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 NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAM
(Go to USAonwatch.org for more information on this program.)
What is Neighborhood Watch?
Neighborhood watch is a crime prevention program that enlists the active participation of residents in cooperation with law enforcement to reduce crime, solve problems and improve the quality of life in a town.
Neighbors learn how to:
- Recognize and report crimes and suspicious activities;
- Protect themselves, their family and property;
- Protect their neighbor’s family and property;
- Identify crime and disorder problems in their area and work with law enforcement to solve them; and
- Develop and utilize a communication network within each designated area for the purposes of informing neighbors of criminal and suspicious activity and/or other neighborhood-related concerns.
Does Neighborhood Watch Work?
The National Crime Prevention Council conducted research in 2008 on the effectiveness of Neighborhood Watch Programs throughout the United States. Approximately 53% of the samples studied demonstrated a positive effect of Neighborhood Watch Programs in their areas, with a reduction in crime of 9% or more within each of these areas. The overall analysis concluded that Neighborhood Watch Programs are more often than not associated with a relative reduction in crime. The findings lend support to Neighborhood Watch as an effective crime prevention strategy.
How to Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
- Talk with neighbors and community members about the benefits of having Neighborhood Watch groups and elicit interest for participation in the program
- A Meeting with the Selectboard and Town Manager is also essential to obtain local support (for dissemination of information, funding, etc.)
- Talk with local law enforcement (Vermont State Police) and obtain support
- Planning for the First Meeting:
- Invite a local law enforcement official to attend:
- Ask that they bring copies of pamphlets on personal and home security, preventing fraud and identity theft, reporting crimes & suspicious activities, dealing with homeless persons, senior safety and security, preventing robberies, etc.
- Select a date, time and place for the meeting
- Develop an agenda
- Send out and post meeting announcements throughout your town:
- Distribute flyers, make phone calls and/or send out emails
- The First Meeting:
- All attendees should sign a roster, and they should be assured that this information will be kept confidential and be used primarily to contact about meetings and as a venue for information-sharing
- The meeting facilitator should request that all attendees introduce themselves:
- This can include their name, where they live, and why they want to get involved in the Neighborhood Watch Program
- The local law enforcement official will talk about the law enforcement-related topics (either in presentation format or at least with handouts – the more visible the content presented, the easier people will be able to connect to it)
- As a group, attendees should define the area(s) to be covered and select one or more Block Captains
- Block Captain Duties (may include, but are not limited to):
- Compiling a local Neighborhood Watch membership list
- Act as a liaison with local law enforcement officials
- Work with local town officials to develop an area map with home addresses and/or businesses
- Work with local town officials to develop a fundraising campaign to raise money for signs, pamphlets, and/or other associated paperwork (i.e. home inventory checklists; vacation checklists; etc.)
- State funds will be able to assist with the purchase of some Neighborhood Watch signs for each town
- Recruiting new members
- Keeping members informed about area crime and disorder
- Develop an Area Activity Profile to help members recognize unusual or suspicious activities in their area (this could include vehicle descriptions, work hours, school hours, scheduled services, etc.)
- Act as a spokesperson for the group
- Plan, announce and facilitate meetings
- Organize crime prevention activities (i.e. watching homes when residents are away on vacation, etc.)
Subsequent Meetings & Activities
- After the initial meeting, it is important to have a follow up meeting within one month to discuss progress, issues, concerns, etc.
- After the second meeting, quarterly or bi-annual meetings can be held (unless there is specific information to be distributed and discussed, a problem to address or a special event to be planned and held that requires additional support)
- Local law enforcement and local town officials can be invited to these meetings to address any local issues, and/or to discuss other topics (i.e. domestic violence, bike safety, child and adult sexual abuse, alcohol or drug abuse, identify theft, landlord/tenant relations, homeland security, etc.)
The quality of life in our community is everybody’s business. We are individually and collectively responsible for the safety and security of ourselves, families, neighbors and our homes. If we are going to prevent crime before it occurs, that burden primarily falls upon us, the citizens.
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