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www.BurlesonCrowley.com
Officer helps Burleson residents help themselves
By By Danielle Novy/bcnews@trcle.com
Jul 23, 2008, 15:52
Learning about Burleson crime trends and receiving safety alerts is now as easy as going online thanks to one Burleson police officer.
Mike Owen, community resource officer for the Burleson Police Department, issues e-mails to area residents giving them the scoop on local crime.
“The e-mails cover crime trends and break down all the crimes in different neighborhoods,” he said. “I try to cover most of the city.”
Owen releases a few details about each incident in his mass e-mails but said he doesn’t include specific addresses. Instead, he supplements his information with occasional bits of advice on how to prevent crime.
Owen’s e-mails are sent to about 200 residents, many of whom heard of the new service through word of mouth.
“The e-mails go out to anyone who has sent me an e-mail saying they want to be a recipient, anyone who has expressed interest,” Owen said. “People hear about it different ways. Typically, it’s a friend forwarding another friend, saying, ‘Oh, man, that’s good stuff to have.’ Then the friend will ask me to add them to my list.”
Owen said his e-mail alert system has been in place for about three weeks, and he receives between five and 10 requests daily to be added to his contact list.
“The feedback has been outstanding,” he said. “One person in particular said she was glad her tax dollars were doing some good.”
In addition to the e-mails, his work with Neighborhood Crime Watch groups has seen success.
Since assuming his role as CRO, Owen has kept busy helping neighborhoods launch watch groups.
Crime watch groups are encouraged to participate in the National Night Out on Oct. 7, he said.
National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anti-crime efforts, and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. The night also sends a message to criminals, letting them know neighborhoods are organized and will fight back, according to a press release.
Owen said it is too soon to determine if his efforts will reduce crime in Burleson, but he knows that because of the city’s growing size, lots of volunteers will be needed to keep a look out.
“The department is moving toward a more community-service-based approach,” he said.
For information about e-mail crime alerts, Neighborhood Crime Watch groups and National Night Out, e-mail Owen at mowen@burlesontx.com.
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