Some of the programs and initiatives that the BHA Police have organized for residents are:
- A Senior Crime Watch Program in the Elderly/Disabled Developments: This program encourages senior and disabled residents to participate in the safety and well-being of their communities. Through this program, residents increase their safety awareness and learn the steps to becoming more involved in crime prevention in their communities. The Crime Watch training program, which is offered through a collaboration with the Boston Police Department, teaches residents how to properly identify suspects, how to call for help in case of an emergency and what building safety tips they can follow. These skills are taught interactively through the use of possible crime scenarios and suspect identification drills.
- Holiday programs that reach out to residents in need: The BHA Police organize two holiday programs during the November and December holiday seasons.
- The first provides families with the fixings of a free turkey dinner in November. In order to make this program possible, BHA police reached out to Stop & Shop supermarkets to assist families who may be financially stretched during the holiday months. As a result, Stop & Shop donated 500 turkey dinners in November of 1999 which BHA Police hand delivered to appropriate families who were identified with the help of resident task forces.
- The BHA Police also organize a holiday party for BHA Children in December every year. The party comes complete with BHA staff dressed up as clowns, elves, Santa Claus and more. Face painting, magic acts and juggling are all part of the show and BHA families and children are able to come together, have fun and get to know each other better. In December of 1999, more than 900 BHA children between the ages of 3-10 attended this celebration.
- Scheduled activities for BHA seniors: Although BHA staff plans activities and services for seniors through its Elderly Resident Services program, seniors also benefit from programs developed by BHA Police. Such programs and activities occur regularly and may include a BHA “Blues Night” where seniors are offered an evening of Blues music or a trip to a turkey farm or apple picking or shopping. These activities allow seniors to get out, socialize and get to know their BHA Police Officers at the same time.
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