Mayor O’Reilly and Dearborn Police launch new Neighborhood Watch community phone line

Dearborn Mayor John B. O’Reilly, Jr., and the Dearborn Police Department have launched a new Neighborhood Watch community telephone line, which residents can use to report anything suspicious – or even just unusual – they see happening in their neighborhoods.

The phone number for the Neighborhood Watch line is 313.943.3030. (For emergencies, call 9-1-1.)

Mayor O’Reilly announced the new initiative in his 2008 State of the City Address on Wednesday, Feb. 20. The new community phone line is another tool for Dearborn police officers and residents to use as part of a continual partnership to promote public safety.

“No one knows their neighborhood better than the people who live there,” O’Reilly said. “We can help our police officers by being their eyes and ears. If you see something that looks suspicious – or even something that’s just strange or out of place – call the Neighborhood Watch line and report it.
“One anonymous call from you, and we’ll do the rest,” said O’Reilly.

An example of something to use the Neighborhood Watch line for might be an unfamiliar car repeatedly circling your block.

“Making that call is one of the best things you can do to help,” O’Reilly said. “Our police officers want that input. They will check out the situation and respond accordingly. If everything is legitimate, fine. But if some actual or potential illegality is occurring, then the officers can deal with it.”

The Neighborhood Watch line complements ongoing police efforts to work with the community in promoting public safety. Dearborn officers presented personal safety seminars last fall, and more are planned. Other examples are police “park and walk” patrols and partnerships with neighborhood associations.