Police have all sorts of techniques and technologies at their disposal in the unending fight against crime — but none are more important or more effective than that the people they are working to protect.

With that in mind, local law enforcement officials have made a push recently to get residents of Selma and Dallas County to create neighborhood watches to help keep their homes safe.

Selma Chief of Police William T. Riley said the more people join neighborhood watches, the more difficult it will be for people to commit robberies or other crimes.

“When you have got more eyes looking out for a neighborhood its a win-win for everybody,” Riley said. “If people just decide to take control, it’s very easy to fight crime. The key is for residents is to take initiative.”

During a public meeting last week in Selmont, residents heard from Selma Police investigator Lt. Curtis Muhannad, who expressed his support for neighborhood watches.

“If we start a neighborhood watch program in this community, the citizens of Selmont can help us identify problems,” Muhannad said. “And that will help us catch these people in the act.”

Even elected officials, including Selma City Council president Corey Bowie, joined in the call for residents to form neighborhood watches.

“At times, we put the blame game on not having enough police officers,” Bowie said. “But, if we want to take our neighborhoods back, we definitely need to work with the police department. We have been promoting neighborhood watch for the last few years, but the community just hasn’t been embracing it.”

People interested in starting a watch group can call Sgt. Natasha Fowlkes, who is in charge of community policing at (334) 874-6894.

Our hope is that people from all corners of Dallas County get together with their neighbors to form watches, as it will only make for a safer tomorrow for everyone.