SUMMERDALE, Ala. — Summerdale Police Chief Jimmy Davis may be new to his office, but his years of experience in law enforcement was evident as he recently led his first Summerdale Neighborhood Watch meeting.

With assistance from Summerdale Police Sgt. Hugh Bohannon and Town Councilman Travis Townsend, who is also an E-911 dispatcher, Davis addressed a number of law-enforcement issues. But the most importanty, he said, was to follow your instinct in questionable situations.

“Always go with your gut feeling and always call the police,” he said.

Bohannon also said residents can be ahead of the game at night if they sense a prowler and call the police.

“The biggest thing at night is to always leave a front-porch light on,” he said, explaining that doing so helps the police. “It’s a lot easier to see if somebody’s lurking around.”

Davis said that residents can be proactive without an incident ending in violence. If you notice something questionable, the police chief suggests taking a picture with your cell phone.

“Everybody has a cell phone,” Davis said, explaining that residents can take pictures of car tags, vehicles, people, etc.

Bohannon also advises Summerdale to keep one thing in mind if a salesman knocks on their door.

“There’s no solicitation in the town of Summerdale,” he said, adding that the only exception is charitable donations.

The sergeant reiterated Davis’ earlier advice of calling the police if you have any type of safety or law-enforcement question.

“We are open 24/7,” Bohannon said. “You are not wasting our time.”

Townsend added some tips for calling 911.

“Have your information ready,” he said, adding that residents should have their address and phone number written down because the adrenaline of a questionable situation can make you forget.

Townsend also explained that the emergency dispatch service has 10 dedicated 911 phone lines, often all operating at the same time.

“So when you call, unless it’s something in progress that’s life threatening, you might get put on hold for a second,” he said.

Bohannon also explained that what deceptively seems like operators being distracted during 911 calls is actually part of the process.

“While you’re talking to him, he’s getting an officer on the scene and that officer needs to know what to expect,” the sergeant said.

“I can hear you, but you can’t hear me talking to the officer at the same time,” Townsend said. “Don’t ever think we’re not listening, because we are.”

Upon being asked what residents should do if they accidentally call 911, Townsend said to just explain that it was a misdial.

“Now, it the day of cell phones, it’s pretty common,” he said.

“But we’ll still come by to make sure everything is OK,” Davis said.

Useful websites:

• USAOnWatch.org – Neighborhood Watch Program, National Sheriff’s Association
• CrimeReports.com – Provides data of crime activity in an area
• Baldwin911.org — Baldwin County 911 Communications District website, provides 911 information and tips