[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 152 (Tuesday, September 1, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E811]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE CAMELOT NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAM ON ITS 40TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 1, 2020

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the Camelot 
Neighborhood Watch Program (CNWP) of Fairfax County, Virginia, and to 
congratulate it on the occasion of its 40th anniversary.
  Neighborhood Watch Programs (NWP's) are one of the oldest and best-
known crime prevention efforts in North America. In the late 1960s, an 
increase in crime heightened the need for a prevention initiative 
focused on residential areas and involving local citizens. The National 
Sheriffs' Association responded by creating the National Neighborhood 
Watch Program in 1972 to assist citizens and law enforcement. Since 
that time, the mission of NWPs has expanded to include helping 
neighborhoods focus on disaster preparedness and emergency response.
  While there are thousands of Neighborhood Watch Programs in the 
country all of which deserve our recognition and appreciation, the 
Camelot Neighborhood Watch Program stands out as one of the best in the 
Nation. The CNWP is the oldest, continuously active Neighborhood Watch 
in the United States. In the 40 years since its inception, the CNWP has 
achieved great success, helping lower the general crime rate in its 
community.
  In fact, the Fairfax County Mason District Police Department has 
recognized the CNWP as one of the most effective crime reduction units 
in the county and Camelot is one of the most crime-free communities in 
Fairfax County. The Virginia Crime Prevention Association has 
recognized the CNWP as the Best Neighborhood Watch in Virginia and it 
has also been commended by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of 
Virginia.
  Over the last four decades, more than 70 volunteers have contributed 
27,000 hours conducting 20,500 patrols and logging 220,000 miles. This 
dedication is a tribute to the residents of Camelot and to the 
leadership exhibited by the program coordinators, past and present.
  Northern Virginia, particularly Fairfax County, is known as one of 
the best places in the nation in which to live, work and raise a 
family. One of the main reasons for this designation is the community 
spirit that is on display in every corner of our region and exemplified 
by the Camelot Neighborhood Watch Program.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the Camelot Neighborhood Watch 
Program for 40 years of dedicated service to its neighbors. Programs 
like the CNWP are vital in our efforts to combat crime. I call upon my 
colleagues to join me in applauding the CNWP's past accomplishments and 
in wishing the program continued success.

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