Neighborhood Watch - Maintaining Your Program

Stable neighbourhoods result from people caring and sharing. Such neighborhoods experience fewer crime problems. When Neighborhoods Watch networks organize around crime concerns, enthusiasm is usually high and participation good. A few months later the excitement dies down and communication often sags.

The following list of suggested projects to help keep your block alive was compiled from active Neighborhood Watch participants. Add your own ideas to this list based on the composition and interests of your neighborhood. Choose the ones appropriate for your group and have fun!

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Hold Meetings. Hold regular meetings to help residents get to know each other and to collectively decide upon program strategies, and activities.
Recruit members. Canvas door-to-door to recruit members.
Involve everyone - young and old, single and married, renter and home owner.
Block Cleanup. Physical conditions like abandoned cars or overgrown vacant lots contribute to crime. Sponsor cleanups. Rent a dumpster for a weekend. Neighbors can share tools and expertise to help one another. Cap the day with a celebration.
Encourage residents to beautify the area, and ask them to turn on outdoor lights at night.
Security Surveys. Conduct home security surveys and Operation Identification, and include elderly and handicapped residents. Information Sharing.
Publish your own block newsletter. Keep people up to date on crime and non-crime happenings.
Block Inventory. Explore the wealth of talent on your block - auto mechanics, gardeners, artists, those with secret special talents, etc. Neighbors can share expertise and knowledge with each other.
Winter Emergency Planning. Develop a game plan for winter emergencies. Who has a gas stove? Four wheel drive vehicle? Does anyone have special needs? Identify the resources on your block.
Disaster Preparedness. Develop a disaster plan for other emergencies (earthquake, flood, etc.). Do you know how to turn off your utilities? Does anyone know first-aid? Who knows how to put out a fire? Hold meetings to learn more about being prepared.
Sign Posting Party. Celebrate community spirit by arranging a party for posting your sign telling the world that crime will not be tolerated. Let the Neighborhood Watch symbol remind the neighbors of the commitment you have made to each other to be watchful and responsive

Please feel free to email us with additional items at Email: contact@GCCIhome.com We will be pleased to add your items to our list.

Click here for the duties of the block captains and coordinators.See below for a full list of articles and checklists concerning neighborhood watch programs.

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Neighborhood Watch Programs

General Info Checklist Getting Started Coordinator-Block Captain Block Members

Maintaining Your Program Summary