Neighborhood Watch is one of the oldest and best-known crime prevention concepts in North America. The National Sheriffs' Association (NSA) created the National Neighborhood Watch Program in 1972 to assist citizens and law enforcement. In 2002, the NSA in partnership with USA Freedom Corps, Citizen Corps and the U.S. Department of Justice launched USAonWatch, the face of the revitalized Neighborhood Watch initiative, which represents the expanded role of watch programs throughout the United States.
This program empowers homeowners to become active in protecting their community through participation in Neighborhood Watch groups. Residents participate in Neighborhood Watch in their area by organizing residents to communicate any suspicious behavior to others by phone trees and reporting it to the authorities.
If you are interested in starting a neighborhoood watch in your community, below are some steps to help you get started!
- Form a small planning committee of neighbors to discuss the needs of your community, gage the level of interest and potential problems, decide on a date and place for an initial Neighborhood Watch meeting
- Contact Your Local Sherrif's Office or Police Department for more information or to arrange a speaker
- Arrange a meeting location close to your neighborhood. It should have enough room to hold your invited neighbors and, if needed, for the use of audio visual aids such as an overhead projector.
- For more information and educational materials related to starting a Neighborhood Watch, visit the National program's website.