Recently, while at a local drug store, I was approached by a senior citizen. She introduced herself and proudly told me she has lived in Newman for more than fifty years. As she talked the pride slowly gave way to concern. She told me she had raised her children in Newman without any concerns. Her children rode their bicycles all over town without ever a worry for their safety. She never locked her doors and often left her windows open at night. Through the years and with changing time she began locking her doors even when she is home and closing her windows at night. Within the last few years, she installed a fence around her front yard. She now locks the gate to the fence at all times. Her disappointment caused me great concern.

We would like to return to the days when crime was not our biggest concern.  However, the sad reality is we cannot. Unfortunately, crime is now a part of all our everyday life in every community across American, including Newman.  Protect yourself and your property by staying alert. Lock doors to your home, garage, and cars. Do not leave visible property in your car. Never leave the keys to your car in the ignition. Watch out for your neighbors by working together.  Report suspicious persons or activity in your neighborhood. 

I am not suggesting that we have an overwhelming crime problem in Newman.  It is quite the opposite. We are fortunate to live and/or work in a city with the lowest crime rate in Stanislaus County. Our mission as your police department is to maintain that status and improve your quality of life. We are concerned when fear of crime is troubling our residents. Your police department is working to reduce your fear and apprehend those who victimize us.

The Newman Police Department has taken steps to increase our efforts.We have begun proactive techniques that are proven to impact criminal activity, and we are seeing results. I am proud of the men and women of the Newman Police Department and the dedication they display every day to keep us safe. However, we cannot do this alone. We need your help. A partnership between the police department and community is the most effective tool to fight crime.

To improve our partnership with the community, we are launching a citywide Neighborhood Watch Program. On Aug. 19 at 6:30 PM, the department will be hosting an informational gathering at the L.J. Newman Memorial Building to discuss the program and how you can get involved. We will have guest speakers from successful neighborhood watch groups in other communities and crime prevention experts. We will be discussing the specific parameters of the program and accepting sign ups for those interesting in having a neighborhood watch group in their neighborhood.

Implementing the Neighborhood Watch Program is a tremendous undertaking.  We want this program to be consistent and effective throughout the city. We will be looking for community leaders to help with this program. Crime reduction is most effective at the neighborhood level. Please improve our eyes and ears by joining our team to protect and serve the community.

In the meantime, we encourage you to be alert. Call us when you see anything suspicious or have any information about criminal activity. Callers can remain anonymous and may receive cash rewards. Together we can accomplish great things and maintain our status as the “Safest City in Stanislaus County.” Please feel free to contact me with your comments and/or suggestions. 

Stay safe by staying alert. 

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