WHAT IS NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH?

The Neighborhood Watch Program is a community driven Crime Prevention Program where neighbors get back to the old adage of being our "Brothers’ Keepers." It is not designed as a substitute for police protection. It’s purpose is to fight crime by actively joining citizens and law enforcement in creating the best crime fighting team possible.

Since its creation, approximately 15 years ago, Neighborhood Watch has brought about a decrease in local crime rates nationwide. Done properly, Neighborhood Watch can have a positive impact on your community.

Three Principles of Neighborhood Watch

Being Neighborly

Neighbors getting to know, and watch out for one another.

Training

Training citizens about suspicious activity and other home security strategies.

Sense of Pride

Education and working together creates a sense of pride and belonging for participants.

What is the role of a crime watcher?

Since it is impossible to put an officer on every street corner, you are asked to be an extra pair of eyes and ears for your neighborhood.

Types of participants: Residents, Block Captains, Chairperson, Police Representative

Get to know your neighbor’s habits and routines.

Implement as many crime deterrents or programs as possible.

Learn to recognize and report suspicious activity.

How to get started

Step 1 - Talk with neighbors and friends:

Explain that you would like to start a group and ask for their participation.

Discuss crime problems in your area. A crime prevention officer can obtain these statistics for you. Explain the need and value of a Neighborhood Watch.

Define boundaries of the area (one block captain can effectively oversee 10 to 30 houses or one street.

Enlist others for participation and help prior to the original neighborhood meeting. This will ensure a consistent core group that will motivate others.

Step 2 - Contact the Crime Prevention Office at (972) 613-0391.

Ask for the Neighborhood Watch Coordinator and explain that you would like to start a group.

Be prepared to discuss boundaries of the area. Areas usually consist of three to four streets and very seldom one street.

Coordinate a date, time, and location with the officer for your first meeting.

It may be necessary to allow two to three weeks advance notice for this meeting.

Step 3 - Planning the first meeting:

Try to meet in a convenient place. If the size of the group allows you to meet in someone's home or local elementary school you might have better participation.

Design a simple flyer and deliver them to every home in the area. Do not place notices in mailboxes. Without appropriate postage it is unlawful.

Have attendees sign the Neighborhood Watch Log as they arrive. Refreshments and nametags also create a more relaxed atmosphere.

Your crime prevention officer will provide details about topics for this and future meetings.

The meeting agenda might include:

Introductions

Crime statistics

Training video

Suspicious activity and how to report it

Responsibilities

Key Points

Neighborhood Watch does not require frequent meetings, but we do encourage one meeting a quarter.

Do not take personal risk to prevent crime.

Responsibility for apprehending criminals should remain with the police.

Security survey - insurance reduction.

Above all do not be discouraged if everyone cannot attend. Participation of 100% is desirable, but only 70% is required to make it work.

Neighborhood Watch signs can be purchased from the city and installed for a nominal fee. Once the signs are erected the City of Mesquite will assume the up-keep responsibilities for the signs.

Signs alone are not crime deterrents. It takes an active neighborhood participation to reduce criminal opportunity.

Program Participant Guidelines

Get to know your neighbors' moves and be able to identify their vehicles by sight.

Maintain a map of the immediate neighborhood with names, addresses, phone numbers and vehicle descriptions.

Be watchful over your neighbors' homes, especially when they are away.

Write down descriptions of suspicious looking persons and vehicles and report them to the police immediately. (See suspect description sheet)

Make your home unattractive to burglars by using property security and Operation I.D.