by Matt Devoti

Communities across the country struggle with crime. Threats to personal safety are felt in urban, suburban and rural neighborhoods. Criminal activity can undermine a community’s sense of security and connection, causing residents to shelter inside their homes or drive folks to nearby cities or municipalities.

A universal interest exists in wanting to live in a safe neighborhood.  People often come together to improve their security. Organized efforts are possible and, when done, can foster feelings of safety that exponentially expand neighborhood confidence. So, how does a community initiate a neighborhood watch program?

Organize. Any effort to begin a safety program starts with organization.  Typically, a group of like-minded people come together to share their concerns. Committee members can be found by word of mouth or recruited from chat groups, social media posts and existing community groups, such as churches, businesses, neighborhood associations and charitable organizations.

Identify Concerns. Once gathered, folks need to identify community concerns. Common issues may be determined by reviewing news reports, crime data and members’ personal experiences. Members often hold common perceptions formed through years of living and working in the community. Data pulled from the local police department or sheriff’s office can inform those impressions, revealing the threat level of issues identified by the safety committee.

Once identified, concerns should be prioritized. The group should focus on the most pressing issues while noting other items for future review and consideration. It’s important for your committee to remain flexible, as safety issues can fluctuate based on local events, challenges and even the season.

Collaborate. Successful programs work closely with law enforcement, going beyond simply pulling and sharing data. Obtain the name and contact information of your department’s liaison officer, and invite them to participate in committee meetings. If your local agency doesn’t have a liaison officer consider requesting one. This officer can become your most valuable source of information, guiding discussions and educating the committee on best practices.

Local law enforcement is typically eager to participate in watch and safety programs. Communication between the police and safety committees supports police activities, introduces officers to the community, and fosters a sense of trust and cooperation between the agency and the neighborhood. Collaboration also ensures that your community works in alignment with the professionals dedicated to fighting crime. When operating cooperatively, the program serves as a supplement to police presence.

Educate. A key component of a successful safety program is developing initiatives that address a community’s individual security issues. An effective initiative addresses a single subject and calls the community to action. Initiatives must be information-based and pull safety directives from respected, authoritative resources.

The most effective initiatives are clear, concise and easily understood by residents. Initiatives may span from the simple—a call to light porches, alleys and yards at night—to the complex —a chart directing a concerned citizen about the suggested steps to deal with a problem neighbor.  Whatever the subject, the initiative must concisely educate the public about a particular issue and engage their help in meeting the challenge.

Inform. Your program should also consider how to communicate effectively with residents. Communication methods may vary depending on residents’ available resources and the need to quickly distribute information. Therefore, it’s essential to identify community members and explore potential communication channels. Email, text and social media are efficient ways to reach large numbers of people quickly. However, since some residents may not use email or social media, options like newsletters, paper flyers and bulletin board posts should also be considered.

Meetings are another important form of communication. Regular neighborhood association meetings provide an opportunity to educate residents about safety initiatives and discuss issues affecting the community. Town hall meetings can also be effective for addressing challenges that require more in-depth discussion. If available, a website can serve as a central hub for sharing initiatives, crime data, safety resources and links to law enforcement.

Review. A hallmark of a strong safety program is the regular evaluation of how effectively the group is addressing the concerns that initially brought them together. Tracking crime data over time can help members understand the strengths and weaknesses of specific campaigns or initiatives. Resident input should also be sought regularly, with community members encouraged to share their concerns and identify what information they need to feel safer and more secure.

Your program should also assess how effectively information is shared among all interested parties. Efforts should be made to publicize the program’s contact information, including email addresses and phone numbers. These resources facilitate the flow of information from residents to the program, which is essential for addressing emerging issues.

Threats to personal safety are a concern nationwide. Criminal activity undermines neighborhoods, impacting residents’ sense of security. Organized safety programs can address the specific concerns of individual communities. Coordinated efforts by people with shared concerns can make neighborhoods safer through collaboration, communication and education, strengthening feelings of security and stability.