi. I would like to get a neighborhood watch program started in Steger. When I was younger my mom was one of the 1st to get involved in on in Park Forest.

The program does things like
*a phone tree to get information out quickly if needed.

*Decals in windows to let kids know where it is safe to go if they have a problem and are to close to home or on the way home from school.

*They decals also let crimanls know you are watching and you will call the police if you see something.

*Work with the police in an effort to build a better community/police relationship.

*All safe homes( where kids can go for help) pass a background check so we can really keep our kids safe.

This program has been working for neighboring Park Forest for 15-20 yrs. We can make it work here as well.

If anybody has any questions Please email me
betybp21@hotmail.com

Sorry I will not give my phone out with out 1st speaking to you via email. These are different times we live in, which is one of the many reasons I would like to try this.

I need a good community backing to go the police department and get this started.

That is such a great idea!! I go walking like everynight and I am always keeping an eye out for anything creepy or out of the ordinary. My parents and my little brother live on Barbara Ln. So I am over there alot and and we have been discussing the same things.. So until all this is resolved and they catch the S.O.B I wont let my son stay the night over there. I know they will they great care of him it just scares me to think about what might happen next what will this bastard do next ya know. Take care!

i'm with ya bety!!

My huband and I are very interested in this. I am going to email you.

sounds great what do we need to do to help.
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great idea.. i live in miller woods.. please post more info.

I spoke with Det. Fajman was totally on board loves the idea and said once we get everything together he would bring it to the deputy cheif and Cheif. He even said that he would voluneteer to do it in his spare time and not work time. He said we should not have any problems with t he village board. he also said they tried something like it before but never really got it off the ground. I said I am very dedicated to this idea and plan to see it all the way thru.

Let me know what everyone thinks.

By the way my name is Chritie. If we are going to start this I think you should at least know my 1st name until we meet
I have printed out alot of info. It would be best if we could all meet like at a local resturant or something to talk more. It might be easier that way then trying to have a disscusion on here.

or Christie you we can find out if we can meet at the steger Community Center. They have alot of space.

I can find out. I am not sure if they will charge us thu. I will contact them asap. Sorry I have had a family emergency thing all weekend but I did get some stuff done that I would like to share with everyone

I will be speaking with det. fajman soon. I will be asking him the best way to get a flyer out so more people know about the program and can attened an informational meeting.

If the village wont do it for us, I need people to take areas to bring them door to door. Is there anyone interesting or willing to help with that.

I have agranged for the meeting to be at the community center like Crysrose0527 suggested.

I know it will be a monday night. I just have not picked a day until we can figure out our plan for the flyer.

I have made a fyler and some other forms, and printed out a bunch more.

Again if anyone wants to reach me please email me at betybp21@hotmail.com

Please mention the program in the subject line so I know it is not spam

Thanks Christie

i would love to be a part of this group let me know sparklbabe@comcast.net

betybp21 wrote:

Hi. I would like to get a neighborhood watch program started in Steger. When I was younger my mom was one of the 1st to get involved in on in Park Forest.
The program does things like
*a phone tree to get information out quickly if needed.
*Decals in windows to let kids know where it is safe to go if they have a problem and are to close to home or on the way home from school.
*They decals also let crimanls know you are watching and you will call the police if you see something.
*Work with the police in an effort to build a better community/police relationship.
*All safe homes( where kids can go for help) pass a background check so we can really keep our kids safe.
This program has been working for neighboring Park Forest for 15-20 yrs. We can make it work here as well.
If anybody has any questions Please email me
betybp21@hotmail.com
Sorry I will not give my phone out with out 1st speaking to you via email. These are different times we live in, which is one of the many reasons I would like to try this.
I need a good community backing to go the police department and get this started.

count me in

having a meeting today with the police dept. will let everyone know

sorry also we have a new email for the program which is stegerwatch@hotmail.com

So it looks like I message I posted did not come thru the meeting is Mon.Sept.28th at 6:30. And We believe it will be the Steger VFW hall. Will let everyone know for sure. Flyers will be going out door to door in the next week or so

STEGER NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH/SAFE HOME INTEREST MEETING

Our town and neighborhoods have seen an increase in crime in the recent years and months. Examples include the recent robberies, peeping tom, vehicle vandalized, graffiti, plus the home invasion and possible molestation of a little girl.

