Crime is a constant problem and one that does not completely go away, regardless of the times. While our current economic situation may be causing an increase in our crime rate, there is never a better time to stand with our neighbors to maintain and build a safe community.
This can be done by building a neighborhood watch program.
While not every neighborhood community has the means to implement a state-of-the-art alarm system, residential security cameras, or private block security, a neighborhood watch program only costs the time it takes to pay attention to your surroundings during you daily routines and inform your neighbors of anything out of the ordinary.
So how do you start a neighborhood watch program?
Setting up a neighborhood watch program can be a lot of hard work, but once they are up and running, they’re pretty easy to maintain and operate, and the rewards can be life saving.
Step 1 for creating a neighborhood watch program
First, for a neighborhood watch to work, there must be a group of dedicated individuals who are willing to act as the extra “eyes and ears” of their local law enforcement. Whether by phone or by e-mail, the first step is to gather as many genuinely interested citizens as possible to discuss their concerns, and then to follow through with regular meetings. A consistent, organized effort is essential to the success of a neighborhood watch program and works best where there are already town of community meetings in place
Step 2 for creating a neighborhood watch program
Second, contact the local law enforcement and get them involved. The first one or two meetings may be limited to only the members of the community and their questions, but getting the police themselves at meetings and actively involved is essential to the success of any neighborhood watch program as the police with be the ones to take any and actions regarding the enforcement of law.
Most crimes, including burglaries, happen in isolation. The failure of law enforcement to respond is typically a case of too little information gotten to them too late. Furthermore, the very presence of a team of dedicated citizens acts as a deterrent to criminal behavior
Step 3 for creating a neighborhood watch program
Third, you must create a plan of action regarding different scenarios.
A neighborhood watch program should have its own internal organizational structure, with a set of clearly defined and practical procedures to get the job done. Such a plan and its procedures should also be worked out with local law enforcement in order to make sure that they will be effective to the fullest.
In addition to regular meetings, experience members need to train newer members in their procedures so that they know who to call, when, how, and under what circumstances.
Step 4 for creating a neighborhood watch program
Set up a regular schedule for patrols.
Patrols do not need to be an out-of-the-way affair. Simply schedule them to coincide with your neighbors regular routines, like dog walking, or during their daily run etc. Even looking around when you take out the garbage can make a significant contribution to the effort.
More than half of all burglaries happen during the day, so patrols should be scheduled at times other than at night. With that in mind, there is strength in numbers, but, alone or in a group, it is always best to act with caution for two reasons.
One, a misunderstanding could become an issue for the success of the group in the future, particularly if it brings the trust of the community into question.
Two, it is best to leave dangerous problems to the professionals who are trained and equipped to handle them. The primary purpose of a watch group is deterrence and information gathering, which is why it is important that regular meetings occur to share information properly with both fellow community members and the police
Nevertheless, it is always important to remember that vigilance is not the same as paranoia. A neighborhood watch should not become an excuse for gossip or slander. Nor should it become a form of permission for intruding into the private lives of one’s neighbors.
With that in mind, making it known that there is an active neighborhood watch program in the community can be accomplished by purchasing pre-made signs for streets, homes, and cars. These are not only deterrents, but also serve to create an overall greater sense of community.
For more information on how to start up a neighborhood watch visit the following websites.
1. The National Neighborhood Watch Institute,
2. www.usaonwatch.org, a program of the National Sheriff’s Association,
3. and, www.volunteerguide.com.
Remeber, safety starts at home. Don’t forget to read our article on how to create a home security plan