Due to concerns about law enforcement protection in Elgin, the issue of forming a neighborhood watch program was raised at the city council meeting held September 9.
Elgin resident Diane Landers, a city council candidate running unopposed for the seat currently being held by Mike Dvorak, read prepared remarks about the need for such a program.
Concerns she raised involved the perceived increase in unusual/suspicious activity in and around Elgin and the response time from the Antelope County Sheriff’s Department when incidents are called in. It is the goal of having a citizen-based “watch” program implemented that could assist the Sheriff’s Department with information observed and recorded.
“A number of citizens have indicated that they’re willing to be trained on how to observe or gather pertinent information that may be useful to law enforcement agencies in case you know there’s a crime that has been committed.,” she read. “As a community, we recognize that the small size of our county law enforcement number of officers, combined with the distances involved in patrolling and traveling Antelope County…can make response times (to) calls a bit longer.” It was noted that response time to Elgin for an officer dispatched from the law enforcement center in Neligh is approximately 14 minutes, depending on highway traffic and cruiser speed.
Landers’ concerns were supported by council members and Mayor Mike Schmitt. Council members echoed the sentiment.
“I think it’s a good idea,” council member Craig Niewohner said.
While no formal action was taken since Landers was asking for just support from the council at this time, the next step will be to organize a town hall-type meeting for citizens interested in being a part of the program.
In other action:
In a related matter, law enforcement patrol in Elgin during June totaled 73 hours and 18 minutes with 11 911 calls. In July, patrol time was 73 hours and 45 minutes with six 911 calls.
Ordinance — The council approved the annual wage ordinance after suspending the mandatory three readings.
Agreement — An interlocal agreement involving the Antelope County Library Association was approved.
Permits approved — Building permits sought by Capital Select, Amanda Gouge and Ted Baum were approved at the meeting.
