NCJ Number
103765
Date Published
1986
Length
66 pages
Annotation
This manual for starting and operating a Neighborhood Watch Program and associated crime prevention activities instructs residents and police in their associated responsibilities.
Abstract
Neighborhood Watch, which structures resident and police cooperation in burglary prevention through citizen surveillance and other crime prevention activities, has proven effective in reducing residential burglaries, particularly in neighborhoods where a high percentage of residents are absent from their homes during the day. This manual guides residents in program startup activities, including plans for and the handling of the first neighborhood meeting. Advice on program coordination includes job descriptions for the program coordinator and the block captain. Practical advice is offered for identifying and reporting suspicious activity, providing quick and accurate descriptions of persons and vehicles, and securing homes against burglary. The section of the manual for sheriffs and police chiefs focuses on police responsibilities in helping establish and maintain Neighborhood Watch Programs. Practical instruction for police covers designing security into new homes, establishing programs and goals, patrol procedures, citizen patrols, victim assistance programs, Operation Identification, Project Safehouse, a youth escort service, Project Porchlight, Crime Stoppers, Crime Watch, telephone 'trees,' Operation Fingerprint, and fire prevention programs. Police are also advised on fundraising, security-device installation, housesitting, and other programs that might evolve from a Neighborhood Watch structure. Forms that might be used in the program are described. A listing of the names and addresses of resource organizations.