Even the most dedicated police force cannot be at all places all the time. With that in mind, Thomas Chastain Jr., Candidate for Rockdale Commissioner Post 1, is launching the Rockdale Crime-Watch Network (RCWN) and hopes to solicit the interest and involvement of as many citizens as possible to be extra “eyes and ears” in every neighborhood.

Unlike normal neighborhood watch programs, the RCWN is a network of citizens all throughout the community that not only report any and all suspicious activity to law enforcement, but also report them to the RCWN which will then make each report available for free online for anyone to monitor.

“This isn’t your average neighborhood watch. This is a program that allows everyone in our community, involved or not, to see where crime is hitting our community most and make efforts to stay vigilant and keep their families safe,” said Chastain when asked about the difference in his project.

This program, which is the first of its kind in our area, is designed to build better relationships with local law enforcement. “Everyone expects the police to be everywhere, but that just can’t happen. The RCWN is a winning ticket for the police and citizens to work together and tell criminals they are not wanted here,” said Chastain.

Chastain is hosting the public forum on Thursday, June 30th, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at 1432 VFW Dr. in Conyers GA 30012, in which several local leaders, as well as the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office. Leaders will address the community on several ways to make Rockdale safer, including how to organize private neighborhood watch programs, make homes and neighborhoods safer, how to join the RCWN, at-home gun safety and much more. The event is free to the public and Chastain encourages everyone to come and join in making Rockdale a safer community.

For more information about the RCWN or to join the program, you are asked to call 678-294-6345 or email [email protected]