neighborhood watch manual

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Neighborhood Watch ManualUSAonWatch - National Neighborhood Watch Program

Bureau of Justice AssistanceU.S. Department of Justice

This manual has been created for citizen organizers and law enforcement officers that work with community members to establish watch programs. The material contained within covers a number of topics and provides suggestions for developing a watch groups. However, please incorporate topics and issues that are important to your group into your watch.

Grant Statement:This document was prepared by the National Sheriffs’ Association, under cooperative agreement number 2005-MU-

BX-K077, awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Table of ContentsChapter 1: USAonWatch – The National Face of Neighborhood Watch Page 1

•WhatisNeighborhoodWatch

•ProgramHistory

•ManyDifferentNames,OneIdea

•BenefitsofNeighborhoodWatch

Chapter 2: Who is Involved in Neighborhood Watch? Page 4

•StartingaNeighborhoodWatch

Chapter 3: Organizing Your Neighborhood Watch Page 6•PhoneTrees

•NeighborhoodMaps

Chapter 4: Planning and Conducting Meetings Page 10

•InvitingNeighbors

•MeetingLogistics

•FacilitatingMeetings

•AlternativestoMeetings

•IdeasforCreativeMeetings

•NeighborhoodWatchActivities

Chapter 5: Revitalizing Watch Groups Page 18

•RecognizeYourVolunteers

Chapter 6: Neighborhood Watch Skills – Using Your “Eyes and Ears” Page 20

•ObservationsSkills

•KnowingWhatandHowtoReport

Chapter 7: Establishing Partnerships Page 24

•IdentifyingResources

•CitizenCorps

Chapter 8: Neighborhood Watch’s Expanded Role Page 26

•EmergencyPreparednessandHomelandSecurity

•PreventingTerrorism

•AreYouReady?

Chapter 9: Home Security Page 29

•BasicHomeTargetHardening

•OperationIdentification

•PersonalPropertyIDRecord

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Chapter 1

USAonWatch

The National Face of Neighborhood Watch

forcitizenstoparticipateinNeighborhoodWatchintheircommunity.

ThefoundationoftheNeighborhoodWatchprogramis the information, training, technical support, andresources provided to local law enforcement agenciesand citizens. The training program is designed to buildthecapacityof lawenforcementofficersassigned toworkwith community groups by providing specific instructionontopicsimportanttoNeighborhoodWatch.Inadditionto training, Neighborhood Watch has developed a newToolkit that contains such items asposters, flipbooksontargethardening for thehome, andpresentations for thecommunity.

To learn more, visit www.USAonWatch.org andbrowsethesite.CheckouttheResourceCenter,visittheNeighborhoodWatchpartners,subscribetoourelectronicnewsletter,orregisteryourWatchgroup.

What is Neighborhood Watch?ANeighborhoodWatchprogramisagroupofpeople

livinginthesameareawhowanttomaketheirneighborhoodsaferbyworkingtogetherandinconjunctionwithlocallawenforcementtoreducecrimeandimprovetheirqualityoflife.NeighborhoodWatch(NW)groupshaveregularmeetingsto plan how theywill accomplish their specific goals andassign responsibilities to group members. NeighborhoodWatch is homeland security at the most local level. It isan opportunity to volunteer andwork towards increasingthe safety and security of our homes and our homeland.

NeighborhoodWatch is one of the oldest and best-knowncrimepreventionconceptsinNorthAmerica.Inthelate1960s,anincreaseincrimeheightenedtheneedforacrimepreventioninitiativefocusedonresidentialareasandinvolvinglocalcitizens.TheNationalSheriffs’Association(NSA) responded, creating the National NeighborhoodWatch Program in 1972, to assist citizens and lawenforcement.IntheaftermathoftheSeptember11,2001terroristattacks,strengtheningandsecuringcommunitieshasbecomemorecriticalthanever.NeighborhoodWatchprograms have responded to the challenge, expandingbeyond their traditional crime prevention role to helpneighborhoodsfocusondisasterpreparedness,emergencyresponse,andterrorismawareness.

In 2002, the NSA inpartnershipwithUSAFreedomCorps,CitizenCorps,andtheU.S. Department of Justicelaunched USAonWatch,the face of the revitalizedNeighborhood Watch

initiative, which represents the expanded role of watchprograms throughout the United States. USAonWatchempowerscitizens tobecomeactive inhomelandsecurityefforts through participation in Neighborhood Watchgroups. Many neighborhoods already have establishedwatchgroups that are vibrant, effective, andcan takeonthisexpandedrolewithease.Forneighborhoodswithoutthriving groups, the renewed emphasis on emergencypreparednessandresponsemayprovidetherightincentive

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NeighborhoodWatchempowerscitizensandcommunitiestobecomeactiveinemergencypreparedness,aswellasthefightagainstcrimeandcommunitydisasters.

Activities conducted by Neighborhood Watchgroups across the country are as diverse and varied astheir volunteers and the neighborhoods they represent.Some groups mobilize to patrol neighborhoods, otherdistribute crime prevention information, while businessassessments or home security surveys are conducted byothers.WheredisorderproblemsaretheprimaryfocusofNeighborhoodWatch members, volunteers mobilize andconductneighborhoodclean-ups,orworkwithfaith-basedorganizations toassistwith thehomelessandmentally illwhowanderthestreets.AslawenforcementofficerslearntheneedsoftheirvariousNeighborhoodWatchgroupsandthedynamicsoftheirvolunteers,theycantailoractivitiesand responses to meet the ever-changing needs of theircitizens.

Program HistoryForalmost70years,NSAhasbeen

committed to the safety and securityofAmerica’s communities.NSA tookcrime prevention concepts a stepfurtherbymakinganationalinitiative– theNationalNeighborhoodWatchProgram.Theprogramwasdevelopedin response to amultitude of requests from sheriffs andpolicechiefsacross thecountry.Lawenforcement leaderswerelookingforacrimepreventionprogramtoincorporatecitizeninvolvement,andaddresstheincreasingnumberofburglaries taking place, especially in rural and suburbanresidentialareas.

Funding was sought and obtained from the LawEnforcement Assistance Administration part of the U.S.DepartmentofJustice,andthus,theNationalNeighborhoodWatchProgramwasborn.Thefirsttwoyearsoftheprogramweredevotedtodisseminatinginformationonthenatureandvolumeofburglary,andprovidinginformationonhowtosecureresidentialpropertyandmake it lessvulnerabletobreak-ins,alsoknownastargethardening.Fromthere,itevolvedtopromotingtheestablishmentofongoinglocalneighborhoodwatchgroupswherecitizenscouldwork inconjunction with their law enforcement agencies in anefforttoreduceburglariesandotherneighborhoodcrimes.Thecreationof“BoristheBurglar”aroseasthesymbolofcrimepreventioninneighborhoods.

Throughouttheyears,NeighborhoodWatchhasgrownfroman“extraeyesandears”approachtocrimepreventiontoamuchmoreproactive, community-orientedendeavor.Neighborhood Watch groups are now incorporatingactivities that not only address crime prevention issues,butwhichalsorestoreprideandunitytoaneighborhood.

