PONDERAY — The Bonner County Sheriff's Office Community Force Neighborhood Watch has grown significantly since its inception about a year ago, prompting an expansion from rural areas into the cities.

Neighborhood Watch volunteer Rick Cox made his rounds to Sandpoint and Ponderay City Council meetings over the past week to inform council members, mayors and the public about the program.

"All we are doing is letting you folks know we are here, we are available and if you know anybody who would like to have a brochure or start a block watch in their area, our volunteers will come to them and help them start their own block watch," Cox told Ponderay council members Monday.

According to the pamphlet handed out by Cox during the meeting, the Bonner County Sheriff's Office has found that people want to assume a more active role in making their communities safe. Nationwide, watch programs have been credited with reducing the rate of burglaries as much as 77 percent, along with reducing the rate of other crimes. The pamphlet says the Community Force program is strongly supported by Sheriff Daryl Wheeler, Sgt. James Cotter and Dep. Kimberly Kempton in an effort to ignite and expand a resurgence of community-involved policing in Bonner County. 

"It really helps prevent crime," said Mary Gore, Neighborhood Watch volunteer. "It's almost 400 strong now with 20 watch captains and it's only been going a little over a year."

If someone wanted to start a block watch, Cox said, the first step is to call BCSO Community Force members to set up a meeting with anyone on the block who is interested in being part of the group. Volunteers would come to the meeting and explain, in detail, how to set up the block watch, such as advice on installing cameras if so desired. For each area where a block watch is formed a block watch captain is appointed. Those joining will also be given detailed information about current crime trends and ways to prevent crime in their neighborhoods.

Free Community Force signs and static cling window decals are available for those who join. Anyone with questions or would like to form a block watch should call Sheryl Kins at 208-263-8417, extension 3049.