ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) — Albany Police are encouraging residents to re-establish neighborhood watch groups to help Albany get back to “The Good Life City.”

The Winter Wood neighborhood has been part of the city for decades. Joseph Ford, who moved to the area when he was 13, says the neighborhood still means a great deal to him.

“Well, it makes me happy to live here because, I mean, a lot of great memories has been made here. You know, me personally. A lot of great memories. And, you know, since my childhood. You know, I value the location. The location is very convenient,” Ford said.

Ford is president of the Winter Wood Neighborhood Watch. He said there are a lot of misconceptions about what neighborhood watches do.

“Your house is your biggest investment, and I believe that these misconceptions could be resolved if people would take the time to get to know how Neighborhood Watch operates, what it really is and how they could use it to their advantage to protect their properties,” Ford said.

City-led initiative partners with police

The Albany Police Department (APD) is working to help revive neighborhood watches across the city — a program that has dwindled since the pandemic.

“It’s not just police-led, but it’s going to be, you know, a city-led initiative to where... How can city departments work with the community, and we work to make things better,” APD Chief Michael Persley said.

Called “My Neighborhood, My Community, My City,” the new citywide initiative aims to help Albany live up to its motto — “The Good Life City.” For those unsure about taking the first step, APD says it will partner with any neighborhood group, providing classes and resources to get programs off the ground.

“But the biggest part is, how is the perception? How do people really feel about this community? And so, for all of those who see that there is hope —that there is potential— then anyone can start,” Persley said.

APD said residents can call its crime prevention line for help starting a neighborhood group.

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