Improving the Effectiveness and Utilization of Neighborhood Watch Programs: Executive Summary

• NCJ Number: 108737
• Author(s): J Garofalo; M McLeod
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 39 pages
• Grant Number(s): 84-IJ-CX-0023
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Justice (NIJ); US Dept of Justice NIJ Pub
• Corporate Author: Hindelang Criminal Justice Research Ctr
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This three-phase study gathered descriptive data about the structures and operations of a national sample of 550 Neighborhood Watch (NW) programs; conducted 1985-1986 site visits to 10 NW programs in Virginia, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, Michigan, Missouri, Florida, and California; and examined existing assessments to identify common themes and findings.

Abstract

NW programs emphasize an observe-and-report strategy for preventing crime in communities. Existing research suggests that NW has some positive effects in preventing crime, particularly residential burglary. Most NW programs are initiated by police, residents learn about NW through newsletters and community meetings, and groups tend to be predominantly white and disproportionately upper class. Most programs included community-oriented activities and other crime prevention measures (e.g., property identification, home security surveys) in addition to informal surveillance. Receptivity and level of involvement varied among NW programs. Of the 550 programs, 66 involved patrols. These tended to have more formalized structures and specialized needs than general NW programs. A major program concern was maintaining resident participation. Successful programs tended to be flexible, have formal standards, are tailored to the community, and combine other activities with surveillance. 2 tables and 24 references. For full report, see NCJ 108618.