Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Communications Lacking in Crime Watch Program

After being approached by Rev. Eugene Edwards about six months ago about the Neighborhood Crime Watch Program, Gurdon City Marshal David Childres has heard nothing more about it.

However, he is irritated about comments made concerning the status of crime in the City of Gurdon. Childres said he is at the police department daily and is available if Edwards or Rev. Bobby Marshall, who is also involved with the watch program, want to talk with him.

"They need our support," he said of the program. "They need to ask us about the situation (with crime). Edwards does not know what's going on here. He's never been in a police car after dark."

Childres said there are a handful of people who consider themselves gangs and fight amongst themselves. He said there are six or seven in one group and 10 or 12 in the other. "We know them all," he said. "We've arrested all of them before. We know what's going on. There is no gang graffiti all over Gurdon, just vandalism."

A curfew has been suggested by Edwards, but Childres said it would do no good, because the majority of problems caused are by people older than 18. While he said there are a few problems with youngsters under 18, a curfew would only hurt those who don't get into trouble.

The two ministers have repeatedly said there is a drug problem in Gurdon. Childres agrees, and said there's not a town in Arkansas without a drug problem. "We have things under control," he said.

Childres said Edwards is not a police officer and does not know what he's talking about. "He's never came to me and discussed the crime watch program. He needs to come and see me. I've never talked with Marshall."

According to Childres, the vehicle Edwards drives is his personal car and not an official police car. He said Edwards bought the radio equipment for the car as well. However, Childres emphatically stated Edwards has no arrest powers and is simply the police chaplain.

The crime watch program, Childres said, is supposed to be neighbors watching out for neighbors, not someone hiding in a car after dark. He said citizens participating in the program are supposed to call the police when they see something suspicious and people do this now.

"The crime we have," Childres said, "has nothing to do with gangs, but people who won't work."