The Bellingham Police Department proudly announces the 2017 expansion of their volunteer program, Bellingham Neighbors Together. Bellingham Neighbors Together (BNT) is a new volunteer citizen organization committed to a visible public presence to reduce crime, educate residents and promote safe neighborhoods.
Working with Bellingham's Neighborhood Police Officer Program (NPO), established in 2015, BNT-qualified volunteers will complete a comprehensive training program. Trained and equipped for patrolling Bellingham's 25 neighborhoods, BNT volunteers will collaborate with the community and police.
“The implementation of Bellingham Neighbors Together is an important milestone for our department,” said Bellingham Police Chief Cliff Cook. “We have a long history of citizen volunteerism within our organization with the RSVP team. Abandoned vehicles, vacation house check and disabled parking patrol are some of the ways our RSVP serve the community. BNT will expand community relationships and allow citizens to have a direct impact on the safety and wellbeing of their neighborhoods. I am excited by this opportunity to further enhance our department's community policing efforts and demonstrate our mission of Commitment to Community.”
During his tenure as Chief of Vancouver Police Department, Chief Cook created the Neighbors on Watch (NOW) program. The very successful NOW program boasts over 150 volunteers serving the Vancouver community.
The BPD is encouraging Bellingham residents to volunteer for the program. To learn more and fill out an application, please go to our website www.cob.org/gov/dept/police.
