By Jennifer Edwards
The Cincinnati Enquirer

ANDERSON TWP. - This suburb will be the first to hold a Hamilton County Sheriff's Office Citizens Academy as part of a new effort to unite neighbors, businesses and law enforcement against crime.

At least 26 residents and business operators already have signed up for the 30-member academy that begins Jan. 21. If it is a success, it likely would be offered in other Hamilton County communities, said Steve Barnett, sheriff's spokesman.

OUTREACH

Anderson Township officials and the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office have launched a new effort with residents and business owners called Community Outreach Network. The program aims to improve Anderson through increased crime prevention and involvement from neighborhoods and businesses. The outreach meetings are held at the Mercy Anderson HealthPlex at 7495 State Road. The sessions are open to the public but Hartzler requests those interested in attending future meetings that have yet to be scheduled first call the substation at (513) 474-4770.

"I am sure that they want to see how it is going to be received," he said. "Several years ago they tried to organize one but it didn't seem to work out. But now time has passed and we will try it again.

"It can be a value to inform citizens as to what the sheriff's office does ... and can help facilitate greater cooperation between the sheriff's office and citizens."

Mary Ann Greenwald was one of the first residents to join the academy. The Rosetree Lane resident leads one of the largest neighborhood watch groups in Anderson and wants to know the limits of what her group legally can do to curtail crime, and when they should call the authorities for help.

"They can't be everywhere," Greenwald, 51, said. "The academy is an enhancement to the neighborhood watches. It's going to be a good resource for us."

The nine-week academy program will take place Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at the Anderson Township Senior Center.

Applicants must be 18 years old, residents or business operators in Anderson and willing to undergo a background check.

Participants will undergo training in CPR, emergency first aid, self-defense, constitutional law, community policing methods and other issues. They also will learn how to fire a gun and have the opportunity to ride with a deputy on duty.

The academy is part a new pilot program the sheriff's office recently started with Anderson officials and about 50 residents and business owners called "Community Outreach Network."

Evolving out of a township retreat last summer, the program aims to improve Anderson through increased crime prevention and involvement from neighborhoods and businesses.

It was launched last fall and so far, the participants have held three meetings. At the latest one this week, plans were formed for a Web site to for residents - especially new ones - that will provide information on area daycares, bus schedules and other services and crime statistics comparing Anderson to figures in Cincinnati and other Hamilton County communities.

E-mail jedwards@enqurier.com.