Neighborhood Watch

This is simply a program of neighbors watching the other neighbor's property during the vacation period, the working day, evenings, or during any absence. Neighborhood Watch is a crime prevention program that enlists the active participation of citizens in cooperation with law enforcement to reduce crime in their communities. Neighbors get to know each other and work together in a program of mutual assistance. Citizens are being trained to recognize and report suspicious activities in their neighborhoods. Implementation of crime prevention techniques, such as Home Security, Operation Identification, and others. Once you've become acquainted with your neighbors, make them aware of your everyday living habits (such as delivery people who regularly come to your home). Learn their habits equally as well.

More Information on Neighborhood Watch

What to Do Next

Exchange phone numbers with them and write down the license numbers of their cars.

If you notice a stranger behaving suspiciously, call the police immediately, and give the police dispatcher a full description and license number (if possible). It is important to note that officers who patrol neighborhoods on a regular basis are often called away from neighborhoods because of emergencies. The police officer may not recognize a stranger in your yard…. but your neighbors would!

The purpose of the Neighborhood Watch Program is to create an alert neighborhood by using simple crime prevention methods …neighbors helping each other.

How to Develop the Program

Holding a block meeting to discuss the concept and develop a home protection plan can develop the Neighborhood Watch Program. Remember, each neighbor can only watch homes to each side, and the front and back effectively. For the program to be totally effective, each resident must take an active role both in security improvement and observation.

Talk to Your Neighbors

Survey your block for interested neighbors. Try to involve the neighbors from the next street behind you so that they can be encouraged to start a "Watch" on their block. Generally, we are talking about a one-block area.

Explain the value of the Neighborhood Watch Program. Ask about convenient times to schedule your initial meeting. Be sure to mention the following:

Neighborhood Watch does not require frequent meetings
Neighborhood Watch does not ask that anyone take any personal risk to prevent crime
Neighborhood Watch leaves the responsibility for apprehending criminals where it belongs: your local law enforcement agency. Your eyes and ears can be of tremendous help.

Arrange A Day, Time & Place

Select a day and time that will work for most of the neighbors and contact the Public Information Office to set a date.

Once a date has been set, use a simple handout to invite your neighbors to the meeting. A face-to-face meeting is a good way to give them an invitation.

Experience has shown that for a Neighborhood Watch group to be successful, the majority of the residents on the block should participate. To gain recognition as a Neighborhood Watch group and be authorized a Block Watch street sign, the Casa Grande Police Department requires this majority participation. Of course, we should all strive to achieve 100% participation.