|
Neighborhood
Watch
|
|
Neighborhood Watch is one of
the oldest and most well-known crime prevention programs. The National
Neighborhood Crime Watch Program was developed by The National Sheriff's
Association at the request of sheriffs and police chief's from across the
country. It is one of the most effective and least costly ways to combat
crime in your community. This crime prevention program can heighten the
community's observation powers while enhancing neighborhood
security.
|
|
Goals
of a Neighborhood Watch Program
|
- Increasing citizens' awareness of burglary and other neighborhood
crime through a continuing information program.
- Training citizens in the means of better property security and
assist them in making their property more secure.
- Developing a neighborhood action program where neighbors help
watch each other's property and report suspicious persons and
activities to law enforcement agencies.
- Encouraging all citizens to cooperate with law enforcement
agencies in reporting crime.
- Enlisting each home/apartment business in Operation
Identification.
|
|
Duties
and Responsibilities
|
| 1. Neighborhood Coordinator |
- Coordinates activities of Block Captains
and Block Watchers participating in program.
- Recruits neighborhood residents into the
program.
- Acts as a liaison with the police
department and disseminates information communicated to them which may
lead to the solution of a crime.
|
| 2. Block Captain |
- Hosts a Neighborhood Watch meeting.
- Personally visits each
home/apartment/business in his/her block, announcing the meeting and
encouraging neighbors to participate.
- Acts as a base for Operation
Identification. Neighbors can pick up Operation Identification
materials from their Block Captain in order to participate in the
program. The goal of 100% participation is essential in order to
achieve the program objectives.
- Acts as a liaison with the police
department and disseminates any information communicated to them which
may lead to the solution of a crime.
- Distributes crime prevention materials
to those residents who are unable to attend meetingss.
- Cooperates and assists Neighborhood
Coordinator.
|
| 3. Block Watcher |
- Acts as eyes and ears for their
neighbors and reports any suspicious activity.
- Studies crime prevention materials
furnished to them.
- Checks neighbors' homes when they are
out of town.
- Cooperates and assists the Block
Captain.
- Participates in Operation
Identification.
|
|
| What
is Suspicious? |
| The effectiveness of any crime
prevention program depends on the participation of the community.
Reporting suspicious activity is one of the most important things
citizens can do. Many people fail to call because they are unsure
exactly what is suspicious, or they fear being labeled as a "nosy
neighbor", or they take it for granted that someone else will call.
Call 911or your local law enforcement
department immediately when you observe any suspicious
behavior! |
|
