How does a Neighborhood Watch Start?
 A motivated individual, a few concerned residents, a community
organization, or a law enforcement agency can spearhead the efforts
to establish a Watch. Together they can:
- Organize a small planning committee of neighbors to discuss
needs, the level of interest, and possible community problems.
- Contact the local police or sheriff’s department, or
local crime prevention organization, for help in training members
in home security and reporting skills and for information on
local crime patterns.
- Hold an initial meeting to gauge neighbors’ interest;
establish the purpose of the program; and begin to identify
issues that need to be addressed.
- Ask for block captain volunteers who are responsible for
relaying information to members.
- Recruit Members, keeping up-to-date information on new residents
and making special efforts to involve the elderly, working
parents, and young people.
- Work with local government or law enforcement to put up Neighborhood
Watch signs, usually after at least 50 percent of all households
are enrolled.
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