KINGSTON TWP. — When residents are away on vacation or leave their homes for extended periods of time, they can do so without worrying about the security of their residences because local police officers will watch over them.
The Kingston Township Police Department provides a “House Watch” service, which employs law enforcement agents from the township to keep vigil over the domains of residents who are away. It has done so for more than 30 years.
“We’ve always been a service-minded department,” said Chief Michael Moravec. “There was always the idea that residents here expected that type of (personal) service from their police department.”
Moravec, who has been with the department since 1985, said fewer people use the House Watch service now than in years past, because many rely on home security systems and the watchful eyes of good neighbors. He said the program is a good supplement to those measures.
A resident wanting to use the service should call 570-696-3809 and provide details concerning their vacation, such as the start and end date, cell phone numbers and names and descriptions of people who would be checking on the house (to avoid unnecessary suspicions). From there, officers are assigned to check that resident’s home throughout any given shift. The resident will also be instructed to call upon arriving home to discontinue the service and ensure no assumptions are made about the occupancy of a home.
In this way, potential criminals can be deterred, knowing a law enforcement agent might assess a home at any time. The service can also be used by parents leaving their older children at home during a vacation to protect the children and discourage partying or, in a short-term capacity, such as a family that will be out of its home for several hours to attend an event.
During his 30 years of service, Moravec cannot recall a break-in to a house on the watch schedule but admits it has as much to do with the wholesomeness of the community and the vigilance of its residents as it does the program.
It is a stunning resume for a service that has been around for more than three decades, but which Moravec says is nothing exceptional.
Referring to the service as part of the mantra of being a police officer in Kingston Township, Moravec said, “It’s something that we do. It’s as simple for us as coming to work.”
Making a point of saying he doesn’t criticize any department that does not employ a watch, he added it is no trouble for Kingston Township officers to perform such duties. Moravec fears some residents might not take advantage of the program because they don’t want to put an undue burden on the department. He insists it is all part of the job.
The Kingston Township House Watch service is listed in the township manager’s weekly newsletter and among the residents who use the service repeatedly are township supervisors, one federal magistrate and Moravec himself.
The chief said receiving calls of thanks from people who come home to safe living spaces makes the effort worth it and he stressed the importance of the department continually focusing on serving the community.
A newly-accredited department by the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association, Kingston Township has recently been certified as one that meets an elevated platform of standards in serving its community and its agents want to continue that trend.
Moravec spoke briefly about how, in more than 30 years of service, he has never heard so much negativity toward police in the news, explaining how he never thought he would see the words “police” and “violence” used as one phrase so often. The chief used that backdrop to describe the department’s attitude toward its perception in the community.
“I think we need to strive to continue to provide a service that’s relied on so that we can stave off this negative stuff that happens to be going on right now.”