Neighborhood Watch

The Neighborhood Watch Program is a joint effort between the police department and the community that is designed to enhance neighborhood security, heighten the community's power of observation, and to encourage mutual assistance and concern among neighbors.

We need YOU to get involved! What's in it for you? Safer streets, and homes, community spirit, camaraderie with your neighbors, stronger relationships with law enforcement, and so much more. It is easy to participate in a Neighborhood Watch or even get one started. A Neighborhood Watch program embraces and strengthens many things we're already doing, such as watching out for each other's homes or working together to solve problems. Neighborhood Watch brings along the power of organization and the ability to focus energy and resources.

Often Neighborhood Watch groups begin because there have been incidents in the community that have caused concern -- acts of vandalism, burglaries, or thefts from vehicles. These are the types of crimes that Neighborhood Watch is most successful in reducing. An active Watch group can also help reduce drug dealing, discourage gangs, improve the security of young people, and help older neighbors stay safe from crime.

A Neighborhood Watch takes commitment on the part of citizens. It requires meetings, patrols, and other activities. Law enforcement trains citizens to recognize and report suspicious activities to the police. Block captains are made aware of crime alerts in their neighborhood. Law enforcement attends monthly meetings when needed and provides necessary crime prevention information and support. The role of law enforcement in Neighborhood Watch is to provide training, support, guidance and leadership. When the crime rate in the areas with a Neighborhood Watch decreases, it is because of those who have given their time and energy to the project.

10 Steps to Start a Neighborhood Watch

Neighborhood Watch Groups in Georgetown

McGruff House

Business Watch