Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli pitched the idea for the creation of a town watch or crime watch organization during the Sept. 20 meeting of Northampton Borough Council.

He noted that the communities in Northampton County have strong bonds with their residents.

“The county and state should not tell you how to run the borough,” Morganelli said.

It is his longtime approach that the local people elected to office better understand the needs of their community.

“They make the decisions,” Morganelli said, regarding residents and their elected officials.

He noted that it is important that county and state officials listen to what the local officials have to say.

Morganelli has addressed the creation of town watch units during appearances at other municipal meetings across the county. He said he believes in elected officials working together with the community.

He proposed holding a town hall meeting in the borough to outline the project. One possible location mentioned was Northampton Area Middle School.

“We would have staff and resources at the meeting,” Morganelli said.

He mentioned his office could provide a financial stipend and materials to help a community watch group get started.

Council was receptive to Morganelli’s approach on the issue.

Several years ago, Mayor Thomas Reenock, along with residents and police, had an active block watch program in the borough.

Morganelli reported that funds generated from drug busts - cash, property and vehicle seizures - provide grants for municipalities requesting funding for law enforcement.

While responding to questions, Morganelli said the D.A.R.E. program is not held in high schools since an earlier study indicated it may be too late. The program is now conducted in earlier grades. This starts the education process early. The Stranger Danger program and others of the kind are generally held in the earlier grades as well.