It was just about sundown on Friday, March 30 when a crowd started to gather at the corner of Gaul and Cumberland Streets. This was the first “NightOut” gathering from the RiverWards CrimeWatch (RWCW), a new civic organization representing the residents of PSA3 of the 26th Police District. According to the fledgling group’s website, the RWCW is “committed through education, advocacy and action, to empower the residents of the Central River Wards towards creating a safer neighborhood.” RWCW brings together the Fishtown Neighbors Association (FNA), Fishtown Action (FACT), East Kensington Neighbors Association (EKNA), Olde Richmond Civic Association (ORCA), and the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 51 (AOH51) in a groundbreaking partnership. At first the crowd seemed sparse, but it quickly grew by the minute. In less than half an hour, the corner was full with almost 50 residents, all with the intention of making the statement that crime would not be accepted on their watch.
Captain Michael Cram, of the 26th District attended the gathering along with a few other officers. State Representative John Taylor made a point to come out and speak to neighbors about their concerns. As always, Rep. Taylor makes a point to stay involved in neighborhood concerns. Peppered throughout the crowd, you could see many of the “usual suspects”, the neighborhood activists we would expect to see at such an assembly: A.J. Thomson, Pastor Dan Roth, Maggie O’Brien, and Neil Brecher, RWCW’s Chairman.
I asked Brecher about the origins of the new group. With so many active neighborhood groups in existence, I was curious why some felt the need for a larger crime watch group. “Each of the amazing civics (groups) works very hard to address the concerns and guide the development of their particular area,” said Brecher, who is also the President of the FNA. Brecher elaborated on the purpose of the RWCW, stating, “The creation of this group was not to get in the way of all of their efforts but, by cooperating with them, we can share the work in patrolling and safekeeping of our area. Having seven different groups working together to get the word out to recruit participants lessens the burden on civics who are already working to expand their core of active volunteers.”
Regarding this first NightOut event, Brecher explained, “There is a long and rich history of NightOut gatherings – peaceful demonstrations of unity with a common goal. In assembling, we send several messages. We can provide a level of safety in everyone knowing that they’re not alone in this fight. Together, we’re stronger than separate. Also sending a message to the criminal element that there are a lot more of us than they and we’re watching.”
Down the street, on Cumberland, a neighbor seemed upset at the gathering crowd. She asked, “Where was this two years ago when someone grabbed my daughter?” Captain Cram answered, “Miss, this is why we are here.” Although I can understand the woman’s frustration, I don’t think it can be disputed that it is better to have active neighbors who want less crime in the neighborhood.
Two members of Port Richmond’s Town Watch attended the NightOut, blazing in their bright orange shirts. Port Richmond’s Town Watch is a very successful model. Over time, the RiverWards CrimeWatch group looks to cooperate with the PRTW to share resources and hopefully make both groups more effective.
I was told members of RWCW picked that particular corner because of the evident drug activity in that area. “Drug houses wreak havoc on the neighbors,” exclaimed O’Brien, “They place everyone in a dangerous situation, not just the actual dealers but all of the neighbors are put in jeopardy. And it is a burden for the neighbors.”
Working with the Town Watch Integrated services, the RiverWards CrimeWatch is developing a model that breaks the neighborhood down into smaller pockets, empowering neighbors to regularly patrol the area surrounding their houses. Members of the organization hope this will reduce the burden on regular patrols. The RWCW will also work with the local dog parks to create dog walking groups to add eyes on the street.
The RWCW plans to be in constant communication with Captain Cram and other officers in the 26th District, regarding resources and sharing information. “An element is also to be a watchdog for residents’ experiences with the PPD – working with Captain Cram to help mold our district into the most effective in the city,” stated Brecher.
Another function of the RWCW group will be assisting in the Philadelphia Police Department’s SafeCam initiative. The goal of the SafeCam program is to deter crime and promote public safety through collaboration between the PPD and the communities they serve by having local citizens and business owners register private surveillance cameras for public safety. RWCW will help guide existing camera owners in the registration process. “We know how powerful the system can be, primarily responsible for leading detectives to solve several high profile crimes in the area.” They even have a link to the registration site on the group’s website: www.rwcw.org. The group will also provide resources to help people who are interested in obtaining security cameras for their house or businesses.
Maggie O’Brien, FACT President, stated, “I think that groups like RWCW are important to the community because the police cannot be everywhere all of the time, so the community needs to be the “eyes and ears” for the police. And that is what RWCW will become – the eyes and ears of the community. We want to maintain a great quality of life in the neighborhood and we want people to know that criminal behavior will not be tolerated here.”
To learn more about the RiverWard CrimeWatch, join the group, or take advantage of other services they offer, you can visit their website (www.rwcw.org) or e-mail info@rwcw.org.
