Most of Ironton – including Ironton City Council members and Mayor Bob Cleary – agrees that the recent announcement that the city has had to cut five police officers is not good news.

Sunday, February 13, 2000

Most of Ironton – including Ironton City Council members and Mayor Bob Cleary – agrees that the recent announcement that the city has had to cut five police officers is not good news.

And we also agree that returning the police force to full staff is top priority.

But in the meantime, Ironton residents can be a big help in making sure that the cuts in police protection in the city do not result in a tragedy or an increase in theft and mayhem.

Now, more than ever, is the best time for the city to develop informal neighborhood watch programs. Neighbors and those who are out and about in the community should be keeping their eyes open for people, vehicles and activities that seem out of place.

And neighbors should communicate, too. If you know you are going to be out of town, let your friends and family know. Ask them to keep their eyes on your home.

Neighborhood watch programs are all about being aware of what is going on around you. An alert neighbor could prevent a crime before it occurs.

Such a program is only a temporary fix to the problems the city will face because of its loss of police officers; they will still have to be replaced. But, even after the force returns to full-strength, community involvement is a great way to let the criminals know it is too much trouble to ply their trade in this city.