THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, August 7, 1996 TAG: 9608070494
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MEREDITH COHN AND ELIZABETH THIEL, STAFF WRITERS
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: 57 lines
While people across the country took to the streets for a National Night Out, residents of South Norfolk used Tuesday's event to celebrate some success in a yearlong effort to fight crime and rebuild their neighborhood.
About 50 people gathered for a picnic at 22nd and D streets, convinced that their efforts have brought some success.
Most of the residents credited a new community policing program that has brought 14 officers to the neighborhood to patrol on foot, on bicycles and in cars.
``What have they done for me personally? I feel safe,'' said 13-year resident Kathy Taylor, 37, as she grilled hotdogs and hamburgers for neighbors, police officers and kids.
South Norfolk residents have struggled for decades to rebuild their aging neighborhood. But their celebration Tuesday marked a year of success.
The Police Department's first community policing unit opened in South Norfolk's Second Precinct last summer. The unit has made some progress in changing residents' attitudes about the neighborhood, police and citizens say.
``Our officers, they're like family now,'' said Joyce Coleman, 55, who serves as a block security coordinator. In her role, she works with the police to arrange for community events such as first aid classes. She also goes door-to-door, convincing residents to keep their lights on and report suspicious people.
Many of the residents said they have noticed subtle changes in the community in the past year, such as more lawns being mowed and less litter. And slowly, according to lifelong resident Norman Gorris, 56, businesses that had abandoned the area are returning.
``Things are slowly going back to something like they used to be, where neighbors looked out for me and vice versa,'' he said. ``It's pride. Nights like this show it to everyone that this isn't such a bad place.''
The community officers who patrol the area said some residents were not convinced at first that they could have an impact.
``When they realized we were here to stay and they could trust us to help them in any way we could, they started to get more involved by attending community meetings and asking what they could do,'' said T.J. Myers, one of three community officers to receive a local certificate of appreciation from the neighbors.
``The acceptance by the citizens has been incredible - an extremely positive response,'' said Police Department spokeswoman Elizabeth N. Jones. ``Everybody loves to have the bike units in their neighborhoods, the officers walking door to door, walking down the sidewalks.''
Jones said two community groups have donated money to buy new bicycles for the unit. An apartment complex also has offered to lend officers a unit to use as a satellite office.
It's still unclear how much effect the new community police officers are having on crime in South Norfolk. Jones said the Police Department is working on a report to show statistically whether incidents have decreased. The report should be ready soon, she said.
``I think we're going to see some pretty significant changes,'' she said.
KEYWORDS: SOUTH NORFOLK NATIONAL NIGHT OUT by CNB