FERRIDAY — When the Rev. Simeon Green first got the idea to call a community action meeting in Ferriday last November, he did so in the hopes of bringing the community together to help get rid of crime and other problems plaguing the town.

With the help of many local political and church leaders, Green and the town decided to begin planning a Neighborhood Watch in Ferriday.

After seven months of planning, the group is ready to bring forth their Neighborhood Watch plan to the community with a meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. tonight at the Arcade Theater.

“We just want the citizens of Ferriday to know that (Neighborhood Watch) is there to support everyone,” Green said. “We want everyone to be a part of this program, because it is about all of us. We want it to be effective.”

Green, who serves as pastor at Doty Road Church of God, said the watch is being formed to help deal with Ferriday’s crime and drug problem.

“When we met in November, it was determined that these things were an issue,” he said. “All indications seem to show that people want this program to help with these issues, and they are willing to come and meet together to talk and see what can be done.”

Green said the plans for the program will be outlined at tonight’s meeting, and Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office Investigator Bobby Sheppard will be there to present information on the program.

With the support of the local government, clergy and police department, Green said concerned Ferriday residents are the only group missing from the Neighborhood Watch plans.

“We want to make sure that people know this is not about the mayor or the aldermen or the elections,” he said. “It is about the people of Ferriday coming together, and looking after one another, watching out for the senior citizens and caring for the children.”

Green extended an invitation to area business leaders, clergy members and town leaders to attend. He also invited Vidalia and Natchez residents who may have any words of advice to the crowd on how to help the program run more smoothly.

“This is an opportunity for all of us to work together to help prevent crime and drug abuse,” he said. “We want everyone to be a part of this and see what God can do for this town.”

Green said he hopes to see the Neighborhood Watch program start fast in Ferriday.

“Now is the time to start this,” he said. “If we don’t do it now, when will we have the chance to do it again?”