County Councilman David Marks plans to host an informational meeting about the impact of Citizens on Patrol groups in neighborhoods, at 7 p.m. on Feb. 2 at the Perry Hall Library.

The Fifth District Community Advisory Council meeting will include representatives of the Towson Area COP program and Capt. Michael Balog of the White Marsh police precinct. They plan to present information on how neighborhood watch groups can improve public safety, Marks announced.

"I had no idea when planning this presentation that Perry Hall would soon experience a series of burglaries and other crimes," Marks stated in a recent blog post.

"Perry Hall is still one of the safest communities in eastern Baltimore County. Still, I am extremely concerned about recent events and urge the public to remain vigilant and observant," he stated.

Some neighborhoods in the South Perry Hall area, including Stillmeadow/Eastbrook and Wolsingham, already have COP groups. In August 2011, both participated in National Night Out activities to build awareness about the groups, build unity and promote better interaction with police and firefighters.

In advance of National Night Out, PHIA president Dennis M. Robinson, Jr. encouraged even those residents without COP groups to walk their streets and better get to know their neighbors.

Would you join a Citizens on Patrol group if it were formed in your neighborhood? Tell us in the comments.