G.I. Police Department (385-5400, or click on "police" under links at grand-island.com)

The Police Department offers these crime prevention programs:

Neighborhood Watch The Police Department coordinates training sessions and meetings with neighborhood groups. Neighborhoods are marked with signs denoting they participate in the program.

People wanting to know if they are in a neighborhood watch area may call the Police Department and ask for someone in the crime prevention unit.

Block party presentations A presentation can be formed to fit in with block party activities. Those activities include bicycle safety and training skills, Neighborhood Watch programs, and seminars on security and self-protection.

Security inspection The Police Department's crime prevention unit will provide a free security evaluation of a residence or business. Appointments may be scheduled by calling the Police Department.

DARE The Police Department works with city schools to provide the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program.

GREAT Officers teach Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) in Grand Island schools.

Presentations The Police Department offers various free programs to G.I. citizens. Presentations are made for clubs, neighborhood groups, businesses, schools and neighborhood groups. Topics range from security and protection to drugs and violence. Some topics are also specifically geared toward financial institutions concerning forgery and fraud.

National Night Out The first Tuesday in August a citywide block party is held in Grand Island. Citizens organize events in their neighborhoods, such as dessert socials or barbecues, so they can get to know one another. Police officers try to attend block parties in their areas to visit with residents.