Conservation District Kicks Off Neighborhood Watch Program

McHenry County Conservation District Police Department is looking for volunteers to get involved in Safety Watch Education and Environmental Program (S.W.E.E.P.), which is similar to a Neighborhood Watch Program.

An orientation meeting will be held Wednesday, April 27, from 7 to 8 pm at McHenry County College, 8900 US Hwy 14, in Crystal Lake.

“S.W.E.E.P. is being kicked off under the guidelines of a neighborhood watch type program The Conservation District Police Department is encouraging people to become regular users to a site and be an extra set of eyes and ears, said Wendy Kummerer Communications Manager. 

“This increased awareness of our volunteers may help alleviate and prevent potential crime issues like graffiti, property damage or other undesirable behavior,” she said.

S.W.E.E.P. volunteers create a presence at a site by being there on a regular basis, going through their normal activities, whether it is hiking, fishing, or bird watching etc., and basically be an extra set of eyes and ears for the Police Department, reporting any unusual or suspicious behavior from other patrons.

If you have a favorite Conservation Site that you visit on a regular basis or you are a neighbor to one of the District’s sites – you may be just the person the district is looking for.