Security

The earliest effort of the Magnolia Wood Civic Association relating to security involved Neighborhood Watch.  Police representatives me with blocks of residents, block and street captains were appointed, placards designated residences as Neighborhood Watch stations, and metal signs were placed at nearly all street intersections.  All were urged to be aware of and be concerned about the security of fellow residents.

Suggestions for an effective Neighborhood Watch:

• Tell your neighbors when you will be away.
• Observe your neighbors so as to know what is normal in terms of people and vehicles coming to and leaving nearby homes.
• Keep doors and gates locked when you are inside your home or away from home.
• Leave outside and carport lights on at night.
• If possible, install motion detection lights outside.
• Consider installing a security system.  Add a monitoring system if you want police to investigate when your alarm is activated.  Many home insurers offer a large discount when these systems are installed.
• Join Citizens on Patrol by calling 766-1329.  Get to know your entire sub-division.

 The second effort to promote security was a wide-ranging communications effort put into operation by the Magnolia Wood Civic Association. The following programs have been used:

•  A newsletter entitled The Neighbor was begun. It was distributed through street captains and block captains or by mail to all residents, members and non-members of the association.  The title of the newsletter and the magnolia emblem for the association were chosen by contests. The Neighbor apprised residents of security events as well as other items of interest. Distribution by volunteers was not carried out 100%. The Post Office operation was more effective, but expensive.
• Block and street captains were appointed to assist with communication and distribution of information to the neighborhood.
• A phone tree was instituted. By this means the presiding officer was able to communicate security matters to every resident.  We plan to activate this system in the near future.
• E-mail addresses were solicited. This became a means of security news. It is still in use, but not every resident has such an address. 
• A website was placed in operation and can be used by those who have computers.  The board intends to update this system

The nearly 800 residents need to act as a community. Instant and sustained communication relating to security is of great value.  The phone tree, the Neighbor newsletter, an e-mail program, and the website should be updated and kept operable.  Street and block captains should be re-recruited. Block meetings should be called with security as a primary point of discussion.   A list of security points should be placed in the hands of the block captain for use in his or her meeting with residents.  

The Magnolia Wood Civic Association adopted a program of having resident-volunteers patrol the neighborhood.  The Baton Rouge Police Department provided the training of the first patrollers. The association provided decals for the automobiles. The patrols have continued for many years. Dozens of residents have participated.  Every street and every residence is observed. The route is about 30 miles and takes about one hour. Visibility and community-wide coverage are the key elements. Operators observe traffic, autos that seem out of place, building sites, the arrival of business operations, mobile homes, unsightly lawns and carports, and suspicious persons. Patrollers do not confront suspicious incidents but are urged to notify the police and the presiding officer of the association. All notices of security violations are made available to the patrollers each week.

We need many more volunteers to increase the effectiveness of this program.

YOU CAN VOLUNTEER

Call Joe Parker, Director for Security, at 766-1329 to begin your service.