Starting a Neighborhood Watch Group

You’ve heard about the benefits of NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH participation.  You suspect – or know – that there is a crime problem in your area.  How do you get a program started in your neighborhood?

FIRST…

Form a small planning committee of neighbors to discuss needs, the level of interest, and possible problems.  Decide on a date and place for an initial NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH meeting.

NEXT…

Contact your local law enforcement agency.  Request that a crime prevention officer come to a meeting of your group in the near future to discuss NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH and help assess your community’s problems and needs.  Inquire about crime statistics for your area, but bear in mind that crime is typically under-reported.  Ask that the officer bring to your meeting samples of NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH signs, decals, and literature.

FINALLY…

Contact as many of your neighbors as possible, asking them:

§         If they feel at risk of being burglarized or being the victim of other crimes;

§         If they have taken any steps to protect their homes; and

§   If they would be willing to attend a meeting to organize a NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH group in your area.

You may be surprised to learn how many of your neighbors’ lives have already been touched by crime!

Planning for a Successful First Meeting

• Schedule your kickoff meeting in a place convenient to the neighborhood, such as a private home, church community building, school or library.

• Contact your police 10 to 14 days in advance and inform officials of the date and place of the first meeting; verify than an officer will be able to attend.  Ask for a letter from the police to all potential NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH members expressing support.  (See sample).

• Draw a large map of all the streets and households to be covered by your NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH organization.  Start with a manageable number of homes at first; you can always add other areas.

• Design a flyer or letter of invitation (see sample) and see that one is delivered to every home on your target list.  Teenagers and Scouts in the neighborhood can play a valuable role by delivering announcements and information.  The use of an email list-serve would be very appropriate.

• Follow up each invitation with a call or personal visit, reminding neighbors of the meeting time and place.  Try to get each household to commit at least one adult member to the meeting so you can estimate potential attendance.  All family members are welcome to join NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH, as young people can add substantially to the success of the program.  Senior citizen participation is also a plus; retired seniors are home and can observe the neighborhood when many other adults are at work.