How to Form a Neighborhood Watch

In a Neighborhood Watch program, the community works closely with law enforcement to inform and encourage members to be aware of crime in their neighborhood. The guidelines below follow the suggestions of the National Crime Prevention Council.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Form a planning committee of community members to discuss the needs of your neighborhood.
2. Invite a local police officer to discuss crime prevention and help develop a plan of action.
3. Hold an initial meeting to discuss the purpose of the program.
4. Recruit members and assign a coordinator to act as a liason with police and volunteers to keep members informed.
5. Set up citizen patrols- volunteer groups that walk or drive through the neighborhood and report suspicious activities and vehicles to authorities.
6. Hold regular meetings and keep community informed through newsletters.
7. Hold special events such as block parties, neighborhood softball games and park cleanups.
8. After at least 50% of households are enrolled, obtain Neighborhood Watch signs and post throughout community.

Tips & Warnings

• Once the Neighborhood Watch program gets going, your community can start to address other important issues, such as childcare and affordable housing.
• Do not carry weapons or approach suspicious people when on patrol. Your task is to observe, record and report.