NCJ Number
77351
Date Published
Unknown
Length
14 pages
Annotation
Methods of organizing a Neighborhood Watch program in Detroit are described, with tips on recruiting new members, setting up the first meeting of the group, and establishing priorities during subsequent meetings.
Abstract
The Neighborhood Watch program establishes a formal network for concerned citizens to communicate with other neighbors and police regarding crime-related problems. Because police cannot effectively protect life and property without the support and cooperation of the citizenry, every citizen should be a Neighborhood Watch member. Any adult group representing individual households in the same geographic area may be considered a Neighborhood Watch group and receive stickers and designator numbers. The block security chief acts as the leader of the program for a particular block; this person must organize and work with the police crime prevention officer to set up the neighborhood program. Neither the block security chief nor other members of the program have any legal authority on behalf of the city or the police but are limited to observing and reporting any criminal activity. Through regularly scheduled meetings, the block security chiefs can keep their groups informed of new crime prevention programs and concepts, as well as obtain advice from the police. At the initial meeting of the group, a police officer will explain the concept of crime prevention and Neighborhood Watch; a block location sheet will be completed by each member and initialed by the officer. A mandatory second meeting is then planned, and designator numbers and further information regarding personal and residential security are then provided. The block location sheet, with instructions for its completion, and a description of how to use the designator numbers are included. Telephone numbers of police precincts in Detroit and the police, fire, and medical emergency numbers are furnished.