Mesa Police Department G.A.I.N.
Saturday, October 18, 2008

Getting Arizona Involved In Neighborhoods

G.A.I.N. (Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods) is a statewide annual event. It is designed to encourage Neighborhood Watch programs and bring together communities throughout Mesa for a common goal: to let criminals know that citizens of Mesa are seriously united in the fight against crime and drugs. This is a time to turn on your porch lights, go outside into your neighborhood, and get to know your neighbors.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

Most of the parties held are by established Neighborhood Watch groups, but ANYONE AND EVERYONE should be participating, through your own neighborhood or through a community wide event. Apartments, mobile home communities, businesses, and residential areas should all take an interest in knowing and protecting their neighborhood. One night a year to get together is not asking much, but the benefits are invaluable.

WHO PLANS GAIN ACTIVITIES?

Block Watch captains, apartment managers, activities directors, community activities, youth, anyone! All you need is the desire to contact your neighbors and get together!

WHERE DO WE START?

The first step in planning a GAIN event is to start early. The date has already been set for Saturday, October 18, 2008. Now you just need to plan an exciting event with your neighbors. Solicit assistance from others and exchange ideas. Planning is half the fun!

WHO DO WE INVITE?

Please invite everyone on your block, in your community, etc. Keep it a manageable number, but don’t exclude anyone. Neighborhood Block Watch groups have already established their boundaries, and for others who are unsure where they should start and end, please call the Mesa Police Department Crime Prevention office and we can assist you in making that determination.

WHAT SIZE CAN THE PARTY BE?

The party can be any size group, but keep it under control! Some neighborhoods just like getting together among themselves, while others plan a much larger function, including festivals and carnivals. It all depends on what you and your neighbors want to make of it. You can make it as small or as large as you want it.

WHAT ARE THE HOURS OF GAIN?

Your GAIN party should be held on Saturday, October 18, between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

WHERE DO I GET A REGISTRATION FORM?

Block Watch captains, co-captains and assistant captains will automatically have one mailed to them no later than the beginning of September. You may call Mesa Police Department at 644-2300, option 5, to request a registration form.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT GAIN?

Only parties registered by the close of business on October 3 will be placed on the visitation schedule. We apologize, but no exceptions will be granted.

If you wish to order barricades for your block party, please call the Transportation Division at 480-644-2160 at least two weeks in advance of your event. If the barricades do not arrive on time or are not picked up after the party, the Transportation Division (480-644-2160) will be able to assist you. There is a $25 fee for barricades.

On the afternoon of GAIN, please do not call the police department to ask questions relating to GAIN. If you have any questions, please call 480-644-2620 prior to October 18. The day of GAIN we will be out in the community ensuring a smooth event and not in the office.