By Louisa Ward
What is a G.A.I.N. event? The City of Phoenix sponsors G.A.I.N. (Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods). It is a day for Phoenix neighborhoods to join forces and promote awareness, safety, and neighborhood unity. G.A.I.N. showcases the importance of police-community partnerships and citizen involvement in our quest for safer communities.
I am the Block Watch Leader for Mountain Preserve Block Watch in 85028. Our neighborhood organizes a G.A.I.N. event annually. It is a huge event with food, activities, guest speakers, raffle prizes, sack races, and local business involvement. It is a lot of fun for all ages. We encourage neighbors to gather, talk, and enjoy the party as we bond together in unity and support of safety. It is held in the fall at Mercury Mine Basin Park.
Volunteers are needed in the planning and organizing of this community party scheduled for November 6. We are asking neighbors from my local Block Watch communities (Heritage Heights, Mountain Preserve, Mountain Estates, and Paradise Gardens) to contribute their time in this large endeavor. Text or call me at 602-769-6699 to learn more.
The City of Phoenix helps sponsor these events by providing funds. The funds are distributed throughout the city by grant requests placed by participating Block Watch groups.
What is a Block Watch?
A neighborhood Block Watch is made up of a group of people living in the same area—on the same street or in the same subdivision—who want to make their neighborhood safer by working together and in conjunction with local law enforcement to reduce crime and improve the quality of life in their neighborhood.
How Does A Block Watch Work?
A Block Watch works when you and your neighbors use simple techniques to deter, delay and detect crime, and improve the quality of life for the neighborhood. Being aware of criminal activity can help in keeping your neighborhood safe. Promptly reporting all criminal or suspicious activity to 9-1-1 or Crime Stop at 602-262-6151 helps the police assist you in promoting a safe and healthy neighborhood.
How Does a Block Watch Get Started?
First, check to see if you already have a Block Watch in your neighborhood. Check by finding your address here: nsdonline.phoenix.gov/NeighborhoodOrgs/ByAddress.
If not, organize your neighbors by scheduling a Block Watch meeting. Contact the Phoenix police precinct to schedule a presentation. At your meeting, your Community Action Officer (CAO) will explain how you can create an alert neighborhood by using simple crime prevention methods. You can contact the Phoenix Police Department Block Watch Coordinator at 602-495-0597.
