TREDYFFRIN TOWNWATCH ASSOCIATION
1100 DuPortail Road
Berwyn, PA 19312
communityrelations@tredyffrin.org
(610) 408-3654
Dawn Ausburn - President
Jim Komer - Treasurer
Jack Birochak - Vice President
Michael Feagley - Secretary
Officer Lawrence A. Meoli - Tredyffrin Township Police Liaison
The Tredyffrin Townwatch Association is a non-profit volunteer organization through which Tredyffrin Township residents work with the Tredyffrin Township Police Department to increase community awareness and to reduce crime. Members of Townwatch conduct patrols via automobile and on foot, work with local civic associations to increase community awareness about crime prevention, and participate in Township and police events.
Mission:
The primary mission of Tredyffrin Townwatch Association is to safeguard the Tredyffrin Township community (businesses and residents). Our Townwatch volunteer members work closely with local civic associations and the Township Police Department to increase public safety through increased awareness, and active participation in neighborhood watch and community patrols.
About Tredyffrin Townwatch:
The Tredyffrin Townwatch Association was established in January 1975 following a rash of burglaries in the Panhandle section of the Township. A training session for volunteers was held in March 1975 for 74 people from that area. In July 1975, the first Townwatch patrols went out in an effort to reduce crime. There was an immediate decrease in criminal activity due to high visibility and diligent patrollers. Vehicle patrols were conducted with partners, CB Radios and a base station that was operated from the police station. Police cars also had CB radios. In 1985, there were over 2000 members and the Township was broken up into 24 separate areas. Presently, there are about 30 active members who patrol on foot or by vehicle, using cell phones to communicate with each other and the 911 center. Area directors, board members and the police liaison attend a meeting each month at the Police Station to coordinate activities, discuss local crime trends and ways to reduce crime. Although Tredyffrin Township is a safe place to live and work, it is still vulnerable to crime because of the easy access to train and expressways, as well as a close proximity to commercial activity such as The King of Prussia Mall. Burglaries are still a problem. Daytime burglaries are increasing. Townwatch volunteers are needed to patrol daytime and nighttime hours.
How to Participate in Tredyffrin Townwatch:
WE NEED YOU! There are several ways you can participate in Tredyffrin Townwatch.
First, there is a great need for participation in Townwatch automobile patrols. Members are asked to conduct neighborhood patrols, either during the day or evening hours. A patrol consists of tours of the Area you are assigned. All members are required to take training before they begin patrol. The training session is often conducted during a patrol ride-along with another member of Townwatch. Patrol is as frequent as the volunteer member wants it to be. Patrol is often conducted during the daily routine and travel around town. Second, you may volunteer for special police patrols or stakeouts. You may participate in ride-along with police officers on patrol, or participate in Tredyffrin Police Department's Citizens' Police Academy. Third, the Townwatch organization needs help creating educational materials for crime prevention.
How to Join Tredyffrin Townwatch:
If you are interested in joining, please fill out the Townwatch Application and mail to the address listed on the application. For more information, please contact the following email: communityrelations@tredyffrin.org, or call (610) 408-3654, or mail to, Tredyffrin Townwatch / Tredyffrin Township Police Department / 1100 DuPortail Road / Berwyn, PA 19312.
How to Contribute to Tredyffrin Townwatch:
Tredyffrin Townwatch Association is funded solely by tax-deductible contributions from individuals or businesses in our community. Contributions help to raise awareness of crime prevention and to improve safety. For more information on how to contribute, please email communityrelations@tredyffrin.org or Call (610) 408-3654.
Tredyffrin Townwatch Patrol Rules:
- Stay in your car while on patrol.
- Do not check out doors, windows and other areas while on foot. Observe only.
- Call in every suspicious activity, and let police decide the importance of the information.
- Do not shine a light at any person or into the windows of any vehicle or occupied dwelling.
- Do not become physically involved with any individual, except in self defense.
- Do not get involved in any pursuit of vehicles or individuals.
- Observe all traffic regulations. Townwatch cars are not emergency vehicles.
- Patrol your area, including all paved alleys, construction sites, and parking lots slowly enough to be able to observe any activity taking place.
- Unless your help is requested, let police, fire or emergency teams do their job. Resume your patrol.
- Withdraw immediately when you see police officers with firearms or dogs.
- Weapons are not allowed on Townwatch patrols. Pepper spray is permitted.
- If a citizen asks you to identify yourself as a member of Tredyffrin Townwatch - use your Townwatch identification card. A friendly approach should be maintained at all times.
Townwatch Bylaws
- Townwatch Bylaws (5 page(s), 69 KB)
