BLOCK WATCH

The modern concept of a neighborhood watch was popularized in the 1960s.

In 1972, the National Sheriff’s Association started the National Neighborhood Watch Program with a grant from the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration.

Many traditional Block Watch programs are designed first and foremost in response to burglaries. They are groups of neighbors actively participating to watch out for each other—in cooperation with law enforcement—to reduce crime and improve quality of life in a neighborhood.

Police simply can’t be everywhere at all times.

Working together with your neighbors can be a very effective way of deterring and disrupting crime & other anti-social activity in the neighborhood.

How it works:

  • Become acquainted with your neighbors.

  • Work together to identify & solve problems in the neighborhood.

  • Act as “eyes & ears” for police by being aware of and reporting unusual or suspicious activity. (Trust your gut, you know best what’s “normal” activity in your neighborhood.)

  • Implement crime prevention techniques for home and personal security.

  • Citizens leave apprehension to police.

Shaw Butte Neighborhood Alliance is more than a Block Watch—but the traditional Block Watch model still works, and offers a great starting point for community improvement.