Blockwatchers: NYPD's Newest Crime-Fighting Tool

Do you have what it takes to be a Blockwatcher? That's what police in the 112 Precinct want to know after a meeting at the

Precinct Council President Heidi Chain introduced residents to the idea last month, which has drawn parallels to a kind of neighborhood watch that would have a stronger connection to the police department itself.

Participants in the Blockwatcher program would be given special identification numbers, in addition to training and an inside look at local crime patterns and statistics, all in the interest of helping local cops police their neighborhoods.

Let Patch save you time. Get great local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone everyday with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.

According to Community Affairs Inspector Kossein, residents in Forest Hills are getting one of the first looks at the program, which saw a brief test earlier this year in the 100 Precinct in the Rockaways.

The program, which is being revived after dormancy since the 1980's, is designed to plant local residents in a more active role in policing their communities. 

"It's in the starting stages right now, the Blockwatcher program used to be very popular back in the 80's," Kossein said "It's just another way that you can be the eyes and ears for us, keep crime down with us, and it's very important."

Attendees at the meeting participated in Powerpoint training, illustrating the differences between quality of life issues — that necessitate calling 311 — and serious crimes, in which calling 911 is crucial. 

Residents interested in participating in the Blockwatcher program in Forest Hills should reach out to the 112 Precinct Community Affairs office at (718) 520-9321.

In addition to the Blockwatcher training, Deputy Inspector Christopher Tamola, commanding officer of the 112, revealed that the precinct has been assigned 10 new officers for patrols throughout Rego Park and Forest Hills.

"I know ten doesn't seem like a lot, but that's 10 percent, our manpower just increased by ten percent," Tamola said. "They're all young, enthusiastic, they're all really excited to be here."