Coplay Town Watch (CTW) Vice President Kevin Keppel gave a presentation about wireless, high-definition cameras at a recent CTW meeting. He had one on-hand to demonstrate.

“This is the future of home safety,” Keppel said. “I have one, and I urge everyone here to consider getting one. A camera like this will help the police find the criminal.”

Coplay Police Chief Vince Genovese attended the meeting and endorsed the camera concept for safety.

“High-def is the way to go,” Genovese said.

Keppel gave details about the camera, a high-definition, motion-sensing piece of equipment with night vision. When it observes movement, it sends an alert directly to a smartphone. The wireless camera is tied in with the home’s router. The alert allows the user to access the smartphone and view what the camera just saw. If it is an intruder, the owner can call 911 immediately to hopefully catch the intruder.

In other matters, CTW plans to embark on an education effort to inform residents how to be more alert and inform Coplay police of suspicious people and situations. There was concern expressed from a report that a female resident in her mid-70s confronted several juveniles in her yard. She told them forcefully to leave her yard, but they were disrespectful and reportedly would not leave. Residents are discouraged from confrontation and rather are encouraged to call the police. CTW plans to develop teaching points on reporting dos and don’ts of interacting with juveniles and general basic crime watching.

It was announced that CTW will begin a Community Policing Engagement Initiative (CPEI). Residents will be asked to wave to police as they patrol, and if the resident has time, wave and summon the police to talk to them. Once summoned, it is requested the resident ask the police if there is anything going on; ask if the resident can be of any help; and thank the officer for helping keep Coplay safe. A CPEI goal is to redevelop community policing in Coplay. The CTW wants to see a strong police and community connection.

CTW leaders reported that last August’s National Night Out was a huge success, with more than 250 individuals attending, and its fundraising stand at the 2015 Coplay Community Days broke records for sales. A hoagie sale is planned for October.

For CTW information, email keppel1976@gmail.com or billleiner@aol.com.