About Neighborhood Watch
Neighborhood Watch is a crime prevention program that teaches citizens techniques to reduce the risk of being a victim at home or in public by training citizens on the importance of recognizing suspicious activities and how to report them. Residents learn how to make their homes more secure and properly identify their property. Neighborhood Watch allows neighbors to get to know each other and their routines so that any out of place activity can be reported and investigated.
Implementation of a Neighborhood Watch on your block could result in substantial reductions of crimes. Neighborhood Watch works because people want to assume a more active role in making their communities safe. Residents within a neighborhood know who belongs there and who doesn't and what activity is suspicious. Citizens will work with, instead of relying on, law enforcement to combat crime in their community.
The Neighborhood Watch Program consists of a series of activities designed to improve the safety of the City through the participation of its residents. The activities include Neighborhood Watch Meetings, Business Watch and the Community Awareness Program.
Typical Tasks
Furnish crime information to the Sheriff's Department from residents who wish to remain anonymous. Continue crime prevention and safety programs through community presentations. Promote Neighborhood Watch Program by seeking Block Captains and assisting them with program material. Work closely with the L.A. County Sheriff's Department in order to educate the public regarding crime prevention.
Neighborhood Watch Is Not:
- A vigilante force working outside the normal procedures of law enforcement.
- A program designed for participants to take personal risks to prevent crime.
- A 100% guarantee that crime will not occur in your neighborhood.
Benefits of Neighborhood Watch
- Reducing the risk of being a crime victim
- Being better prepared to respond to a suspicious activity
- Greater access to criminal activity information
- Receiving a Neighborhood Watch sign in your neighborhood and decal for your window
- Knowing your neighbors
- Reducing the fear of crime and making your neighborhood more livable
- Allowing other issues of concern to the community as a whole be addressed
How to Start a Neighborhood Watch For Your Block?
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Contact your neighbors. Ask them if they would be interested in meeting. Your needs and interests should fit the uniqueness of your area and your neighbors. Stay flexible (meeting locations, frequency, topics, size, etc.).
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Set up a location for your meeting to be held. You can also contact the Municipal Services Department (MSD) and we will help you if you do not have a location. Staff will also contact the Sheriff's Department if you would like them to attend your meeting.
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Notify interested neighbors. Let your neighbors know the time and location of your meeting. You can call your neighbors directly or you can come to MSD and we will develop a flyer for you to pass out.
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If possible, collect a survey and family data sheets or block profile sheet from MSD. A telephone tree is also important and the information can be filled out at the first meeting.
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At your first meeting, have everyone sign in the attendance sheet. Explain the value of Neighborhood Watch and address particular concerns and interests you have about your neighborhood. This will include filling out the "Map" - a list of names, addresses and phone numbers, which are reproduced and distributed to each of the member homes. Topics for future meetings can also be explored.
If you have any further questions, or would like help in establishing your Neighborhood Watch on your block please call the Lawndale Sherriff's Service Center at (310) 219-2750.