The police are sworn to protect and serve the communities in which they work. They do the best job they can; however, they can't be in all places at all times. If they could, there wouldn't be any crime. Because many cities are fighting to control their budgets and doing so by cutting the number of police officers, it becomes more difficult to patrol areas as often as they could before. When the police presence decreases, the criminals have more opportunities to commit crimes. More than ever before, the police need the extra eyes and ears of concerned citizens. If the criminals know there are people watching over their neighbor's property and keeping an eye on their children, they'll move on to places they can find easier targets.
      Programs such as Neighborhood Watch are becoming more popular throughout the country. Yet you don't need the backing or training provided by these organizations in order to keep your neighborhoods safe and help the police. As an individual, if you see someone acting suspicious or in the act of committing a crime, call the local police. If someone tells you they saw someone around their house at night or trying to get into their car, relay that information to all of your neighbors. If you live near a playground, school bus stop, or along the normal walking route of school students, you can monitor the surroundings and possibly prevent child abductions. The more people who get involved, the more people know about what's happening within the community.
      If you can, gather a larger group around you. The more people within the group is the more likely someone will mention areas of your community that need some improvement in order to be safer. Various committees can be formed to work at finding the funding and resources needed to make the improvements. Some things will cost money and require work being done by professionals; others can be done by homeowners and individuals. By having a large group working together, you'll find much more of the needed funds and expertise within the group.
      Whether as an individual or a group, ask the local police to get involved. The main reason is they can provide you with the information you need about the laws in your area and what you can and can't do as a citizen. The worst things you can do is to constantly be calling the police to report an action which is legal or implementing any practices which are illegal or which require a permit before being done. The police can also give you information about where they need the most help and what you can do as individuals or a group to improve the safety of your neighborhood.
      A word of warning is needed at this point. While it's great to get the entire community involved or act as an individual, you are not the police. Unless you've received the proper training and certifications, there are things you can't do in matters of enforcing the law. Be sure to check with your local police department to find out what you as a citizen can or can't do when you witness a crime.