THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 26, 1997 TAG: 9701260049
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JANIE BRYANT, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PORTSMOUTH LENGTH: 35 lines
Last January, after a record-breaking year of violent crime, more than 400 citizens showed up at a citywide ``crime summit'' to brainstorm solutions to the problem.
They came up with ideas ranging from youth programs and bond reform to increased police visibility.
They also heard from Portsmouth Police Chief Dennis Mook, who unveiled the strategy behind the police department's new community policing program.
Over the year, the NEAT (Neighborhood Enhancement and Action Team) program has been expanded to include the whole city.
Next month, citizens are being called back to the table.
The NEAT Summit will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. Feb. 15 at Willett Hall and the adjoining Hunt-Mapp Middle School.
``We're going to be celebrating accomplishments over the last few months,'' said Detective Amber Whittaker, the police department's public information officer.
Whittaker said participants can choose three workshops from among a dozen offered.
Those workshops offer citizens a look at the steps that have been taken, including programs and partnerships.
They include everything from successful neighborhood watches and the new Traffic Unit, to business owners who have worked with community police officers to eliminate criminal activity around their stores.
The event is free, and transportation, child care and a meal will be provided.
To register, call 393-8618, Ext. 15 by Friday.
KEYWORDS: PORTSMOUTH POLICE DEPARTMENT