It is not uncommon to seeNeighborhoodWatch groupsparticipatinginneighborhoodcleanupsandotheractivitieswhichimpactthequalityoflifeforcommunityresidents.

In 2002, USA Freedom Corps was created underPresident Bush’s initiative to build a national culture ofservice, citizenship, and responsibility.USAonWatch wasestablishedinpartnershipwiththeDepartmentofJusticeas an expansion of the Neighborhood Watch programto empower citizens to become directly involved in theircommunitytoprepareforallhazards.USAonWatchisoneoffiveprogrampartnersofCitizenCorps,anationalefforttoencouragecitizeninvolvement.Followingthehurricanesof2005,anew initiative foremergencypreparednessandservice swept the country. Neighborhood Watch groupsareawayforlawenforcementandcitizenstoworktogethernotonlyfordisasterpreparednessbutforallhazardsandencouragecitizenstovolunteerintheircommunities.

Many Names, One ConceptAfter the National Sheriffs’ Association kicked off

the National Neighborhood Watchprogram, it was left to local lawenforcement agencies to create localgroups.Dependingontheneedsofthelocalcommunities,aswellasthedesireof the sheriff or police chief,Watch groups were startedwithdifferentnames and logos.However, the concept ofcrime prevention through citizen involvement remainedconstant. Today the National Sheriffs’ Association andthe Bureau of JusticeAssistance (BJA),U.S.Departmentof Justice recognize that although a group might becalled “crimewatch,” “blockwatch,” “businesswatch,”orsimplyusethenameofthehomeowners’association,itisstill “neighborhood watch.” By revitalizing the NationalNeighborhoodWatchprogramasUSAonWatch,allgroupscommitted to reducing crime and making a differencein their communities belong to one national programregardlessofthenameorlogoontheneighborhoodsign.

Benefits of Neighborhood WatchThere are obvious benefits Neighborhood Watch

volunteers and their communities have experiencedthroughouttheyearssuchas:

• areductionincrime• abetterqualityoflife• agreatersenseofsecurity,responsibility,and

personalcontrol

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• buildingcommunityprideandunity• preparing for helping others and ourselves in our

community• providing law enforcement agencies with volunteer

supportyearround• becomingtheextra“eyesandears”oflawenforcement

personnel and therefore reduce law enforcement‘sburden

Who is Involved in Neighborhood Watch?Anynationalinitiativeorprogramrequirescontributions

at multiple levels, fromthe federal governmentto sheriffs to individualcitizens. The NationalSheriffs’ Associationis working with theBureau of JusticeAssistance, Office ofJustice Programs, andthe U.S. Departmentof Justice to form newNeighborhood Watchgroups and revitalizeexistinggroups. Inordertoreachthecitizens,locallawenforcementagencieshavebeengivenachargeto involve the peoplein their community.Anyone and everyonecan be involved in aNeighborhood Watchgroup.

National-Level PartnersThe Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice

Programs, U.S. Department of Justice works with theNational Sheriffs’ Association to provide administrativeandfinancialsupporttotheNeighborhoodWatchprogram.This support is used to produce and distribute productsandmaterialsthathelpcreateandenhanceNeighborhoodWatchprogramsacrossthenation.BymobilizingAmericanstotakeaction,crimeandterrorismcanbereduced.

State and Local Law EnforcementLocal law enforcement agencies are charged to reach

out to their communities to form local partnerships thatwillassistinthedevelopmentofnewNeighborhoodWatchprograms and enhance existing programs. By partnering

together, crime can be prevented or reduced, and theoverall quality of life canbe improved.Law enforcementofficers include sheriffs’deputies,policeofficers, andanyotherswornlawenforcementofficer.

Law Enforcement LiaisonA law enforcement liaison is the law enforcement

officerordeputyspecificallyassignedtheresponsibilityofestablishing and supporting local Neighborhood Watchgroups.TheliaisonwillguideNeighborhoodWatchleaderstomakedecisionsthatwillbebestfortheirgroup.Theofficerwill train Neighborhood Watch leaders, block captains-

and members in areasranging from settinggoals to how to reportsuspiciousactivities.Theliaison should also beinvolved in facilitatingc o m m u n i t y - w i d eNeighborhood Watchactivities.

Community MembersN e i g h b o r h o o d

Watch members haveseveral responsibilities.One of the mostimportant things amember can do is toremainactive.Anactivememberwillhelpcreateand maintain a level ofexcitement about theprogram and will helprecruit more members,

leading to a higher level of crime prevention. It is theresponsibility of members to stay informed about issuesin theirneighborhoodandcommunity.This informationshouldbesharedwithotherstokeepmembersmotivatedandtopreventthegroupfrombecomingstagnant.

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Chapter 2

Starting a Neighborhood Watch

ANeighborhoodWatch group is easy to start.Haveameetingwith your neighbors and don’t forget to invitealocal lawenforcementrepresentative.NWprogramsarebuiltuponsuccessfulrelationshipsbetweenlawenforcementandthecommunity.RememberthisisyourNeighborhoodWatchgroupandlawenforcementistheretosupportandassistyou.Itisyourresponsibilitytomaintaininterestandkeepthegrouprunningsmoothly.

• Begin to talk to yourneighbors to gauge interest. Ifthey don’t understandwhatNW is, use the flyer atthe endof thismanual “Reasons forNeighborhoodWatch”toexplainthebenefits

• Contact your local law enforcement agency. Manypolice departments and sheriff’s offices haveestablished programs or an officer assigned toNW.Callandtellsomeoneyouareinterestedinstartingagroup.Theymayhaveideasorsuggestionsforstartingasuccessfulgroup.IfanofficerisnottrainedinNW,

invitethemtoattendyourfirstmeetingandyoucanlearntogether.

• Don’tbediscouragedbylowattendanceorlackofinterest.NoteveryonewillbeinterestedinjoiningyourWatchgrouprightawayorunderstandtheneedforthegroup.Continuetoinviteeveryoneandupdateneighborswhoaren’tinvolved.Asthegroupgrows,morewillwanttojoin!

Five Steps to Building aSuccessful Neighborhood Watch

Building a strong Neighborhood Watch programis not an overnight process: it takes patience, planningand dedication. However a successful program will keepa community strong and protected andwhen a crime oremergency happens, theywill bemore ready.Keep theseFiveStepsinmindwhenstartingyourgroup.

The 5 StepsStep1:Recruitandorganizeasmanyneighborsaspossible.Step2:Contactyourlocallawenforcementagencyandscheduleameeting.Step3:Discusscommunityconcernsanddevelopanactionplan.Step4:Holdregularmeetingsandholdtrainingonrelevantskills.Step5:Implementaphonetreeandtakeactionsteps.

