From the Waimanalo News - May '95

School Watch

^{by Gregory Field}

^{Residents of Waimanalo, the administration of Waimanalo School and the Honolulu Police Department are working together to protect Waimanalo School from vandalism and theft. Since late February, concerned Waimanalo residents have been walking the school grounds on weekend evenings, flashlight in hand, to deter vandalism. Sergeant Robert Silva of the Community Policing Team recognized this as a unique example of a community coming together to protect their school. Sergeant Silva worked with Charles Naumu, Vice Principal of Waimanalo School, to create basic guidelines for citizens patrolling the school campus.}

^{Sergeant Silva stressed that the patrols main function is to act as a deterrent, and that while on patrol citizens should watch for and report suspicious circumstances to the police. Under no circumstances should any citizen try to detain or arrest any person. Do not demand information from an unwilling person. He recommended be courteous to anyone encountered while on patrol, and explain the purpose of the patrol.}

^{A list of 15 guidelines were presented at the first community training in late March. A number of citizens signed on to a shift. Sergeant Silva and several officers in his team walked with the volunteers, giving tips as they patrolled the school grounds. Veterans of the patrol in turn pointed out the hot spots where graffiti has appeared in the past.}

^{The Community Policing Team is working to provide support for the School Patrol. They're lining up flashlights and a cellular phone set to dial 911. In the future they hope to provide identification cards and possibly a T-shirt or jacket for persons to wear while on patrol.}

^{Those who have patrolled the school at night know that it can be a very pleasant experience. Out under the stars with a nice Waimanalo breeze, teams of two or more walk the school grounds and talk with a neighbor or a friend. If you would like to get involved in the Waimanalo School Watch, call Charles Naumu at 259-7263. If you would like more information on Community Policing, contact Sergeant Silva at 235-1180.}