Lawton Heights/Zone 1 Neighborhood Watch

About our association

How we were formed

Before we organized there were between 15 and 30 prostitutes walking the streets of the area on any given day. Any car that stopped for the signs at 14th & Baldwin and 15th & Taylor was bound to be solicited for prostitution or drugs. We now have about 5-8 active girls and about the same number of visible dealers. That sounds like a lot until you realize that our Watch area encompasses an area of 1 square mile.

In August a few residents began a concerted effort by mail and e-mail to let the City Fathers know that we were tired of being afraid to leave our homes. Mayor Powell made a tour of the area and met with Suzy Glover. He agreed that the city would target our area for cleanup if she would organize the residents to support the police. Suzy can resist anything but a challenge, so we put out flyers inviting residents to attend a meeting at the H.C. King Center on September 05, 2002. About 35 people attended that meeting including the Mayor, 3 council members, 3 police officers and the Acting Chief.

Our first year

Our first 'public appearance' was at the Pat Henry Elementary Fall Fest on 01 November, where we talked to prospective members and sold tickets for a Thanksgiving Turkey Basket. Two neighborhood stores donated the basket items.

We conducted four "Neighborhood Walks" to talk to our neighbors about the program and to secure Block Captains. We made over 150 contacts and got 12 Block Captains through these visits. During our walks we discovered a large number of shut-ins and elderly in the area, which lead to the formation of a "Shut-In Calling List". Two volunteers call about 20 homes one or two times each week to check on the welfare of our neighbors.

On Saturday, January 11, 2003, we held our "Citizens on Patrol Kick-Off " with a group drive-through to show the area that we were here to stay. Our visibility was increased by the use of magnetic signs on patrolling vehicles.

In March of 2003 we adopted the city park at 15th & Taft as a group project. We patrol the park, make regular cleanups, sweep the basketball court, and help maintain the equipment in safe condition for neighborhood children. Families have begun frequenting the park for the first time in several years.

On March 22nd, we held a dedication ceremony and reception to recognize the installation of 15 new Neighborhood Watch signs. More have been added since then.

In May we placed our first “No Cruising” sign in an effort to help the police department enforce the new law to that effect.

On Saturday, 30 May 2003, we held our “First Annual Neighborhood Picnic” at the H.C. King Center. Through volunteer efforts and community donations, we served over 200 hotdogs with chips, soft drinks, and cupcakes. Our members conducted water balloon tosses, sack races, and wet sponge throws. Police officers and the Chief of Police volunteered to serve as targets for the sponge throw and officers met a challenge to a sack race. The LPD Bicycle Patrol entertained the kids and the LPD Sentinels conducted ride-alongs through the neighborhood. Several neighborhood businesses donated door prizes.

In June we participated in “Law Enforcement Day” at Central Mall. We talked to citizens about how to organize Watch Groups in their own neighborhoods and about what kind of difference these groups can make. Within the next week, two new groups had formed.

Our efforts are rewarded

Lawton Heights/Zone 1 was honored with the “Neighborhood Improvement” award at the 3rd Annual Oklahoma Neighborhood Conference.

The Neighborhood Improvement Award recognizes groups that have improved social, physical, and/or economic conditions in their neighborhoods.

Zone 1 was recognized for its efforts to rid our area of prostitutes, drug dealers and gang activity.

But the most important reward is hearing that the crime rate statistics have improved dramatically in the past year, according to Police Chief Harold Thorne, who nominated Zone 1 for this award.

Email us
ourneighborhood73507@yahoo.com

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