Neighborhood Watch - What Is It?

nwatch.JPG

Neighborhood Watch is one of the oldest and most effective crime prevention programs in the country, bringing citizens together with law enforcement to deter crime and make communities safer.

Neighborhood Watch Overview

Launched in 1972, and sponsored by the National Sheriffs’ Association, Neighborhood Watch counts on citizens to organize themselves and work with law enforcement to keep a trained eye and ear on their communities, while demonstrating their presence at all times of day and night. The program was developed in response to requests from sheriffs and police chiefs who were looking for a crime prevention program that would involve citizens and address an increasing number of burglaries.

Essentially, Neighborhood Watch is a group of neighbors looking out for neighbors. It is getting to know each other and becoming familiar with your neighbor's habits and vehicles so that you will know when something is suspicious or out of the ordinary. In addition to recognizing potential suspicious activities, Neighborhood Watch participants report such activity by calling 911. After calling 911, neighbors should also notify your Watch Chairperson.

Neighborhood Watch does NOT mean being a vigilante. Participants do not confront suspects or take any personal risks at all. Nor does the program make you a nosy neighbor - it makes you a good neighbor in the old-fashioned sense of the word.

Benefits of having a Neighborhood Watch:

  • Improved livability.
  • A team concept of neighbors working together.
  • Knowing your neighbors and looking out for one another.
  • Improved home security.
  • A partnership with the Sheriff's office.
  • Information about available resources and services.

For More Information:

Source: USAOnWatch.org and the National Crime Prevention Council
Search All Articles
Related Articles
No Child Left Behind Increases Parents' Choices
Nclb_thHow No Child Left Behind provides educational choices
No Child Left Behind and Charter Schools
Apple_thHow Charter Schools work with the No Child Left Behind law
No Child Left Behind and School Safety
Books_thWhy No School Left Behind will make schools safer and more drug-free
Are You Ready for Earthquakes?
Areyouready_030_thHow to be better prepared in an Earthquake

More...
Most Popular
HOA: Five Best Practices
BestHelp your homeowners association run more smoothly with these tips.
7 Steps To Manage Your Money When You Have Kids
KidsmoneysmAdding a bundle of joy to the family makes actively managing your finances even more important. Follow these seven steps to hel
5 Signs It's Time to Vote Off a Board Member
BoardYou, and probably the rest of the board, is thinking the same thing: Is it time to vote them off?
Your 401(K) And Index Funds
FundLearn more about index funds to determine if they should be part of your 401k investment portfolio.

More...

Zip Code Profiler

Neighborhoods, Home Values, Schools, City & State Data, Sex Offender Lists, more.

Instant Home Value!