One-on-One with Goodyear PD PIO Sgt. Mayra Reeson: Inside the New Virtual Block Watch Program

Goodyear Police Department Sgt. Mayra Reeson, the department’s Public Information Officer, sat down for a one-on-one discussion about community engagement, evolving technology, and GYPD’s new Virtual Block Watch Program. Goodyear Virtual Block Watch LinkSgt. Reeson joined Goodyear PD in January 2025 and brings 18 years of law enforcement experience, including time with Phoenix Police Department. She is a graduate of the Arizona Law Enforcement Police Academy (2008).After moving from California to Arizona, Reeson became deeply involved in her community—as a mom running a Girl Scout troop and building local connections. That sense of community ultimately drew her to Goodyear.“It just gave me that opportunity to come back to more of what my community is. This is where I shop. Entertainment. So much is growing here in Goodyear. So this is more like my community again.”Like many in law enforcement, Sgt. Reeson says policing wasn’t a childhood dream—but once she found it, she knew it was where she belonged.“I stumbled upon this career… Once I was here, I was like wow—this is really what I was meant to do. I can’t imagine doing something else.”A self-described social person, Sgt. Reeson transitioned from computers and IT into law enforcement as her children grew older, drawn to the fulfillment of serving the community.“We spend so much time away from our families… and being able to serve the community—it’s just more fulfilling.”Now working in media relations, Sgt. Reeson says her focus is ensuring accurate, timely information reaches residents about safety and community concerns.What Is the Virtual Block Watch Program?GYPD’s Virtual Block Watch expands traditional neighborhood watch concepts using today’s technology. With doorbell cameras, floodlight cameras, and home security systems now common, the program allows residents to voluntarily register their cameras with the police department.Importantly, Sgt. Reeson emphasizes:Police do not have access to residents’ camerasOfficers cannot log in, view live feeds, or browse footageInstead, residents register:That they have a cameraThe general location of their homeThe direction the camera pointsWhen a crime occurs, officers or investigators can check the database and see if registered cameras are nearby.“We’ll reach out to the homeowners and ask them to review their camera, give them a time frame, and see if they believe they captured any footage that would be helpful.”If residents believe their footage is relevant, they receive a secure upload link to voluntarily submit it. The footage remains within Goodyear PD and is not shared externally.Why It MattersSgt. Reeson says the program helps:Solve crimes fasterExtend limited manpowerFree up officers’ timeDeter criminal activityProvide closure and resolution for victims“If we’re not getting ahead of technology, then we’re behind it. Using these tools helps us further investigations and lets our manpower go farther.”At the same time, GYPD is continuing to grow in-person Neighborhood Block Watch programs, which Sgt. Reeson says remain vital.“Nobody knows your neighborhood better than you.”The department is always lookinPlease send news tips to [email protected].