Neighborhood Watch

Neighborhood Watch Program

Neighborhood Watch is the cornerstone of all crime prevention programs. It engages residents in cooperation with law enforcement to reduce burglaries and neighborhood crime. The program’s primary goal is protecting property—both yours and your neighbors’. It is a proven, effective way to substantially reduce residential burglaries and related crimes in a defined area.

This program teaches participants how to better protect their homes and guides them in organizing a neighborhood group to make crime prevention part of everyone’s daily routine.

Why Start a Neighborhood Watch?

The program deters crime by encouraging citizens to remain alert and report suspicious activity. Your role is to be observant and report concerns; it is the responsibility of the police to investigate and apprehend offenders.

Encourage as many neighbors as possible to join. Even if they do not participate directly, let them know they’re welcome to attend meetings and stay informed.

Make meetings convenient by hosting them locally—indoors or outdoors. Evening times around 7:00 p.m. are often best. Ask neighbors to bring chairs for outdoor gatherings.

Responsibilities of a Neighborhood Watch Captain

Captains and co-captains must host at least two meetings or activities annually, with participation from at least 50% of households in the designated area. Their involvement is key to the program’s success.

The first meeting must include a presentation by your police liaison officer. Call at least three weeks in advance to schedule.

Topics covered in the initial meeting may include:

  • The Neighborhood Watch program overview
  • Home security and target hardening
  • Vehicle security

If specific neighborhood issues (e.g., vehicle burglaries) should be addressed, inform your liaison officer beforehand.

Subsequent meetings can be informal social events (e.g., potlucks, holiday gatherings) that help neighbors build relationships. Police attendance is optional unless requested.

Captains are also responsible for submitting attendance sheets for each meeting or event. Groups without two qualified activities per year will be deactivated from the program.

As liaison between the police and neighbors, captains receive department updates by email and may share relevant information with residents. They can also contact the department to address questions or concerns raised by neighbors.

Tips for Planning a Successful Meeting

  • Choose a date and time that works for most neighbors—conduct a quick survey if needed.
  • Send flyers or invitations at least two weeks in advance.
  • Meet the 50% household participation threshold to maintain active status.
  • Ensure all attendees sign an attendance sheet for recordkeeping.

Helpful Forms and Resources