What it is & how to get involved

Neighborhood Watch is...

• Becoming acquainted with your neighbors.
• Working together to solve problems in your neighborhood.
• Helping the police by being aware of and reporting any unusual activities as they occur. You know best what is "normal" activity in your neighborhood.
• Learning to prevent and detect crime in your neighborhood and taking the necessary steps to make it safer (i.e. utilizing locks, lighting, etc.)
• Reporting suspicious persons. NOT apprehending, leave that for the police.
• Looking out for your neighbors.

How to organize a Neighborhood Watch meeting

Since the police are unable to cover every neighborhood at all times, you can help by forming Neighborhood Watch. You and your neighbors can stay safe by looking out for one another.

Step #1 Contact your neighbors from corner to corner and both sides of the street in your neighborhood.

Step #2 Ask your neighbors when would it be a good time for them to be present for a Neighborhood Watch meeting. Weekdays - we schedule the block watches at 6:30 P.M. or 7:00 P.M. (The entire program is approximately one hour in length).Topics include:

A. Benefits of the Neighborhood Watch & how it works.
B. Marking & documenting your property/Project MARC Program
C. Information on monthly Crime Information Meetings in your area.
D. Information on the SBPD Quick Reference Guide
E. Reporting and recognizing suspicious activity
F. Signing persons up to become Block Captains/What is involved

Step #3 Contact the Neighborhood Watch Coordinator at 235-9037 to schedule your Neighborhood Watch meeting. A cover sheet with instructions, Neighborhood Watch materials can also be sent to assist you in organizing your meeting.

Step #4 To begin the Neighborhood Watch meeting, a Crime Prevention Unit Officer arrives and conducts the presentation.

Step #5 The officer leaves, and the people in your area are encouraged to socialize after the officer leaves and become better acquainted.

The Key: Looking out for each other. It worked yesterday...it is still working today. Neighborhood Watch began many years ago when early residents banded together to keep watch over and worked together to protect their early settlements. Today, the Neighborhood Watch concept can bring your neighbors together for the common goal of making your neighborhood a safe place to live.you and your neighbors are safer when you look out for each other. YOU could be the one to make a difference.

Call 235-9037 today for information on how to schedule a Neighborhood Watch Meeting for your neighborhood.

Take a bite out of CRIME!

Important phone numbers:

Emergency (only): 911 - For any police, fire, or medical emergency, any time day or night

Crime Stoppers: 288-STOP- To report any information on Felony crimes or fugitives.

General Police Information: 235-9201- If you have non-Police questions, refer to your phone book or directory assistance for the right source for your questions.

Crime Prevention Bureau: 235-9037 - If you have crime prevention questions or want to schedule a Neighborhood Watch Program for your neighborhood or Home Security Survey.

Drug Task Force Tip Line: 235-9406. If you suspect drug dealing activity from a home or other populated location, you can call to report this activity to undercover/narcotics investigators for follow-up.

For further information contact Crime Prevention at 235-9037.