GASTONIA, N.C. – Dozens of people gathered in Gastonia Monday night to talk about community watch programs.

State Rep. Wil Neumann also joined members at this quarter’s meeting.

Police say neighbors know their community better than anyone, and their involvement can help keep crime down.

“We're working on our sixth year of reduction of crime. We hope to continue that,” Chief Tim Adams said. “[It’s] important for police to be involved with community and the community involved with the police, and that's what this is all about.”

Gastonia community watch programs are broken down into west central and eastern districts.