Goodman Police Department Hopes To Begin Neighborhood Watch

The Goodman Police Department hopes to ignite a neighborhood watch/citizen patrol to help reduce crime.

Goodman Police Chief Curt Drake said the program brings together neighbors, all promoting the same safety cause.

"We are still looking at ways to get a neighborhood watch/citizen patrol started because, without help from our citizens, crimes can often go unreported and unsolved," Drake said.

"We, as law enforcement, rely heavily on citizens stepping up and making that phone call to help their neighbors and in return, oftentimes, helping solve crimes and recover stolen property."

The Goodman Police Department covers two square miles of the city and four to five miles of state highway near Goodman.

Drake covers everything from traffic citations and warnings for unsightly properties, to diplomatically helping parties reach an agreement and much more.

The small department, which derives its operational funding from citizens and sales taxes, relies on neighbors helping neighbors.

Drake said he is grateful to the McDonald County Sheriff's Office, McDonald County 911 Center, Anderson Police Department, and Pineville Marshal's Office for their help throughout the year.

Goodman citizens also have shown their support for law enforcement in the small town, he said.

The department experienced a small decline in drug activity and thefts at the end of last year and the first half of this year, Drake said. "But as of late, things have increased, due to lack of coverage."

Drake served as the only officer in the department for several months while officials looked to fill a vacancy. On Oct. 1, the Goodman City Council hired Gary Huff, a former road deputy, detective and transport officer with the McDonald County Sheriff's Office.

The department's long-term goals include building a stronger relationship with citizens and surrounding agencies, Drake said. "If the budget permits, add coverage with more officers," he said.

The tightly-knit small town is making progress with becoming a safe home for families and people of all ages.

"Goodman is a great community in which to live. I personally love this community and my job as chief," Drake said. "With over 13 years of serving the citizens of Goodman, I've had the pleasure to get to know most of the citizens, and we have many great people who call Goodman home."