How to Start a Neighborhood Watch

Citizens are taking a more active role in keeping themselves safe. Neighborhood watch groups are effective ways to this. Not only do they help to beat the punks on the street, but they forge strong ties with fellow neighbors and local law enforcement.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Group leader
• Pen and paper
• Telephone
• Phone book
• Meeting place

1. Call local law enforcement to tell them the plans to start a neighborhood watch. Many agencies have officers dedicated to this task who work closely with the public. Ask the representative for tips and to attend the first meeting.
2. Set a date for the first meeting, about three weeks down the road. Figure out where to hold it, often a living room will do.
3. Start inviting the neighbors. This can be done by calling them, catching them over the backyard fence or knocking door to door. Ask them to bring one idea or concern to the meeting.
4. Keep a list of the neighbors’ name, address, phone number and any pertinent information (i.e. out of town every weekend; dog in house).
5. Draw a bird’s eye map of the neighborhood, noting the house numbers, name and phone numbers of those who live there.
6. Hold the meeting. Distribute copies of the list, map and any tip sheets and phone numbers law enforcement may bring. Discuss ways to improve neighborhood safety and what each person can do in his own small way.
7. Hold regular meetings to review the progress of past initiatives and create new ones. Keep law enforcement posted on the group's progress.

Tips & Warnings

• Check to see if any local agencies will provide and install neighborhood watch signs. Sometimes they will do it for free.
• Find an existing neighborhood watch group that has been successful. Ask them to speak at a meeting.
• Feed folks cookies and coffee, if possible, to keep them coming back to the meetings.
• Don’t expect a miracle. An effective neighborhood watch group takes time, dedication and patience.
• Don’t let personalities get in the way of progress.
• Don’t expect an armed posse. A neighborhood watch is not a vigilante group but a collection of concerned citizens who aim for a peaceful place to live.