How to Reduce Complaints in Neighborhood Watch Programs

United neighborhood

Neighborhood watch programs can reduce crime in communities while improving the quality of life for residents. An additional advantage is that neighbors get to know one another. However, some neighborhood watch programs are more successful than others. In a successful neighborhood watch, communication is critical. Reach out to the community and improve lines of communication, and you will greatly reduce complaints to any neighborhood watch. Regardless of location or demographic, your community will improve and thrive.

Instructions

1. Volunteer as a group watch captain, and contact other key watch group volunteers to schedule a meeting. Invite your local Community Relations Officer (CRO) from the local sheriff or police department to attend. Make sure to call all the invitees the night before to remind them about the meeting.

2. 

   Blighted area

   At the meeting, voice your concerns about the community and how the neighborhood watch could improve. Be specific about issues and trouble spots. Request feedback from all other watch captains. Ask the CRO about how each resident should handle undesirable activity they witness or blighted conditions they observe. Prioritize these issues and discuss an action plan for each.

3. Write down a list of each issue discussed at the meeting, listing more serious issues first. Create a concise flier for the community that addresses all the issues discussed. Decide on a date, and set up a public meeting for all watch members. Select a community center or local park for the meeting. Weekends work well for most people.

4. Organize distribution of all the fliers with the watch captains. Designate each captain to call a group of residents the night before and remind about the meeting. Again, invite the CRO if she is available to attend.

5. 

   Good meeting location

   Organize food and beverages for the meeting. Encourage people to bring family members. At the meeting, list all concerns that exist in the community. Then discuss the strategy to fix these problems. Ask the CRO to explain how to be a good witness and how to stay safe in all situations.

6. During the meeting, collect email and any updated telephone numbers from attendees. After the meeting, compile a comprehensive email and phone list. Establish an emergency phone tree so people can find out important information in case of a disaster.

7. 

   Fun event

   Make sure to schedule yearly meetings, and send frequent, informal email updates to keep connected and to keep enthusiasm levels high. Organize community fundraisers with the CRO.

Tips & Warnings

• Gather cell-phone numbers in addition to land-line phone numbers..

• Establish a local list-serve for all neighbors on the Internet. Local

• topics of interest and information updates are shared quickly.

• Sponsored mini-marathons, bike tours, and graffiti paint-outs can be fun ways to bring the neighborhood together.

• Good food livens any group activity.

• Follow the advice of the Community Relations Officer to keep residents safe.

References

• San Diego: Neighborhood Watch
• Safe St: Uniting Neighbors Against Crime

Resources

• USA on Watch: National Neighborhood Watch Association