About Security

I am a bit surprised to hear that so many folks misunderstand the Neighborhood Watch program. It's not supposed to be a "Big Brother" program where one tattles on one's neighbors. It is really just the opposite - where neighbors watch out for one another. We pretty much know who belongs in our neighborhood, so when you see someone you think looks suspicious, you kind of keep an eye on them to make sure they aren't up to something that will hurt your neighbors. After all, as stated by Charis Kubrin, the UC Irvine Criminologist, in the 4/7/13 Santa Cruz Sentinel, "Minding your own business is not good for the community". That's how graffiti, vandalism, and other activities that I HOPE we don't want get a foot hold.

I have to wonder is this really just a misunderstanding, or is it people among us that are worried about their neighbors noticing what is going on in the neighborhood? I prefer to believe it is the former (a misunderstanding), although I admit I am beginning to wonder...