Neighborhood Watch: Get Involved
Contacting the Neighborhood Action Coordinator is the first step in making a neighborhood a better place to live. Discussing the need for a Neighborhood Watch Program, the expected results, problem areas, and obtaining definite commitments are necessary to outline a successful program.- First, visit your neighbors and inform them of the benefits of a Neighborhood Watch Program and that you would appreciate their attendance at the start-up meeting.
- Find out the best day of the week and time for a meeting. If a neighborhood group already exists in the area it might be best to set aside part of a regular meeting for neighbors to learn about Neighborhood Watch.
- After determining the best time and day of the week for a meeting, contact the Neighborhood Action Office to schedule a time. Consider a location near the neighborhood, i.e., a church or school. The Neighborhood Action Office can provide meeting invitations for distribution by the Coordinator and/or volunteers.
- Once a date, time, and location have been established, distribute the meeting invitations. The Neighborhood Action Office will work with district sergeants and others to coordinate crime statistics and other police activity at the first meeting.
- Hold the first meeting. Use the First Meeting Agenda as a guide to conduct the initial meeting. Try to keep the meeting to an hour and a half or shorter if possible.
- Arrange with the Neighborhood Action Office to have Neighborhood Watch signage installed.