Residents connect online secure websites to build stronger and safer communities
(ROCKWALL-May 9, 2013) In an effort to help facilitate a virtual neighborhood watch program, the Rockwall Police Department began partnering in March with the Nextdoor program (www.nextdoor.com), a private social network for neighborhoods to establish a virtual Neighborhood Watch.
This partnership helps foster neighbor-to-neighbor communications and – so far – about 40% of our neighborhoods now use the private social network to distribute information. New members are being added every day.
Nextdoor is free for residents and the city. Each Rockwall neighborhood has its own private Nextdoor website, accessible only to residents of that neighborhood.
Residents can use their website to get to know their neighbors, ask questions and exchange local advice and recommendations. For example, neighbors use Nextdoor to share information about neighborhood watch and safety issues, local events, school activities, upcoming garage sales, lost pets and much more.
Neighborhoods establish and self-manage their own Nextdoor website. Information shared on Nextdoor is only visible to verified members. The Rockwall Police Department will be able to post important information, such as crime updates to Nextdoor sites within the city. The Police Department will not be able to access the residents websites, contact information or content.
“In this day and age, it is vital for neighbors to come together and look out for another. Nextdoor makes it easy for neighbors to establish a virtual neighborhood watch and help combat crime,” said Police Chief Mark Moeller.
Nextdoor was specifically designed to make neighbors feel comfortable sharing information with one another in order to build stronger communities. All members must verify that they live within the neighborhood. Information shared on Nextdoor is password protected and cannot be accessed by those outside the neighborhood or found on Google or other search engines.
In addition, Nextdoor never shares personal information with any third parties. Unlike an email list or other online groups, neighbor posts are organized and archived for future reference.
The City ofRockwallis mapped into 63 different neighborhoods. Those interested in joining their neighborhood’s Nextdoor website can visit www.nextdoor.com and enter their address. If Nextdoor is available in their area, they can immediately sign up. If a Nextdoor website has not yet been established for their area, active and engaged neighbors are invited to apply to bring Nextdoor to their neighborhood.
If you have questions about your Nextdoor website, please contact Officer Phillip Young at 972-772-6781or e-mail: pyoung@rockwall.com.
Submitted by Judy Evans.
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