New program trains KC volunteers to turn in neighbor violations

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Neighborhood watch takes on a whole new meaning thanks to a volunteer inspection program in Kansas City, Mo.

The Neighborhood Inspection Program trains volunteers to police their own neighborhoods for rule-breakers.

Volunteers take a picture of tall weeds or dilapidated homes and send them to the office of Neighborhood Preservation.

From there, code enforcement officers send a notice to delinquent homeowners to fix the problem within ten days.

If the homeowner fails to make the repairs, the city will send a contractor to make repairs on the homeowners' dime -- plus a $180 administrative fee.

Katie Greer is the president of the Indian Mounds Neighborhood Association. She went through training and became a volunteer last year.

She is extremely pleased with the program and said that the association is getting faster results by working with the city. Greer said trash and weeds are disappearing.

She believes it helps reduce crime and make the neighborhood a safer, more beautiful community.

Kansas City is hoping more homeowners and neighborhood groups will become volunteer inspectors to help reduce blight in the city.

Interested persons can call Neighborhood Preservation at 816-513-9010. A brief training program is required.