Marmion Way Neighborhood Watch
Our Charter

Marmion Way Neighborhood Watch (MWNW) Charter

Article I: Name

The name of this organization shall be the Marmion Way Neighborhood Watch (MWNW).

Article II: Mission Statement

The mission of the Marmion Way Neighborhood Watch is to foster a safe, secure, and peaceful environment for all residents of Marmion Way by encouraging active participation in crime prevention, promoting neighborly communication, deterring illegal and disruptive activities, and serving as a liaison between residents and local authorities (Police Department, Parking Enforcement, Code Compliance). We aim to be the "eyes and ears" of our street, operating ethically and responsibly within the bounds of the law.

Article III: Goals and Objectives

The primary goals and objectives of the MWNW are:

  1. Reduce Illegal Overnight RV Parking: To actively observe and report recreational vehicles (RVs) and other large vehicles parked on Marmion Way overnight in violation of posted signage and local ordinances.
  2. Deter Suspicious and Disruptive Late-Night Activity: To discourage and report instances of individuals engaging in suspected drug use, loitering, disruptive vehicle maintenance, or other suspicious activities within parked vehicles, particularly during late-night hours.
  3. Combat Speeding: To raise awareness about and report excessive speeding on Marmion Way, especially during evening and late-night periods, advocating for potential traffic calming measures if necessary.
  4. Enhance Neighborhood Safety Awareness: To educate residents on effective crime prevention strategies, personal safety measures, and proper methods for observing and reporting incidents.
  5. Improve Neighborhood Cohesion: To build a stronger sense of community by encouraging communication and cooperation among Marmion Way residents.
  6. Establish Effective Communication Channels: To create reliable methods for neighbors to share information regarding safety concerns and MWNW activities.
  7. Build a Positive Relationship with Authorities: To act as an organized and credible point of contact for the local Police Department, Parking Enforcement, and other relevant city agencies.

Article IV: Geographic Scope

The focus area of the MWNW encompasses all residences and public street areas along Marmion Way, from Figueroa to Monte Vista.

Article V: Membership

Membership in the MWNW is voluntary and open to all residents (homeowners and renters) currently residing on Marmion Way. There are no membership dues. Active participation is encouraged but not mandatory. All members agree to abide by the principles and procedures outlined in this charter.

Article VI: Structure and Leadership (Optional - Adapt as needed)

  1. Coordinator(s): One or two volunteer residents may serve as Coordinator(s). Responsibilities include:
    • Acting as the primary liaison with law enforcement and city agencies.
    • Facilitating communication among members (e.g., email lists, group chats).
    • Organizing occasional meetings.
    • Maintaining any shared logs or records (optional).
    • Welcoming new residents to the watch program.
  2. General Membership: All residents contribute by being observant and reporting issues according to the established procedures.

Note: Leadership roles are voluntary and can rotate. The structure should remain simple and functional.

Article VII: Activities and Strategies

  1. Observation: Encouraging residents to be attentive to activities occurring on the street, particularly during evenings and late nights.
  2. Reporting: Utilizing the established procedures (see Article IX) to report violations and suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
  3. Communication: Maintaining communication channels (e.g., email list, secure messaging app, occasional flyers) to share alerts, safety tips, and meeting information.
  4. Meetings: Holding periodic meetings (e.g., quarterly or semi-annually) to discuss ongoing issues, share information, strategize, and potentially host guest speakers.
  5. Information Dissemination: Sharing crime prevention tips, information from law enforcement, and reminders about local ordinances.
  6. Liaison with Authorities: Maintaining regular contact with the local Police Department’s Community Liaison Officer and Parking/Code Enforcement supervisors.
  7. Advocacy: Collectively advocating for increased patrols, targeted enforcement, or potential traffic calming solutions through appropriate city channels.

Article VIII: Code of Conduct – IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES

  1. OBSERVE AND REPORT ONLY: Members shall NEVER attempt to apprehend, confront, pursue, or detain individuals suspected of wrongdoing. Personal safety is paramount. Do not put yourself or others at risk.
  2. NON-INTERVENTION: Members are not law enforcement and have no authority to enforce laws or ordinances. Do not engage in arguments or confrontations regarding parking, behavior, or speeding.
  3. RESPECT PRIVACY: Be mindful of neighbors' privacy. Focus observation on public areas and activities that are clearly suspicious or in violation of ordinances.
  4. LEGALITY: All activities undertaken by the MWNW and its members must be within the bounds of the law.
  5. OBJECTIVITY: Report facts, not assumptions or biases. Describe what you see and hear accurately.
  6. CONFIDENTIALITY: Respect the confidentiality of personal information shared by neighbors unless permission is given otherwise. Use discretion when sharing observations about incidents.
  7. COOPERATION: Work collaboratively and respectfully with fellow neighbors and authorities.

Article IX: Plan for Recognizing and Reporting Activities

Remember: Your safety comes first. If a situation feels dangerous or is a crime in progress, call 911 immediately.

A. Recognizing and Reporting Illegal Overnight RV/Large Vehicle Parking:

  1. Recognize: RV/large vehicle present during prohibited hours (confirm local signs/ordinances). Note date, time, location, description, license plate (safely). Recurring issue?
  2. Report: Contact City's Parking Enforcement or Code Compliance (find direct line/portal). Provide details: "Reporting violation of overnight parking restriction for large vehicles on Marmion Way near [address]. Vehicle: [description/plate], observed [time], [date]." Mention if recurring.

B. Recognizing and Reporting Suspicious Activity (Drugs, Disturbances, Late-Night Activity):

  1. Recognize: Prolonged loitering in cars, frequent short visits, apparent exchanges, checking car doors, loud arguments/noise at late hours, unusual maintenance noise, chemical odors.
  2. Report:
    • IMMINENT DANGER / CRIME IN PROGRESS: CALL 911.
    • Non-Emergency: Call Police Non-Emergency Line ([Insert Local Police Non-Emergency Number Here]).
    • Info: "Reporting suspicious activity on Marmion Way near [address]. Observed [describe specific, factual behavior]. Vehicle/person description [if safe]. Time/date."

C. Recognizing and Reporting Speeding:

  1. Recognize: Visibly excessive speed, reckless driving, patterns (time of day, recurring vehicles).
  2. Report:
    • Individual/Dangerous Incident: Police Non-Emergency Line (time, location, direction, description).
    • Recurring Problem: Document pattern (dates, times). MWNW Coordinator contacts Police Traffic Division/Community Officer to report pattern and request enforcement. Consider petitioning City Traffic Engineering for traffic study/calming measures if problem persists.

General Reporting Tips:

  • Be Specific: Clear, concise facts (Location, time, descriptions).
  • Identify Yourself: Reports often carry more weight (usually kept confidential).
  • Keep Log (Optional): Coordinator tracks reports (date, time, type, who reported to, reference #).
  • Inform Group (Optional/Appropriate): Brief updates via group channel (e.g., "Reported illegal RV parking...").

Article X: Relationship with Law Enforcement and City Agencies

The MWNW is a partner to local authorities, not a replacement. We function to assist them through observation and reporting. We will strive to maintain open and positive communication with the Police Department, Parking Enforcement, and Code Compliance.

Article XI: Amendments

This charter may be amended by a majority vote of participating members at a designated meeting, with prior notice of proposed amendment(s).

Article XII: Disclaimer

The MWNW is a voluntary organization. Participation is at the individual's own risk. The MWNW provides no guarantee of safety and assumes no liability. Members act as private citizens and must act lawfully, ethically, and safely.

Adopted On: [Date of Adoption - To Be Filled In]

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