~ Michael Waters

Name and Purpose of the Committee

The Barefoot Neighborhood Watch Program was established in 2009 following the Highway 31 wildfire that caused 2500 residents to be evacuated in the middle of the night. More than 100 homes were damaged in Barefoot alone, of which 69 homes were completely destroyed.

Benefits

Barefoot Neighborhood Watch is a program which –

• Creates a body of concerned, involved neighbors.
• Encourages neighbors to get to know each other and their routines and to recognize any out of place activities.
• Emphasizes the importance of being aware of suspicious activities and sounds, evaluating them and knowing how to properly communicate this information to the authorities and within Barefoot if appropriate.
• Teaches techniques to reduce the risk of being victimized.
• Advises how to make homes more secure, to accurately identify property, and how to look out for each other.
• Fosters a partnership with the North Myrtle Beach Department of Public Safety.

Focus

• Achieves results by working at the neighborhood level.
• Uses block Captains and telephone chain contact lists to disseminate information.
• Promotes “Neighbors helping Neighbors” through exchange of information related to neighborhood and individual household safety issues.
• Educates residents about safety and security.
• Encourages residents to stay informed by using reliable resources such as Everbridge (North Myrtle Beach Public Safety Alerts).

Summary of 2023/2024 Accomplishments

On February 5, 2024 the Neighborhood Watch committee met and set the open meeting agenda for 2024. Open meetings will be held on 2/24/24, 4/16/24, 6/18/24, 10/15/24, and 12/10/24. All meetings will be held at 4 pm at Putters Pub.

The open meetings of the Neighborhood Watch in 2024 saw many changes with our North Myrtle Beach Police Liaisons. Police Officer Joe Kiester has been designated as our liaison and has attended all of our meetings as well as meeting with me in person and remotely to discuss barefoot issues.

A new Chief of Police has taken the helm at NMBPD. Chief Dana Crowell has a new community policing strategy that has not only our liaison attend our meetings but the officer who patrols Barefoot that day and other officers from different bureaus of the NMBPD. They have attended both meetings in 2024 and have answered many questions from concerned neighbors.

Our upcoming meetings will be crafted around the security needs of the residents in Barefoot.