Sultan’s block watch program attracts volunteers young and old to keep an eye on crime
Published 10:05 pm Monday, March 2, 2009
SULTAN — Crooks here know they are being watched by 100 pairs of eyes.
At least that many people volunteer with the city’s block watch program, said Jeff Brand, Sultan police chief. “They are the eyes and ears of the police.”
Volunteers report suspicious activity and keep in touch with Sultan police. There is no one better than people who live in a particular neighborhood to know when something looks fishy, Brand said.
“There are people who live there who will recognize what’s normal and what’s not before we will,” he said.
Volunteers meet monthly. Speakers are often invited to talk about the justice system.
The block watch started about a year ago as a partnership between residents, the city and the police department. Mayor Carolyn Eslick was instrumental in the program’s success, Brand said. “Mayor Eslick really wanted to see the program up and running.”
A group of volunteers also regularly clean up graffiti around Sultan, Gold Bar and Index, said Rocky Walker, who is block watch captain. Some grant money allowed for the purchase of professional equipment, and the group’s efforts have been really effective, Walker said.
The block watch program attracted a good mix of people with different perspectives, Brand said. They are retired people who want to give back to their community and younger couples who just want to help keep their town safe, Brand said. You can’t be too old or too young to participate.
Brand said the group would benefit from the perspective of teenagers, but none have joined so far.
With a population of 4,000, Sultan is still a small town, and people take ownership of their community, Brand said.
“Nobody can afford the amount of police to watch everyone,” and nobody welcomes that kind of police presence, Brand said. But most people are more comfortable knowing an extra pair of eyes are watching out for them.
Katya Yefimova: 425-339-3452, kyefimova@heraldnet.com.
