What is Neighborhood Watch?

The Police Department's Neighborhood Watch program is the most effective means available for keeping crime out of our neighborhoods. It relies on the best crime fighting tool ever invented - a good neighbor. Fortunately, good neighbors are found everywhere. We believe that when neighbors work together with law enforcement, one of the best crime fighting teams is created.

We provide citizens with guidelines on how to work with law enforcement to start and sustain an effective Neighborhood Watch program. We also provide information on special activities and how to report crimes.

Neighborhood Watch is the basis for an ongoing dialogue and cooperative relationship with neighbors, law enforcement and other city and county agencies. Interested members of the community regularly contact the Crime Prevention Unit of the police department for assistance in starting a program in their neighborhood. Upon contact, the Crime Prevention Officer will explain that neighborhood watch involves:

• Neighbors getting to know each other, and working together in a program of mutual assistance.
• Citizens being trained to safely recognize and report suspicious activities in their neighborhoods.
• Crime prevention strategies such as home security, Operation Identification and others being implemented by citizens.
• Neighbors being apprised of crime conditions in their neighborhoods.

Once a date, location, and time for the first meeting is decided upon, the Crime Prevention Officer will create a flyer, announcing the meeting. The contact person distributes the flyer in their neighborhood.

Why Neighborhood Watch?

There can't be a law enforcement office on every corner, so citizen involvement is essential to combat crime. You and your neighbors are the ones who really know what is going on in you community. By cooperating with each other and the police department, people can help fight crime in their neighborhoods in the most effective way -- before it begins.

How to Start a Neighborhood Watch Program

Talk to your neighbors to generate an interest in establishing a Neighborhood Watch Program for your area. Discuss crime problems and explain the value of the program. Ask about convenient times to schedule your first Neighborhood Watch meeting.

Contact the West Sacramento Police Department's Crime Prevention/Neighborhood Watch Program Unit at 617-5328.