Take a Stand

Take a Stand=

Against Crime

Join a Neighborhood Watch

Ne= ighborhood Watch, Block Watch, TownWatch, Building Watch, Crime Watch—whatever t= he name, it’s one of the most effective and least costly ways to prevent crime and reduce fear. Neighborhood Watch fights the Isolation that crime b= oth creates and feeds upon. It forges bonds among area residents, helps reduce burglaries and robberies, and

improves relations between police and the commu= nities they serve.

WHY NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH?

t   It works. Throughout the country, dramatic decreases in burglary and related offenses are reported by law enforcement professionals in communiti= es with active Watch programs.

t   Today’s transient society produces communities that are less personal. Many families have two working parents and children involved in m= any activities that keep them away from home. An empty house in a neighborhood = where none of the neighbors know the owner is a prime target for burglary.

t   Neighborhood Watch also helps build pride and serves as a springboard for efforts that address other community concerns such as recreation for yo= uth, childcare, and affordable housing.

HOW DOES A NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH START?=

A motivated individual, a few concerned residen= ts, a community organization, or a law enforcement agency can spearhead the effor= ts to establish a Watch. Together they can

t   organize a small planning committee of neighbor= s to discuss needs, the level of interest, and possible community problems.=

t   contact the local police or sheriff’s department, or local crime prevention organization, for help in training members in home security and reporting skills and for information on local crime patterns.

t   hold an initial meeting to gauge neighbors̵= 7; interest; establish the purpose of the program; and begin to identify issues that nee= d to be addressed.

t   select a coordinator.

t   ask for block captain volunteers who are respon= sible for relaying information to members.

t   recruit members, keeping up-to-date information= on new residents and making special efforts to involve the elderly, working parents, and young people.

t   work with local government or law enforcement t= o put up Neighborhood Watch signs, usually after at least 50 percent of all households are enrolled.

WHO CAN BE INVOLVED?<= /p>
Any community resident can join—young and= old, single and married, renter and homeowner.&= nbsp; Even the busiest of people can belong to a Neighborhood Watch—= they too can keep an eye out for neighbors as they come and go.

START A NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH?

Yes. Watch Groups can be formed around any geog= raphical unit: a block, apartment building, townhouse complex, park, business area, public housing complex, office building, or marina.

WHAT DOES A NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH DO?

A Neighborhood Watch is neighbors helping neigh= bors. They are extra eyes and ears for reporting crime and helping neighbors. Mem= bers meet their neighbors, learn how to make their homes more secure, watch out = for each other and the neighborhood, and report activity that raises their suspicions to the police or sheriff’s office.

WHAT ARE THE MAJOR COMPONENTS OF A WATCH PROGRA= M?

t   Community meetings. These should be set up on a regular basis such = as bi-monthly, monthly, or six times a year.

t   Citizens’ or community patrol. A citizens’ patrol is made up of voluntee= rs who walk or drive through the community and alert police to crime and questiona= ble activities. Not all Neighborhood Watches need a citizens’ patrol.

t   Communications. These can be as simple as a weekly flier posted on community announcement boards to a newsletter that updates neighbors on the progress = of the program to a neighborhood electronic bulletin board.<= /p>
t   Special events. These are crucial to keep the program going and growing. Host talks = or seminars that focus on current issues such as hate or bias-motivated violence, crime= in schools, teenage alcohol and other drug abuse, or domestic violence. Adopt a park or= school playground and paint over graffiti. Sponsor a block party, holiday dinner, = or volleyball or softball game that will provide neighbors a chance to get to know each o= ther.

t   Other aspects of community safety. <= span style=3D'font-family:Arial'>For instance, start a block parent program to h= elp children in emergency situations.

WHAT ARE MY RESPONSIBILITIES AS A WATCH MEMBER?=

t   Be alert!

t   Know your neighbors and watch out for each othe= r.

t   Report suspicious activities and crimes to the = police or sheriffs’ department.

t   Learn how you can make yourself and your commun= ity safer.

WHAT KIND OF ACTIVITIES SHOULD I BE ON THE LOOK= OUT FOR AS A WATCH MEMBER?

t   Someone screaming or shouting for help.

t   Someone looking in windows of houses and parked= cars.

t   Property being taken out of houses where no one= is at home or from closed businesses.

t   Cars, vans, or trucks moving slowly with no app= arent destination or without lights.

t   Anyone being forced into a vehicle.<= /span>

t   A stranger sitting in a car or stopping to talk= to a child.

Report these incidents to the police or sheriff= s’ department. Talk about concerns and problems with your neighbors.

HOW SHOULD I REPORT THESE INCIDENTS?=

t   Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.=

t   Give your name and address.
t   Explain what happened.

t   Briefly describe the suspect: sex and race, age, height, weight, hair color, clothing, distinctive characteristics such as a beard, mustache, scars, or accent.

t   Describe the vehicle if one was involved: color= , make, model, year, license plate, and special features such as stickers