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The Atmore Police Department on Monday announced it’s offering support to help citizens establish neighborhood watch groups throughout the city.

Public Information Officer Sgt. Darrell mcMann said in a release that the citizen-led program will operate in partnership with the APD, providing community members with the tools and knowledge needed to organize, communicate and help deter crime through proactive observation and information sharing.

“A Neighborhood Watch Group brings community members together to look out for one another and report suspicious activity,” McMann said. “Participants work closely with local law enforcement to enhance security and promote awareness in their neighborhoods. These groups do not take the place of law enforcement, but rather act as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the community.”

McMann said the APD will assist residents in starting their own watch groups by providing training, crime prevention materials and attending group meetings. The department’s role is supportive, but the leadership and day to day function of each group will be citizen driven, according to a release.

Those residents or neighborhood associations that are interested in forming a Neighborhood Watch group are encouraged to contact Waylon Jones, executive assistant to the chief of police, for more information. Jones can be reached at 251-368-9141, extension 1168 or by email at info@atmorepolice.us.