Neighborhood Watch

Decades ago crime rates across the U.S. increased at an alarming pace. Citizens and law enforcement agencies focused on developing crime prevention programs to help reduce this growing trend. In 1972 The National Sheriff’s Association organized the National Neighborhood Watch Program. This pilot program was funded by the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration of the U.S. Department of Justice and was designed to enlist the participation of citizens with law enforcement to help reduce and prevent crime. 

Since then Neighborhood Watch has become one of the most effective means of fighting crime in our communities. This is because you and your neighbors are the ones who really know what is going on in your area, most likely to be the first to see a crime and call for help, and are in the best position to: 

1. Report code violations, unsafe street conditions, etc. that degrade the quality of life in your area
2. Take property owners to small claims court to abate nuisances
3. Keep your block clean and free of graffiti
4. Provide a safe environment for your children.

About Neighborhood Watch

Neighborhood Watch is an organized group of citizens devoted to crime and vandalism within a neighborhood. Neighborhood watches are not a vigilante organization. Their purpose is to report suspicious or criminal activities to their local law enforcement agency. Reasons to start a neighborhood watch group is as follows:

• Recognize and report crimes and suspicious activities
• Protect yourself, your family, and your property
• Protect your neighbor’s family and property
• Identify crime and disorder problems in your area and work with CPD personnel to solve them