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Step 1Talk with your fellow neighbors about their concerns

regarding crimeand safety in thearea.Discuss andcreateawareness among the neighbors or potential volunteersabout a particular concern or general issue affecting theneighborhood.Citizensmaywanttocollectdatafromavarietyofsources,includingpolicereports,personalobservations,ormediareports.Insomecases,oncethefactualinformationon the issue is collected, other concernsmay emerge andhelp todemonstrate theneed for an activeNeighborhoodWatch.Oneexampleofthismightbeasituationinwhichcitizens do not feel safe because of the large number ofyoungpeoplewhoseemtocongregate inasingleareaandthenroamthestreets.Onceinformationiscollectedaboutthis problem, other concerns such as underage drinking,druguseorpropertycrimesmayberevealed.TheprimaryconcernintheinitialphaseofformingaNWistocollectalloftheinformationanddevelopastrategytoraisethelevelofawarenessabouttheidentifiedconcernsorissues.Oncethedataiscollected,theorganizerscanformattheinformationinordertobeabletodisseminateittotheirtargetedgroupofresidentsorpotentialNWvolunteers.Letters,flyers,emailsorevenbillboardscanbeusedtospreadthemessageabouttheconcernandtomobilizepeopletoformaNWgroup.Insomecommunities,dependingontheissues,thelocalmediamayhelptospotlighttheconcernsandhelptomobilizethecitizens.Getthewordoutabouttheidentifiedproblemsandbegintorecruitandselectindividualswhowanttoformthe“core” group of the newNW effort. This core groupwillberesponsibleforrecruitingothers,meetingwithlocallawenforcement,andbuildingorrevitalizingtheNeighborhoodWatchprogram.

Step 2Oncethecommunityconcernsorneighborhoodissues

havebeenidentifiedandthecoregrouphasbeenestablished,thecitizens shouldmeetwith representativesof their locallawenforcementagencyinordertolearnhowthepublicandlawenforcementcanworktogether tobuildapartnership,createandsustainaNeighborhoodWatchgroup,andresolvethe community issues. Law enforcement officials suchas police officers or sheriff’s deputies will be able to helpthe citizens to formalize their NeighborhoodWatch. Lawenforcement officers can provide information, literature,trainingandahostofotherimportantresourcestohelpinbuildingthenewgroup.TheneworrevitalizedgroupshouldregisterwithUSAonWatch tobecomepartof thenationalinitiativeagainstcrimeandterrorism,andlocaleffortscanbeinitiatedtodevelopandbuildbeneficialpartnerships.

Step 3Oneofthefirstmeetingsshouldaddressandprioritize

theconcerns,issuesorproblemsthathavebeenidentified.

Citizenvolunteersmaytaketheinitiativetoaddresssomeof these concerns,while for others thepolice or sheriff’sdepartment may want to implement crime reductionstrategies. Conduct a meeting on strategic planning andidentify the concerns and resources available. All toooften, newWatch groups do not have a definedmissionorspecificgoalandfindthemselveswithnoclearguidanceordirection.Numerousactivitiesmayoccur,butduetoalackoffocus,theymaynotresolvetherealissues.Afterthecommunity’sconcernshavebeenidentifiedandprioritized,the group will turn its attention to developing specificstrategies to address these needs. Develop goals withspecificobjectivesandrealisticmilestones.Aplanofactionshouldbeadoptedandimplementationstrategiesshouldbedesignedthatwillnotonlyguidetheplan,butalsoprovideameanstoassessandevaluateitseffectiveness.

Step 4Once the new or revitalized Watch group has been

formed, and goals and objectives have been determined,the Watch leaders and citizen volunteers should schedulemeetings where they can receive training and hone theirskillsincrimepreventionandcommunitypolicing.Locallawenforcementcanprovideanumberoftrainingprogramsthatwillhelpthecitizensworktogethertoprotectthemselvesandtheircommunities.Dependingonthetypeofactivitiesthatthe group will undertake (whether neighborhood patrols,cleanup days, crime prevention seminars, or vulnerabilitystudiesforbusinessassessments),citizenscanofferavarietyof important crime and terrorismprevention services oncetheyreceivethepropertrainingandinstruction.

Step 5Takeactivestepsinthecommunitysoeveryoneisaware

abouttheNW.Haveakickoffeventtoencourageotherstogetinvolved,startaNWnewsletter,continuetrainingandemergencydrills.Most importantlykeep thegroupactiveandenthusiastic.Maintaincommunicationbetweengroupmembersandthelawenforcementliaison.

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Chapter 3

Organizing Your Neighborhood Watch

outandworkwiththecommunity,whileothersareselectedbecauseoftheircommunicationskillsorabilitiestoplan,organizeandmobilizeothers.Insomesituationstheofficermay have no prior NW experience and the communitymusthelptheofficerunderstandtheimportanceofNW.

A law enforcement or public safety officer who hasbeenassignedasaliaisontoassist,enhance,andsupportNeighborhoodWatcheffortsinthecommunityshould:

• LearnaboutthehistoryoftheNeighborhoodWatch.• Collect general information on the community or

communitieswhereheorshewillberesponsibleforoverseeingitsimplementation.

• Examine the geographyof the area and anynaturalneighborhoodboundaries.

• Examine the demographics of the population(especiallyanyemergingtrends).

• Examine the culture of the communities that theNeighborhoodWatchgroupswillbeserving.

• Collectdataonthecrime,disorderandquality-of-lifeissuesinthegeneralcommunity.

It is important to note all of the information beinggatheredisgeneralinnature.ThisfoundationalinformationshouldprovidetheofficerwithanunderstandingofwhattheNeighborhoodWatch is andwhere theprogramsaregoingtobeoffered,enhanced,orexpanded.

ThereisnosinglerightwaytoorganizeaNWgroup.Dependingonlocallawenforcementandtheirrequirements,theremight not be a lot of choice.Nomatter how yourNWis setup, theorganizational structuremust take intoaccounttheneedsofthecommunityandlawenforcement.A traditional NW group will include a law enforcementofficer or liaison to the group, an area coordinator wholivesinthecommunity,blockcaptainsspreadthroughoutthe community, and watch members. One of the finalsteps in forming and organizing a NeighborhoodWatchisthedesignationofleadership.Theseindividualswillberesponsible for the planning and coordinating activities.Watchleadersmaybeformalleaderselectedbytheirpeersor informal leaderswhoare simply the first to volunteer!As aWatch becomes more advanced, the members mayformanadvisoryorexecutiveboardtomakedecisionsfora larger area. It doesn’tmatter how yourWatch group issetup,aslongasyourcommunitymembersareexcitedandeffectivelyaddressingtheidentifiedproblems.

The Law Enforcement LiaisonTraditionally, designated sworn officers or their non-

swornpublic servicecounterpartsareassignedas liaisonsor coordinators for Neighborhood Watch. Often theseindividuals are selected because of their previous crimeprevention experience or training. Some Watch officersandcoordinatorsarechosenbecauseoftheirdesiretoreach

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The Block CaptainBlock captains are recommended for every 10-15

houses, and they should be directly involved with theirimmediateneighbors.Theblockcaptain’sresponsibilitiesmayinclude:

• Acting as liaison between block residents and thecoordinator.

• Establishing a “telephone chain” by compiling anddistributing a current list of names, addresses, andtelephonenumbersofblockparticipants.

