town watch

North Coventry Town Watch, Inc. has been very active in the community for many years. Town Watch was started in 1982 by a group of citizens concerned about crime and how they could contribute to making North Coventry a safer place to live and work. The initial concept for Town Watch was for members to be an extra set of ears and eyes for the North Coventry Police Department by spending time patrolling their neighborhoods and reporting suspicious activity to police officers. Town Watch members regularly patrol the Township, including Coventry Mall, and keep in touch with police officers via mobile and portable radios purchased by their organization. Town Watch patrol members have been instrumental in assisting police with the apprehension of several suspects committing crimes in the Township.

Almost twenty years later, with many successes to their credit, Town Watch has evolved into a multi-faceted community organization. Although being the ears and eyes of the Police Department is still their primary mission, Town Watch has been involved in an array of community oriented activities, including:

• Annual Law Enforcement Scholarship Award:Town Watch donates $500 annually to a student who plans to pursue a career in Law Enforcement
  
• Reward Program: Town Watch has made available funding to be used as rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspects in crimes in the Township.
• KID CARD I.D. Fingerprinting Program:Town Watch has been involved in this program for over ten years and they have prepared and issued thousands of personal ID cards for children. The I.D. KID CARDS are a laminated I.D. card with the child’s fingerprint and biographical information, which can be retained by the parents.Initially, the program was sponsored by Met Ed, however, because of the popularity of the program, Town Watch recently purchased the camera and related equipment necessary for preparing the I.D. cards.
  
• Turkey and Ham Raffles: Each year, Town Watch conducts raffles at Easter and Thanksgiving to raise money for their organization and other worthy causes.
• Christmas Food Baskets for the Needy: Town Watch members collect food items which they distribute to needy families in the community each Christmas Season.
• Financial Support for the Police K-9 Unit and Norco Fire Department:Town Watch contributed financial support to the formation of the Police Department’s first K-9 Unit and also the purchase of a new fire truck.
• Heroic Citizen Recognition Award: Citizens are recognized by Town Watch for their heroic life-saving efforts at the scene of car accidents.
• PECO Emergency Evacuation Drill: Town Watch members volunteer much of their time to participate in this important emergency management drill to ensure the safety of Township residents should a serious emergency occur at the Limerick Generating Station.

Training Seminars:Town Watch members have participated in many training sessions, including CPR training and certification, to enhance their members’ skills and expertise while patrolling the Township.

Norco Fire Company Annual Fair: Town Watch members actively patrol the fairgrounds and assist police and fire police during this July week fair, which raises money for the fire department. Town Watch members also staff concession booths to help raise money during the event.

North Coventry Township residents may apply for Town Watch membership by completing an application form, which includes an Information Release/Release from Liability, and submitting to a background check conducted by North Coventry Police. New members are oriented to the program by patrolling with an experienced Town Watch member for a series of five sessions, and are encouraged to participate in foot and vehicle patrols on at least two evenings a month. Membership is available to Township residents who are 18 years of age or older. DOWNLOAD membership application