What is Neighborhood Watch?
Neighborhood Watch is a crime prevention program which enlists the active participation of citizens in cooperation with law enforcement to reduce crime in their communities. It involves:
- Neighbors getting to know each other and working together in a program of mutual assistance
- Citizens being trained to recognize and report suspicious activities in their neighborhoods
- Implementation of crime prevention techniques such as home security, Operation Identification, etc.
The idea is neighbors watching out for each other!
Who Can Participate?
City people, country people, suburban residents, apartment dwellers, mobile home residents, young people, senior citizens, men, women, families, couples, singles…….in summary, YOU!
Why Neighborhood Watch?
- Over 40 million crimes are committed every year and the number is still growing.
- There can't be a law enforcement officer on every corner, so citizen involvement is essential to combat this social crisis.
- By cooperating with each other and the police, people can help fight crime in their community the most effective way - before it begins.
How to get Involved with Neighborhood Watch
Contact the Grand Terrace Police at the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department at (909) 824-0680 and explain that you are interested in joining or starting a Neighborhood Watch group.
Write for the Attorney General's “Don't let ‘em knock your block off!” Block Captain's Guide—a step-by-step instruction manual explaining how to organize a Neighborhood Watch group. California Attorney General's Office at P.O. Box 944255, Sacramento, CA 94244-2550.
For more information on neighborhood watch programs log on to the California Attorney General's Crime Prevention Center website at http://www.safestate.org/.
Law enforcement officers can't be everywhere at once—but you and your neighbors can. Put that neighborhood “know how” to work.
It's simple:
Use your eyes and ears and then your telephone.
If you spot something suspicious, call the police or sheriff immediately.