Many residents have expressed interest in a sustainable, long term, relevant block watch program for Steger. In order to have strength in numbers, we are attempting to organize a block watch program for the whole town of Steger.

MEETING DETAILS:
WHEN: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28th AT 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: STEGER VFW HALL, 3332 Chicago Rd. Steger. IL
• A representative from the Steger Police Dept. will be in attendance to help discuss and share safety/observation tips that can be used right away, and answer questions about the watch program. Bring a pen and pad of paper for notes.

• Seek input for what you want to see implemented in this program.

• Solicit attendees interested in participating, being a Street Captain, Block Captain, a member of a committee, or Chairperson.

• Interest in becoming a Safe Home for area children( all residents of home must pass a background check)

• All residents in Steger and community stakeholders are invited to attend this meeting( i.e. City Council, Businesses)

Bring Safety Back to our Community

For more information or if you can’t attend but are still interested please contact Christie: stegerwatch@hotmail.com

The Neighborhood Watch meeting was tonight. I would like to know what everyone thought about it. I think it was a agood start and a great turnout. I hope everyone that was there tonight gives us some time to get established before giving up and stop attendig meetings. Please post any comments of what your thoughts are on how it went and what you hope to see in future meetings. Thank you to all that attended the meeting.

(Figured I'd put this here to since people might not read the other thread)

Personally I hope it continues. From hearing some of the people around me I think people were expecting results the first night, expected to be able to complain about things with the PD and the Village. I think that some of the people have unrealistic expectations of what a neighborhood watch or CAPs program is about. It's not just about protecting the kids or keeping the neighborhoods safe for the kids. It's about keeping everyone safe.

One driving, limiting factor are the recent incidents with the peeping tom. I think once that gets resolved that many will drop. I also think some just wanted to come out and see what would go on.

I think tonight was a good start. There was a structured agenda. Intros of the main people, an explanation of what the program is about and an explanation of the organizational structure that will be put in place. I think that it was probably lost on some and above the heads of others. It doesn't matter that you were nervous up there or don't speak well in front of groups.....you're motivated and that's what matters. I used to hate speaking in front of large crowds....now after doing it multiple times and some other life experiences it's not so bad.

Good job on the first meeting. It will be interesting to see how many show up for the next one and how it goes. I will probably sit near the back again.

I thought it went well. I have been neighborhood watching for 16 yrs here. Raised 2 kids and felt like I raised many more. With most families moms and dads both work, I was the weirdo. I stayed home til my youngest was in 6th grade. My oldest 4 yrs older. So for me it will be the same ole same ole. I can truly say I know at least 50% of my block and surounding area by name. I know what they drive, their cars and pets. I am currently not working and don't forsee any jobs in the future. Maybe part time and in Chgo. for me. My name is also Christie...

Thank you for your feedback. I was very nervous. But hopefully if will get better.
I would also like to say I believe our next meeting will be at Columbia Central.

Lifer looking to leave wrote:

(Figured I'd put this here to since people might not read the other thread)
Personally I hope it continues. From hearing some of the people around me I think people were expecting results the first night, expected to be able to complain about things with the PD and the Village. I think that some of the people have unrealistic expectations of what a neighborhood watch or CAPs program is about. It's not just about protecting the kids or keeping the neighborhoods safe for the kids. It's about keeping everyone safe.
One driving, limiting factor are the recent incidents with the peeping tom. I think once that gets resolved that many will drop. I also think some just wanted to come out and see what would go on.
I think tonight was a good start. There was a structured agenda. Intros of the main people, an explanation of what the program is about and an explanation of the organizational structure that will be put in place. I think that it was probably lost on some and above the heads of others. It doesn't matter that you were nervous up there or don't speak well in front of groups.....you're motivated and that's what matters. I used to hate speaking in front of large crowds....now after doing it multiple times and some other life experiences it's not so bad.
Good job on the first meeting. It will be interesting to see how many show up for the next one and how it goes. I will probably sit near the back again.