• Visitingandinvitingnewresidentstojoin;notifyingthemofmeetingsandtrainingsessions.

• Establishingan“OperationIdentification”program.• Contacting each neighbor as often as possible to

discusspossiblecrimeproblems,needsforassistance,andsuggestionsforprogramimprovement.

The Neighborhood Watch CoordinatorTheCoordinator’sjobiscrucialtothesuccessofyour

program. Thismay be just the right job for a retiree orotherindividualwhohasextratimeathome.Thisperson’sresponsibilitiesmayinclude:

• Expandingtheprogramandmaintainingacurrentlistofparticipantsandneighborhoodresidents,includingnames,addresses,homeandworktelephonenumbers,emailaddresses,andvehicledescriptions.

• Acting as liaisonbetweenWatchmembers, officers,civicgroups,andblockcaptains.

• Arranging neighborhood crime prevention trainingprograms.

• Obtaining and distributing crime preventionmaterials,suchasstickersandsigns.

• Involvingotherstodevelopspecificcrimepreventionprojects.

• Encouraging participation in “OperationIdentification,” a nationwide program in whichpersonal property is marked legibly with a uniqueidentifyingnumbertopermitpositiveidentificationifvaluablesarelostorstolen.

NW Chain of Command Example

Law Enforcement Liaison

Start-upCommittee

AreaCoordinators

BlockCaptains

NWMembers

Citizens’ Advisory BoardSomelawenforcementagenciesandcitiesrunninglarge

NWgroupshavearrangedforagroupofcitizenstooverseetheNWgroupsinacertainarea.ThisisagoodideaiftheNWplansonfundraisingorifthenumberofgroupsistoooverwhelmingforthelawenforcementliaison.TheBoard’sresponsibilitiesare:

• Neighborhood Watch group start-up assistance inotherareas.

• Information, processing, training, and recruiting ofgroupsinnon-representedareas.

• MaintaincommunicationsbetweentheNeighborhoodWatchgroupsandtheBoard.

• Organizeadvisorycommitteesasneeded.• Support and organize fundraising efforts in the

community.• Maintainarelationshipwithlawenforcement.• Bring emerging issues in the community to the

attentionof law enforcement andother governmentofficials.

Neighborhood Watch MembersIn some neighborhoods, the need for a proactive

NeighborhoodWatchprogramwillbeevidentbecauseofthewell-documentedcrimesortheacknowledgeddisorderthat occurs in the community. In these neighborhoods,residents are usually ready and willing to mobilize andparticipate in the NW program. They often need littleexternal motivation. The focus in these areas is usuallymore on leadership and organization. However, in otherneighborhoods the incidents oroffensesmaybe lesswellknown and the level of awareness among the residentsmayneedtobeincreased.Underthesecircumstancestheresponsibility for raising the levelofawareness fallsuponthelawenforcementliaisonaswellastheareacoordinator.

The responsibility for the recruitment of volunteersusuallyfalls totheBlockCaptainsorAreaCoordinators,butinsomeinstancestheofficermayhavetoinstructtheseleadersonhowtorecruitnewmembers.Onceacoregroup

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of Neighborhood Watch volunteers has been identified,specific members may volunteer to take on leadershippositions. In some instances, certain individuals may bereluctanttotakeonspecializedroleswithinthegroup.Thelaw enforcementofficermaywish to interview and selectcertainkeyindividualstoleadspecificefforts.

Phone TreesPhonetreesareagreatwaytoshare informationand

build a senseof community in theneighborhood.Phonetreescanexpediteemergencyinformation.Neighborhoodscanbedividedintosmall,workableareasusingstreetsornaturalboundaries.Eachgrouppreparesachart(whichiscontinuouslyupdated)thatincludesthenamesandphonenumbersofallmembers.ABlockCaptainorotherpersonis designated to be contacted by the police or sheriff’soffice.Eachindividuallistedonthetreeknowswhomheorshe is tocontactshouldemergencyorother importantinformationneedtobedisseminatedinahurry.

When do you use the phone tree?

• Aftercalling911,alertyourneighborstoanemergencyin progress or that one has just occurred such as acougar sighting, hazardous material spills, majortrafficaccidents,actsofnature,etc.

• Tocontrolrumorsaboutcrimeintheneighborhoodthatyouhaveverifiedorfoundfalse.

Why should the Phone Tree be used?

• Whensomeonehasurgentinformationtoshare(e.g.prowlerinthearea),theyactivatethetelephonetreebycallingthenameatthetop–thegrouprepresentative.

• When you receive a call, call thenextperson listedunderyourname. Ifheor she isnothome,call thenextlistedpersondownuntilyougetanadultathome.

• The last neighbor to receive a call, calls therepresentativetoconfirmthattheyhavereceivedthemessage.

• Itisbesttopracticethetelephonetreeonaperiodicbasissothatproblemsintheprocesscanbefixed.

• Emailcanbeusedfornot-in-progresscrimes,meetingannouncements,andgeneralinformation.

EmailNowadaysemailisoneofthebestwaystogetintouch

with your neighbors. Your group can organize an emaillistmuchlikethatofaphonetree.Whenanissueintheneighborhoodcomesupyoucancontactresidentsinafastandefficientwaywithemail.However,keepinmindthatsomepeoplestilldonothaveinternetaccessathome.

BLOCK CAPTAINFirst & Last Names

AddressHome Phone #Emergency #

Email

First & Last NamesAddress

Home Phone #Emergency #

Email



Email



Email



Email



Email



Email



Email



Email



Email



Email



Email



Email

Sample Phone Tree

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• Consider adding children’s names, work numbers,andoutofstateemergencynumbers.

• Ifahouseholdwon’tparticipate,listonlytheiraddressonthemap.

• Make note of the people who are captain and co-captain(s).

• Listthepolicecontactnameandnumber.• Giveacopyofthemaptoeveryonewhoparticipates.• Createyourmapbyhand,computer,etc.

*Some free internet mapping programs or aerial photos might be helpful. To find them conduct an internet search for your street, town, and state.

Makemapssimple,startwithNatthetop,drawlinesforstreetsandsquaresforhouses,andfillintheinformation.Ifthere’snotenoughroom,justfillintheaddressthenlistnames andnumberson theback.Or simplynumber thehomes startingwith “1” then list the address,name, andphonenumbersontheback.Divideneighborhoodsof50ormorehomesinto“areas”becauseifaWatchgroupistoobig,itcanfallapartwithonlyafewpeopletomanageit.Eachareacouldhaveacolororanameanditsownareacaptain.Thisway,noonepersonhastoomuchtohandle.Oneareacaptainmightserveaschairofalltheareacaptainsandbetheonewho is the contact for thepolicedepartment. Inlargeneighborhoods,everyoneshouldgetamastermapaswellasoneoftheirownarea.

Yourgroupwillhavetodecidewhowillmaintainandupdate the email lists and what information should beincluded. Recommendations include: meeting reminders,informationoncrimeintheneighborhood,businessrelateddirectlytothegroup,andinformationlawenforcementhasaskedthegrouptoshare. Informationthatshouldnotbesharedincludes:chainemails,personalinformationaboutaneighbor,ornewsarticlesunrelatedtothegroup.

