Citizens Watch patrol neighborhoods

Vern Amos, Brian Ewanciw and Chris Miller are part of a citizen led Neighborhood Watch Patrol working to help the police department deter crime in Wayne.

By Carolyn Marnon – A Neighborhood Watch Patrol has been started by Wayne resident Brian Ewanciw, owner of ICON Computer Solutions, to help keep Wayne safe and be extra eyes and ears for our Wayne PD. The patrol is a citizen-run group of volunteers that patrol Wayne and report any suspicious activity directly to the Wayne PD.
What does the WNWP do? They observe and report. They have broken the city up into six zones. They drive around in their own vehicles using their hazard lights, observing for suspicious activity. When they see something suspicious, they call the non-emergency phone line or 911 depending on the severity of the activity. They do not confront anyone or do anything that would put themselves or others in harm’s way.
Our police department is one of the best in the area. They do their jobs with diligence and dedication. As citizens, we can help them do their jobs even better, by observing and reporting suspicious activity and crimes.
Brian got the idea for the patrol from Garden City. Tracy Tatro, who started the Garden City Patrol group, guided him through the basics of starting the patrol, helping him along the way with procedures and policies for the Wayne Neighborhood Watch group. He contacted City Manager Lisa Nocerini and Police Chief Alan Maciag about starting one in Wayne. They agreed he could do it.
Anyone can join the WNWP. There is a Facebook group where updates are given. There are currently 16 people who volunteer to patrol. As their schedule allows, they are out at night patrolling to keep you safe. Residents Vern Amos and Chris Miller have been going out almost every night, said Brian. The patrols are usually from 10 p.m. until about 4:00 a.m. “You go on little to no sleep but it’s rewarding though,” said Brian.
WNWP needs more people to volunteer. You can volunteer to patrol for as much or as little as you like. Some people only volunteer for an hour at night once a week. There is a $30 charge for the door decals. You must also sign a liability waiver.
For those who can’t volunteer, but want to help, Brian says keeping your porch lights on at night can help the patrol see around your property. He also says to lock your doors, both house and car and keep your garage doors closed. Since drivers use their own cars and gas, another way you can help is to donate gas cards or gift cards for Tim Horton’s so patroller’s can get something to drink while they are out.
For more information or to donate gas/coffee cards, contact Brian at ICON Computer Solutions on W. Michigan Avenue.