“Orlando neighborhood watch contributes to community safety”

Located in Orlando, Johnson Village is situated near Holden Heights, separated by John Young Parkway. The community is known for its vigilant neighborhood watch program, which keeps a close eye on the surroundings.

Sonya Stevenson, the president of the Johnson Village Neighborhood Association, emphasized the importance of residents actively participating in keeping the neighborhood safe since law enforcement cannot monitor every street corner. This collaborative effort has proven to be beneficial.

Orlando police have recognized the significant contribution of various neighborhoods like Johnson Village in minimizing incidents of shots being fired and overall shootings. Since 2022, these initiatives have led to a remarkable 50% decline in such incidents. Additionally, the homicide solve rate for the previous year exceeded the national average, standing at an impressive 94%.

“I think one of our biggest helps is neighborhood watch. We have so many neighborhoods involved; we got over 100 neighborhoods that we watch actively in. We have monthly meetings with them. I think them coming together to protect their own community,” Orlando police Chief Eric Smith said.

Stevenson is recognized as the 2024 Neighborhood Watch Captain of the Year.

“There was a drive-by shooting that took place in 2017. That was pretty much an incident that sparked me to get involved with the actual neighborhood,” Stevenson said.

Stevenson said since she joined, they have utilized group chats, social media and worked closely with law enforcement and other departments to make their community safer. They also inform residents about ways to secure their homes, like the OPD Home Assessment Program.

“If you have an old lock that you used back in the ’80s, that needs to be updated. Home assessments are very important to have done and it’s free,” Stevenson said.

Stevenson said they’re planning to join several churches and neighborhoods to do a Unity Prayer Walk on April 5 to take a stand against gun violence and also inform neighbors how they could help stop crime in their communities.