*A number of companies have email/web communities that can be created just for your Neighborhood Watch. If you are interested in using the resources because it might be a good fit with your group, conduct a web search. Neither, the National Sheriffs’ Association or Bureau of Justice Assistance recommend nor support any of the web-based online communities.

Neighborhood MapsAneighborhoodmapisapowerfultoolonasimplesheet

ofpaper.Alongwithaphonetree,amapcangiveresidentsinformationonwhereeveryoneintheneighborhoodlivesandalsoputlandmarksanddistancefromhousetohouseinto perspective. Themapwill familiarizeNWmemberswithfamilieslivingintheneighborhoodaswellasaddressanypotentialdangersduringanemergency.

• ThemapshouldindicateN,S,E,W.• Labelallstreetsinsideandconnectingtheneighborhood.• Drawsquaresforhomesandlistfullnames,address,

phone,andemail.

Full namesAddr essPhone

Full namesAddr essPhoneCAPTAIN

Full namesAd dressPh oneKids’ namesEmergency

Full namesAd dressPh oneKids’ namesAlarm



Does no twant toparticipate


Full namesAddr essPhone


Church

School

S. 28 th Street

S. 32nd Street

NW E

S

Cal

vert

Stre

et

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Chapter 4

Planning and Conducting Meetings

decisions.Bymeetinginpersonandtalkingtogether,newideascanbegeneratedandthegroupwillfocusonissuesandinformationimportanttothegroupasawhole.

Traditionally,NeighborhoodWatchwas always abouthavingmeetingstodiscusscrimeintheneighborhood,butasNWhaschanged,sohavemeetings.Thekeytoplanninga successfulWatchmeeting is organization. NW leadersshould be aware that participants are volunteering timeoutofbusyschedulesandshouldworktoensureefficientandinformativemeetings.Meetingleadersshouldhavethefacilitiespreparedpriortothemeeting,startandfinishontime,andthankparticipantsforattending.

Some meetings require a face-to-face gathering. Bymeeting in person, you are able to establish, build, andmaintain personal relationships with the people withwhomyouareworking.Byholdingameeting,youareabletoeducateandsharevaluableinformationwithattendees.Youwillbeableto“read”youraudienceinordertofocusonthingsthatareimportanttothegroupasawhole.Meetingsallowthoseinattendancetodiscussideasandmakegroup

Keep meetings fun, short and productive!

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Inviting NeighborsYouwanttogetasmanyneighborstogetherasyou

can.Howyouinvitethemisimportant.Thinkofitthisway:whatwouldmakesomeonegetoffthecouchafteralongdayatworktocometoameetingwithagroupofstrangers?Mostpeopledon’tevenknowwhatBlock/Crime/NeighborhoodWatchis.Theymightthinkitmeanscommittees,meetings,orhavingtopaymoney.

• Makeyourinvitationsimpleandclear.Mentionarecentcrimeasanincentivetoattend.

• Delivertheinvitationinpersonifpossible.Aface-to-faceintroductionismoreeffectivethanleavingapieceofpaperonadoorstep.

• Askiftheycouldspare“onlyonehour”totalkwithother neighbors about how to fight crime in theneighborhood.

• Don’tputinvitationsinpostalmailboxes—it’sillegal.• Get a coupleofneighbors towalkwith you tohelp

deliverinvitations.• Plananactivityforchildrennearthemeeting,perhaps

ask a teenager to watch them.Mention this on theinvitationtoencourageparentstoattend.

• Offerotherincentives:food,doorprizes,orachanceto“win”moneyoffrentorhomeowners’dues.

• Consider using one of the online social networkingtools (Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc) to facilitatecommunication and encourage neighbors toparticipate.

Neighborhood Watch Meeting

What: Monthly MeetingWhere: Brad and Chandy Moore’s House 8846 Clearwater Drive

When: Monday, June 12, 7:30 pm

Why: Topic: Observation Skills Guest Speaker: Officer Ritchie

Directions: From I-10, exit Calgary Trail and make a right. Take your first left onto Clearwater. 8846 is third house on the right.

Refreshments and desserts will be served.

Sample Meeting Flyer

Sample Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE(date)Contact: Public Information Office, 555-5555

SHERIFF’S OFFICE HOSTS NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH FORUM The Sheriff’s Office will hold a Neighborhood Watch Forum on Tuesday, March 21 at O. Henry Middle School, 2610 W. Tenth St., from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. The meeting is designed to organize crime watch groups and form partnerships with law enforcement to fight crime in neighborhoods. Residents will have the opportunity to meet Central Division representatives and discuss ways to curb crime in their communities. Future meetings will be held to form groups in other command districts.

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Meeting Logistics It is important to select a date and a time for your

meetingthatisconvenientformostofthepeopleinvited.You will not be able to accommodate every person, butyou should try to appeal to themajority.For example: Ifyourmeetingconsistsofmostlyworkingprofessionals,thenyouwillnotwanttointerferewiththeirbusinessday.Youmightschedulethemeetingintheeveningjustafterworksothattheycanattendontheirwayhome.Iftheymakeitallthewayhome,thechancesofyourgettingthemtoleaveagainarereduced.Ontheotherhand,ifyouareplanninga meeting for a group consisting primarily of work-at-homeindividuals,anothertimewouldprobablybebetter,perhapsatimewhentheirchildrenarestillinschool.Tryto establish a regularly-scheduled meeting day and time.Youmightmeetonceaweekoronceamonth,atanintervalthatbestfitstheneedsandavailabilityofthegroup.

You should also select a locationconvenient for the majority of thegroup. If you are conducting aWatch groupmeeting you shouldprobably hold themeeting in theneighborhood. However, if youare holding a community-widemeeting for your block captainsa more centralized locationwould be better. Neighborhood schools and faith-basedorganizations often provide meeting space for groupssuch as Neighborhood Watch. Remember to use thepartnershipsyouhavedevelopedinthecommunity.Invitepeoplefromyourpartnerorganizationsorasktousetheirfacilitiesformeetings.Youshouldensurethelocationhasthe required and desired facilities—space, seating, publicaccess, restrooms, climate control, technical equipmentsuchasmicrophonesanda/vsupport(ifneeded),perhapsevenkitchen facilities.Thisof course all dependson thesizeofyourgroup.

Facilitating a MeetingAt the Meeting

• Bewarmandfriendly,makingapointtosayhellotoeveryone.

• Consider holding an informal social time before orafterthemeeting.

• Consider providing name badges. This will helpwith introductions as well as help the instructor toencourageparticipation.

• Youmightalsowanttoconsideranicebreakerexerciseinthefirstcouplemeetings.

• Beginandendontime.• Stick to the schedule you set—ithelps establish your

credibilityinbeingabletocontrolthemeeting.• Set ground rules, such as time allowed for speaking

andadheringtotheagenda.• Itmaybeappropriatetotakeminutes.

