A Checklist for starting a neighborhood watch program
You Will Need
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A person or group of people committed to starting a Neighborhood Watch.
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A planning committee to initiate the program.
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A list of what issues initially need to be addressed in your community.
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A means of communicating with the residents, e.g., e-mail, fliers, telephone trees.
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Publicity for the initial Neighborhood Watch meeting.
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A meeting agenda to keep things moving and on track.
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A place to meet-resident's house or apartment, community center, school, library.
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A crime prevention officer to discuss the crime issues in the neighborhood and to help train members.
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A map of the community with spaces for names, addresses, and phone numbers of all households.
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Brochures or other materials on topics of interest to the residents.
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A sign-up sheet for those interested in becoming block or building captains.
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Neighborhood Watch signs to be posted around the community. Some jurisdictions require a minimum number of participants before Neighborhood Watch signs can be posted.
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Facts about crime in your neighborhood. (These can be found in police reports, and newspapers)
To Add Excitement
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Mix business with pleasure -allow attendees time to socialize.
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Seek out neighborhood go-getters -civic leaders and elected officials -to be your advocates and mentors.
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Work with such existing organizations as citizens' association, tenants' association, or housing authorities.
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Provide speakers on topics of community interest.
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Link crime prevention into activities promoted by other groups: child protection, anti-vandalism projects, community service, arson prevention, recreation activities for young people.
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Start a neighborhood newsletter.
To Build Partnerships
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Police Departments and Sheriffs' office's endorsement is critical to a Watch group's credibility. These agencies are the major sources of information on local crime patterns, crime prevention education, and crime reporting.
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Local businesses and organizations can help provide fliers and a newsletter, offer meeting places, and distribute crime prevention information. Ask an electronics store to donate cellular phones.
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Libraries can provide research materials, videos, computers, and meeting space.
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Media can aid Neighborhood Watches by publicizing recruitment drives.
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Look to volunteer centers, parent groups, and labor unions for advice on recruiting volunteers.
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Teenagers are valuable resources. They can be an integral part of a citizens' patrol including biking and rollerblading to scout the neighborhood.
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Places of worship can provide meeting space and a good source of volunteers.