***updated to note the law enforcement person giving a presentation***

Fed up with what they think is an increase in drug traffic in town, some Caseyville residents have formed Caseyville on Watch, a neighborhood watch program.

The group will have its first formal meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 27 at the Caseyville Community Center. Fairmont City Police Officer Derek Parker, who lives in Caseyville and will serve as COW’ law enforcement liaison, is expected to give a presentation to the group, who will be working with the police, spokesperson Phyllis Scott said.

“We will encourage people that, if they see anything that doesn’t look right, give the police a call,” Scott said. “Do not take the law into your own hands.”

The meeting Thursday is to inform people about a neighborhood watch program and to recruit volunteers. Because the group is just starting, they will initially focus on setting up the basic aspects of a neighborhood watch program, Scott said. The program, she hopes, will continue to grow over time.