The Meeting Facilitator should:• Stayfocusedonthetaskathandtoensurethemeeting

fulfillsitspurpose.• Encourage polite discussion allowing everyone an

opportunitytoparticipate.• Clearly summarize decisions made and issues that

requirevoting.• Directconversationsaboutdisagreementssothatthey

donotspiraloutofcontrol.• Alloweachpersontimetospeakwithoutdominating

thediscussion.• Remembertolistenforwhatisnotbeingsaid.• Trytofindandresolvesourcesofconfusion,hidden

agendas,andemotions.• Asthemeetingcomestoaclose,setthedate,time,and

placeforthenextmeeting.Ifyoumeetonaregularbasis,usethistimetoremindyourgroupofthenextmeeting. If you know the topic and purpose of thenextmeeting,thiswouldbeagoodtimetogenerateexcitementforthatmeeting.

After the MeetingAfterthemeeting,reviewhowthemeetingwentandhow

itcouldbeimproved.EffectivemeetingswillnotdisappointthoseinattendancebecauseitwillshowNWvaluesbusyschedules,butencouragespeopletostayinvolved.TheNWcoordinator or block captains should distribute minutes(or make them available) including details about actionitemsandassignments,personsresponsible,andtimelines.Eachblockcaptainshouldfollow-upwithpeoplewhodidnot attend to see if they had questions about anythingdiscussed.Thiswillencouragepeopletostayinvolved,eveniftheycan’tattendmeetings.

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Alternatives to MeetingsWith overbooked schedules and new ways to

communicate, it may be beneficial to maintaining yourwatch to occasionally hold non-traditional meetings. Ifyou can accomplish the same purpose without meetingin person, consider more time-efficient alternatives suchas email, phone, online chats, creating a Facebook page,utilizing Twitter to update neighbors, and/or electronicnewsletter.. If you are simply relaying information toothers and feel that the information is not importantenough to call ameeting, consider a flyer or someothersort of publication that can be mailed or distributed togroupmembers.Respecteachgroupmember’stime.Iftheinformationprovidedinpersonatthemeetingisimportantandvalued,thenameetingisappropriate.

Neighborhood Watch Meeting AgendaThesuccessofaNeighborhoodWatchgroupisdirectlyrelatedtotheongoing

participationandsupportfromeachmemberofthegroup.

Meetingchairedby:Avolunteeruntilelectionofofficers

5:45pm Welcome and Sign-in6:00 pm Call to order6:00-6:10 Introductions6:10-6:15 Overview of Neighborhood Watch6:15-6:25 Discussion of Neighborhood Issues6:25-6:40 Crime Prevention Presentation6:40-6:45 Issues for next meeting6:45-6:50 Date, place, and time of next meeting6:50 pm Adjourn/Refreshments

Ssmple Meeting Agenda

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Fundamentals of Meeting PlanningWhat do you project to be the outcome of your meeting?

What are you going to do at your meeting?_Presentasubject?_Havequestionsandanswers?_Haveabusinessmeeting?_Problemsolve?_Socialize?

Set your agenda_Introductions_Readingofminutesfromlastmeeting_Oldbusiness_Newbusiness_Nextmeetingdate,time&location

How long the meeting will run?Starttime______ Finishtime______(Nomatterhowlateyougetstarted—sticktotheendingtime)

Publicize the meeting_Newspaper_Postflyers_Mailinglists_Personalinvitationandphonecallsaremosteffective

What will be your next step after this meeting?_Decidethisbeforethemeetingends–wherewillyougofromhere?_Askforcommitteesifneededandsetthemuptonight_Setthenextmeetingdatebeforeeveryoneleaves

Maintain integrity_Follow-throughonwhatyoucommitto_Printminutestothemeetingandruninanewsletterormailtomembers

Possible equipment checklist_TV/VCR_Overhead_PowerPointprojector_Workingelectricaloutlets_Lighting_Whiteboard/chartpackandstands_Feltpens/dryerasers_Maskingtapeoradhesivefornewsprint_Microphone_Podium_Waterforspeaker_Refreshments_Chairs&seatingarrangementforgoodvisibility

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• PersonalSafety• RapePrevention• SafetyfortheHearingImpaired• StreetSafety• Child/StrangerSafety• CrimePreventionthroughEnvironmentalDesign• HomeSecurity• WaterSafety/BoatSafety• Awareness&PatrolTechniques• Observation• FirstAid/CPR• AnimalControl• Dogs—Whattodoifattacked• Scams• InternetCrimes• ParenttoParent• Landlord/TenantTraining• CulturalAwareness/DiversityTraining• RestorativeJustice• PeerCourts• SchoolResourceOfficer• CommunityPolicing• VolunteerPrograms• EmergencyPreparedness• TrafficTeam• PatrolAspects• Search&Rescue• Detectives

• ArsonInvestigations• HazardousMaterials• Truck&TrainSpills• HowtobeaWitness(DA’sOffice)• CountyCommissioner• DistrictRepresentatives• DistrictAttorney• DefensiveDriving• NWPatrolling• TerrorismAwareness&PreventionPresentation• TeenVehicleSafety• JuvenileCrimePrevention• ConflictResolution• ChildrenServicestoFamilies• LocalFireStation• ForestRanger• DomesticViolence• VictimsAssistancePrograms• SexualAssaultServices• RedCross• MediationServices• HelpinginSchools• Parole&Probation• SexOffenders• GangAwareness• Drug/NarcoticAwareness• CarFailure• NWGuidelines/Purpose

Public Speaking Tips

Move around the room

Have charisma

Show excitement

Be a role model

Speak loudly and at a good pace

Start fast and project energy

Make eye contact with everyone

Avoid Time Wasters

Cell phone and pager

Interruptions

Socializing during the meeting

Fear of decision-making

Drop-in attendees

Creative Meeting Topics

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Fire Prevention & First AidUsepartnershipswith localgovernmentagenciesand

nonprofit organizations to hold training on fire safetyskills and first aid training. These trainings are essentialto keeping your community safe and allowing citizens totakecontroloftheirownsafety.MostoftheseorganizationswillbethrilledtoparticipateandyourWatchgroupwillbeexcitedaboutthedifferenttypesoftraining.

Beautification ProjectsYour group canorganize an effort to remove graffiti,

trash,abandonedautos,andotherunsightlynuisancesfromyourneighborhoodcommunity.Communitypridecanbeenhancedeveninimpoverishedareasbyworkingtomaketheareamoreattractiveandlivable.Researchhasindicatedthatimprovementsofthistypecanhavemeasurableeffectsonreducingactualcrimeaswellasthefearofcrimeamongcommunitymembers

Celebrate Safe CommunitieeTake time to Celebrate Safe

Communities(CSC)byorganizingalocalcelebrationduringthefirstThursday to Saturday ofOctober.HelpAmerica’scommunitiesTakeABiteOutOfCrime®!CSC is apartnershipofNSA,BJA,andtheNationalCrime PreventionCouncil.CSC is designed tospotlight communities’ crimeprevention efforts, enhancepublic awareness of vital crime prevention and safetymessages, and recruit year-round support for ongoingprevention activities that help keep neighborhoods safefrom crime. This initiative will help local communitiesorganize safety-focused events. Local CSC activities heldinOctobertocoincidewithCrimePreventionMonthwillhelpAmericansofallagesrecognizethatasafercommunityis no accident and that crime prevention is everyone’sbusinesseverydayoftheyear.

