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Petersburg police partners with social networking site to improve neighborhood security

Posted at 4:41 PM, Feb 23, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-23 16:45:25-05

PETERSBURG, Va. — Petersburg Police has partnered with Nextdoor, a private social networking site for neighbors to communicate, to provide a free and private way for Petersburg neighborhoods to connect.

The site will be used to help Petersburg residents form a virtual neighborhood watch.

“The sites can be useful in sharing information such as public safety issues, community events and lost pets. Police can send crime alerts, emergency notifications and event details,” said Petersburg Police Chief John I. Dixon, III.

So far, two neighborhoods, Battlefield Park and Old Towne Petersburg have been established on Nextdoor. Petersburg Police said as residents sign up, more virtual communities will be created for additional neighborhoods.

Nextdoor

Petersburg has nearly 50 areas considered neighborhoods within the 23 square miles that make up the City.

The free site allows neighbors to establish and self-manage their own Nextdoor website.

“The opportunity for increased communication can ultimately enhance community cohesiveness,” said Chief Dixon. “Transparency and accountability are the foundations of the program.”

To join a neighborhood in Nextdoor, visit www.nextdoor.com and begin the verification process by entering a home address. If you would like to join through the Petersburg Police Nextdoor page, click here, and follow the link.

After the verification process ensuring the potential participant lives within the neighborhood, the resident can post to the site. You cannot use a post office box as an address.

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