Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods (G.A.I.N.) is a statewide annual event designed to encourage Neighborhood Watch programs and bring together communities throughout Chandler for a common goal — to let criminals know that Chandler residents are seriously united in the fight against criminal activity. This is a time to turn on your porch lights, go out into your neighborhood, and get to know your neighbors.
Mayor Kevin Hartke has long been a supporter of active and engaged neighborhoods and G.A.I.N. events. The Neighborhood Excellence Awards is a way to recognize neighborhoods that participate in G.A.I.N., and the leaders working to improve their community and inspire others to be more active and involved.
Chandler's G.A.I.N. Event
The 2024 G.A.I.N. Kick-off Registration Event is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, from 9 - 11 a.m. in the community room at 250 E. Chicago St.
The next G.A.I.N. Event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024 from 3 - 9 p.m. (subject to change).
Holding a G.A.I.N. event makes your neighborhood eligible for nomination in next year's Mayor's Neighborhood Excellence Awards.
#ChandlerGAIN
If you are hosting or participating in a G.A.I.N. block party are encouraged to tag us in your photos using the hashtag #ChandlerGAIN throughout your social media accounts.
G.A.I.N. allows the police department and other city services departments to come out to your events, which allows us to strengthen our community partnerships by joining together for food, music, fun and games. Here are some of the main reasons we have G.A.I.N.:
- Show support for the efforts of those involved in the fight against crime
- Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness
- Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs
- Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships
- Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back
Chandler's G.A.I.N. event day is Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. The hours are from 3-9 p.m. Your event should be at least two hours in length and fall within this time.
In order to have officers attend your block/neighborhood party one person representing your party must attend the G.A.I.N. Kick-Off event, which is being held 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, Chandler Police Main Station, Community Room.
Holding a G.A.I.N. event makes your neighborhood eligible for nomination in next year's Mayor's Neighborhood Excellence Awards.
During registration, you be assigned a number and then the Chandler Police Department will conduct a drawing. Once your number is picked, you will have the opportunity to pick two police resources that you would like to stop by your party.
Resources include:
- K-9’s
- McGruff the Crime Fighting Dog
- the Mobile Command Center
- Special Assignment Unit (SWAT) TK-4 vehicle
- Robot Truck
- Forensic Van’s
- Range Truck
- Negotiator Truck
- DUI Truck
- motors
- bike officers
- and more
Most neighborhood G.A.I.N. events are organized are by established Neighborhood Watch groups, but ANYONE AND EVERYONE can participate— through your own neighborhood, HOA or community-wide event.
Apartments, mobile home communities, businesses, and residential areas should all take an interest in knowing and protecting their neighborhood. One night a year to get together is not asking much and the benefits are invaluable.
Neighborhood Watch captains, apartment managers, activity directors, community leaders, youth, anyone. All you need is the desire to contact your neighbors and get together.
The first step in planning a G.A.I.N. event is to start early. Plan an exciting event with your neighbors by forming a small committee for planning. Solicit assistance from others and exchange ideas. Planning is half the fun! Look here for tips for having a block party.
Barricades
If you wish to order barricades for your block party, please call the City of Chandler Traffic Engineering Division at 480-782-3346 and they will be able to assist you. After your event, if the barricades have not been picked up in a reasonable amount of time, please contact Traffic Engineering so they may come out and pick up items. Please do not call the police department with barricade issues. We will refer you to Traffic Engineering.
Please invite everyone on your block, in your community, your apartment community, etc. Keep it a manageable number; don’t exclude anyone.
Some neighborhoods just like getting together among themselves, while others plan a much larger function, including festivals and carnivals. It all depends on what you and your neighbors want to make it. You can make it as small or as large as you want it; keep it manageable for you.
If you have any questions relating to our G.A.I.N. event, please contact Crime Prevention Specialist Blanca Quezada at 480-782-4960.
