Neighborhood Watch is a crime prevention program designed to increase neighborhood livability by reducing crime and the fear of crime through education and communication. Just as important, Neighborhood Watch helps build a sense of connectedness on your block as you become familiar with your neighbors and the activities on your block.
By organizing Neighborhood Watch on your block you will:
Be able to recognize and report suspicious activity.
Learn ways to increase your home's security.
Benefit from a block roster.
Be part of a positive relationship with your neighbors and the Police Department.
What are the major components of Neighborhood Watch?
Communication: A quick phone call, email, post on Nextdoor.com or your groups Facebook.com page, even a simple block newsletter are different ways to stay in touch with your neighbors. The way you communicate is not as important as just making the effort to share info about what is happening on the block and letting each other know when something or someone is out of place. Communication with the Pct. 4 Constable Office, Sheriff Dept. and/or city police is also important. Maintain regular discussions with the Community Resource Deputy if Pct. 4 Constable's Office sets up your crime watch group.
Neighborhood Meetings: Regular get-togethers can prove extremely useful. You can have them monthly or bi-monthly, what ever works best for your group. The purpose is to have an opportunity to discuss what is going on in the area and express any concerns you may have.
Neighborhood Watch Patrol: Neighbors may chose to team up to walk, bike or drive through the neighborhood and alert police to crime and suspicious activities. Our dog walker program is also an important part of your neighborhood watch.
Special Events: Keep the neighborhood going and growing with fun activities that bring you and your neighbors together. Events don't have to be large-scale productions. They can be block parties, such as National Night Out, or they could be opportunities to spruce up the neighborhood park. Call the Pct. 4 Community Resource Deputy to help plan the events.
How Do I Get Started?
Step 1: Contact neighbors or the Pct. 4 Constable Community Resource Deputy to see if a Neighborhood Watch group is already established in your area. If no group exists, the deputy will explain the easy set up process and send you a "start-up" packet. You can also download the start-up packet here for the .pdf version. For a PowerPoint version, click here.
Step 2: Talk to your neighbors to determine their interest in starting a group.
Step 3: Please contact a Pct. 4 Community Resource Deputy at 281.577.8446 for available dates and times for your initial Neighborhood Watch meeting. At this meeting, the deputy will speak to you and your neighbors about how to keep yourselves and your homes safe. Take this opportunity to mention any crime-related concerns to the deputy.
Neighborhood Watch Signs:
Pct. 4 Commissioner has advised he will purchase and install/maintain two neighborhood watch signs for each active neighborhood watch community.
Maintaining Your Neighborhood Watch:
Keep the lines of communication open. Hold regular meetings or events. They serve as opportunities to keep you and your neighbors connected. A united neighborhood experiences fewer crime problems. Update all neighborhood information at least once a year. Take the opportunity to update the list if a new neighbor joins or moves away. Invite the Pct. 4 Community Resource Deputy to a meeting to speak on various crime prevention topics or services provided by the Pct. 4 Constable Office.
Download the PDF version of our Neighborhood Watch Guide Here.
Download the PowerPoint version of our Neighborhood Watch Guide Here.
Please fill out the form below to start a new watch group, register your group, join an existing group or even have a simple question about Neighborhood Watches. You can also contact the Pct. 4 Community Resource Division at 281.577.8446.