The Selma Police Department is at it again, with a second attempt to create a Business Watch program in Selma.

Designed to increase public safety, the program is targeted at area businesses and property owners.

The Business Watch program will serve several functions, said Police Chief Robert Green.

Green wants to use the program to share information with police and area business owners.

“Oftentimes, police find a lot of insecure buildings,” he said. If police can’t find the owner of the building, which happens more than police would like, then “they just secure it as best as they can.”

With that in mind, the police are encouraging anyone who owns commercial or rental property to attend, to better share contact information with the police.

“It would be helpful for police to contact the right person,” Green said.

The Business Watch kick-off meeting will be held on June 30, at the Performing Arts Centre

at 10 a.m.

The last time the meeting was held, police officials set up to an empty house. The SPD rescheduled, and now department officials hope they can make a go of it.

The program will not only allow local businesses to share information with the police, but hopefully, police will be able to share information with them.

In the event of a business related scheme or crime spree, police are planning to send fax alerts to area businesses, to better protect themselves against crime. The department has also appointed an officer to the watch, who will be available to come into a business and provide safety and security tips.

The Business Watch is a part of the community policing efforts from the SPD. Other programs include the Neighborhood Watch program, the Weed and Seed program, the Citizen’s Police Academy and PALS.

For more information, contact the police at 874-2123.