TriadIn an increasing

numberofcommunities,older residents and lawenforcement participatein Triad, a cooperativecrime prevention

initiative. Working together, the police department(s),sheriff’soffice,andseniorleadersdevisestrategiestoreduce

Additional Neighborhood Watch Activities

crimesagainsttheelderly–andtodealwiththesometimesexaggerated fear of crime, which affects some elderlypersons.Triadsalsosponsorreassuranceeffortsforlonelyor isolated seniors.Triadmaybring forth capable leaderstoWatchgroupsandmoresetsofeyesandearstoobservesuspiciousactivitiesinacommunity.

FundraisingNeighborhood Watch is

a community-based group.Whilelawenforcementshouldsupport the group’s efforts,usuallythelocalsheriff’sofficeorpolicedepartmentdoesnothavethefundingtosupportanythingbeyondthesalaryoftheNWofficerandperhapsafewsigns.ItisnotnecessarytohaveenormousfundstooperateastrongNWprogram,themost important asset ofNW is a strong community.However signs, brochures, and meeting supplies invokecost.Ifthelocallawenforcementagencydoesn’tprovideasmuchfundingasagroupmaydesire,theWatchgroupcanexplorealternativemethods.SomeNWgroupsseekgrantsfrom city and private groups. But fundraising byWatchmembers can be an excellent way to increase operatingfundsandincreaseinvolvement.Fundraisingopensdoorsforactivities.Inadditionthegroupbecomesstrongerasavisioniscreatedthroughactionandgoalsareachievedasagroup.

ID TheftIdentitytheftisahugeissueforcommunitymembers.

Whenaperson’sidentityhasbeencompromisedthroughasocialsecuritynumber,creditcard,ordriver’slicenseitcanbeadaunting task tocleanupandmakesure thevictimisprotectedfromfutureattempts.ForinformationandtodownloadmaterialsonfightingIDtheft,visittheNationalCrimePreventionCouncil’swebsiteatwww.ncpc.org.ThissitehastipsonpreventingIDtheft,creatingawarenessofhowidentitiescanbestolenandfreebrochurestodistributetocommunitymembers.HoldingmeetingsonpreventingID theft is a great way to encourage excitement forNWandshownewmembershowNWisnotjustaboutcrimepreventionforthehome.

Citizen PatrolsManyNWgroupschoosetouseCitizenPatrolsonfoot

orinvehiclestokeeptheircommunitysafe.Patrolsmaybeeffectiveforyourgroup,butyoushoulddiscussitwithyourlaw enforcement liaison. Two ormore individuals, often

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fromthesamefamily,patrolduringdesignatedtoursofdutyandmaydetectsuspiciousactivitynotnoticedbystationaryobservers. Lost children, stranded motorists, stray dogs,damaged street signs or traffic signals, wandering cattle,and automobile accidents are often discovered by citizenpatrols.

Patrolmembersshouldbetrainedbylawenforcement.Itshouldbeemphasizedtomembersthattheydonotpossesspolicepowersandtheyshallnotcarryweaponsorpursuevehicles.They shouldalsobecautioned toalertpoliceordeputies when encountering strange activity. Membersshould never confront suspicious persons who could bearmed and dangerous. Patrol members can be equippedfortheirduties.Forexample,flashlightsorsearchlightsarenecessary for night patrols.Manymobile patrols use cellphonesortwo-wayradiostocontactacitizen-mannedbasestation, which in turn contacts law enforcement officialswhennecessary.Rememberyourpartnershipsandaskfordonationsfromlocalbusinesses.

Safe Houses for ChildrenAsafe location suchas theMcGruffHouseorBlock

Houseisidentifiedbybrightstickersonwindowsanddoorswhichindicatethattheoccupantsareblockparentswillingtohelpafrightenedorpursuedchildifneeded.Ideally,theadults participating in a block house program are eitherretired or otherwise not employed out of the home andavailable for assistanceduring theday.After your agencyhasconductedabackgroundcheckonjuvenileandadultsin the home, there is a clear understanding about thetypesof assistance ablockparent should and shouldnotattempttorendertoachildindistress.Signsandstickersshouldbedisplayedonlywhen theblockparent is in thehouseandwithinhearingdistanceofthedoorbell.Officersshould have a list of authorized safe houses and checkneighborhoodsperiodicallytoensurethatonlyauthorizedhomes display the signs. Contact your law enforcementliaisonformoreinformation.

Please review Chapter 8 for activities related to

emergency preparedness, and natural and man-made disasters.

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Chapter 5

Revitalizing & MaintainingWatch Groups

OneofthebiggestchallengestoNeighborhoodWatchismaintainingmomentumaftertheproblemsare“solved.”When NW groups organize around safety concerns,enthusiasm isusuallyhighandparticipationgood.A fewmonthslater,theexcitementdiesdownandcommunicationoftensags.Inordertomaintainastronggroup,expandthefocusof yourWatch group. It is important to findotheractivitiestokeepyourgroupengaged.ThenewlyrevitalizedUSAonWatchprogramembracesthisideabyencouragingpartnershipsandviewingNWinanall-hazardsapproach.

• Developanemailnewsletter.Anelectronicnewsletterwill save copying and mailing costs, can provideessentialinformation,andoftenmaybelinkedtoyourlocallawenforcementagency’shomepage.

• Form a team to actively recruit new members orencourage previous members to attend. Lack ofattendance can sometimesbe a lackof information.If neighbors are informed about safety and securityissuestheymaybemorewillingtoattend.

• Expand NW concerns beyond crime prevention toincludequalityoflifeissuesandfunactivitiestobuildcommunityspirit.

Be Creative

Information SharingWriteyourownNeighborhoodWatchnewsletter.Keep

people up to date on crime or other subjects of interest.(Never advertise in newsletters about individuals leavingtownuntiltheyarebackfromtheirtrip.)

Exercise or Walking GroupsIt’seasiertopursuefitnesswithacompanion.Arrange

withsomeofyourneighborstorun,walk.orbikeregularly.While doing this youmay notice subtle changes in yourneighborhoodandunusualactivity.

Garage SalePitchintogetherandbuyanadforabigneighborhood

sale.Youcanusethemoneytopurchasesigns,radios.andvestsforyourNeighborhoodWatchgroup.

Neighborhood Clean Up and Landscape TrimmingRentadumpster foraweekend.Neighborscanshare

toolsandexpertisetohelponeanother.Capthedaywithabarbecueoranightofdessertsandvisiting.

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Winter Emergency PlanningDevelopagameplanforemergencies.Whohasagas

stove?Four-wheeldrivevehicle?Doesanyonehave specialneeds?Identifyyourneighborhoodresources.

Start Up Training SessionsStart and participate in training sessions given by

volunteers. Some suggested topics are observation skills,what observations to report to police, first aid training,communitydisastertraining,etc..

Creative Pot-Luck’s or Bar-B-Ques Gettogetherevery3-6monthsto‘re-connect’,keepit

funandlight.

Local Interest GroupsPoliticiansandcommunityservicegroupscouldshare

whatishappeningwithyourgroup.

Group Activities• Helpneighborstrimbushesandtreesforbettervisibility.• Helpremovegraffitirightaway.• Invitethefiredepartmenttotalkaboutfirepreventionanddisasterpreparedness.• Geteachneighbortomaketheirhousenumberseasytoseeatnight.• Helpeachotherreinforcedoorframes,hinges,andlocksforwindows.

Recognizing Your VolunteersPeople need to feel appreciated when they give up

time for their community. Inorder tokeepWatchgroupmembersinvolvedandexcited,taketimeouttorecognizethem. There are two basic forms of recognitions: formaland informal. Formal recognition often occurs in anorganized setting such as a recognitiondinner, receptionetc. Informal recognition includes simple things such asa thankyounote. Use the formof recognition thatwillbestmotivateyourvolunteers.Therearealsotwotypesofrecognition:awardsandrewards.Theawardstype,suchascertificates or plaques, are often seen in formal settings,suchasatconferencesortownmeetings.Rewardsareatypeof recognition that are often seen in an informal settingand can bemore of a thank you gift for services. Somesuggestions for rewards are a gift certificate for volunteerserviceoragift forparticipation. Theymayalso includeajobpromotionoranopportunitytolearnanewskillbytraining.

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Chapter 6

Neighborhood Watch SkillsUsing Your “Eyes and Ears”

Once you have established a strongWatch group, itis important to startbuilding skillsneeded tomakeyourgroupasuccess.WhileNWexistsformorethanjustcrimeprevention, it is important to build the skills necessaryfor preventing crime as well as terrorist activity, andpreparedness for natural/man-made disasters. Scheduletrainingsessionswithyourlawenforcementliaisonorotherlawenforcementagenciesthatmighthavetrainingcourses.The National Sheriffs’ Association offers skill buildingtraining through theNeighborhoodWatchToolkit.YourlocallawenforcementmayalreadyhaveaToolkityoucanborrow for yourmeetings. Also look for other resourcessuch as your state crime prevention association or theNationalCrimePreventionCouncilwhomayholdtraininginyourarea.

Observation SkillsMostpeoplegothroughthedaywithoutevennoticing

everyday events. However beginning to recognize whatis normal around you is the first step in recognizingwhat is not normal. Although law enforcement officersare trained observers, sometimes they find it difficult toexplain to citizenswhat to report andwhen to report it.Whilepatrollingthestreets,officersgetusedtolookingforactivitiesoreventsthatseemoutofplaceorarenotpartoftheregularorordinaryroutine.Officersmaynotbeabletoarticulatespecificallywhatisunusual,buttheyarekeenlyawarethatsomethingisawry.Officerssometimesreferto

thisphenomenonasa“sixthsense”or“streetsmarts,”andthey instinctively knowwhen something is not right andtheyshouldinvestigate.Communitymembersshouldknowtheyhavetheabilitytorecognizeunusualeventsaswell.Itis amatterofpracticingobservation skills tomake themstronger.

Inordertounderstandhowtoproperlyobservepeople,vehiclesandincidentsthatmayaffectus,weshouldbeginbylearningwhattypesofthingstoobserve.Youshouldpayattentiontothingslike:

• Physicalsetting

–Specificlocation,timeofday,dayofweek.

• People–Whatdotheylooklike?(height,weight,ethnicity,gender,etc.)Howmanyarethere?

• Specificitems–Whatisimportant?• Routines–Didyounoticeanyrecurringpatterns

orroutines?Howoftendidtheyoccur?Whowasinvolved?

OneofthekeystoasuccessfulNeighborhoodWatchprogram is recognizing the importance of using good

21

observationskillstokeepyourneighborhoodsafe.Practicelookingatpicturesofpeopletoknowhowtodescribethem.Clothingisimportant,butlookforthingsthatcannotbechanged,likeskinoreyecolor,tattoos,scars,moles,heightand weight. Properly observingvehicles is similar to observingindividuals. You always begin withthe basics, such as the make andmodel of the vehicle. Identify thevehicleasaFord,Chevrolet,Dodge,Honda,Mercedes,Volvo,etc.Thenidentifytheboththetypeofvehicle(such an SUV, pickup truck, etc.),as well as the specific model ifpossible (such as Corolla, Accord,Expedition, etc.) To rememberlicense plates: write it on paper, on your hand, or evenscratch it in the dirt! Licensenumbers are useful only iftheyarecorrect.Neverhesitatetosay,“I’mnotsure.”Witha vehicle description, even a partial license plate can bevaluable.

What is Suspicious Activity?All too often citizens are confused about what they

shouldreportandwhy,soitisimportanttotraincitizensthrough a variety of reporting activities. After reviewingthis section, participants will be able to advise citizensspecifically on the appropriate who, what, when, where,and how of reporting. Often citizens ask officers “WhyshouldIget involved?”or“HowamIgoing tobenefitbyreporting suspicious activity?”Although the answersmayseem obvious, it must be clearly communicated to thepublicthattheyareanessentialcomponentinprotectingour communities. Sometimesourcitizensreceivemixedsignalsregarding what to report andwhen to report it. Other timesthey simplydonot knowwhat isexpectedofthem.Itisimportantto learn specific definitionsand details to provide Watchvolunteerswithclearandconciseinformation.Beginwithdefining“suspicious activity.” Officersshould know the definition ofsuspicious activity and be able to properly communicatethis definition to Watch members and other concernedcitizens.Suspiciousactivitycanrefertoanyincident,event,individualor activity that seemsunusualoroutofplace.Somecommonexamplesofsuspiciousactivitiesinclude:

• Astrangerloiteringinyourneighborhoodoravehiclecruisingthestreetsrepeatedly.

• Someonepeeringintocarsorwindows.• Ahighvolumeoftrafficgoingtoandcomingfroma

homeonadailybasis.•Someoneloiteringaroundschools,parks,orsecludedareas.

•Strangeodorscomingfromahouse,building,orvehicle.

•Openorbrokendoorsandwindowsataclosedbusinessorunoccupiedresidence.

•Someonetamperingwithelectrical,gas,orsewersystemswithoutanidentifiablecompanyvehicleoruniform.

•Persons arriving or leaving fromhomesorbusinessesatunusualhours.

• Multiplepersonswhoappeartobeworkinginunisonandexhibitingsuspiciousbehaviors.

• Signs of forced entry or tampering with security orsafetysystems.

The effectiveness of the police and sheriffs’ officesefforts is enhancedby activeparticipationon thepartofcitizens.Bycallingtoreportsuspiciouspersonsoractivity,younotonlyaid thepolice,youmakeyourcommunityasaferplace to live. Somepeople fail to call because theyarenotawareofactivitiesthatmightbesuspicious.Othersmaynoticesuspiciousactivityandhesitate tocall for fearofbeing labeleda“nosyneighbor.”Stillothers take it forgrantedthatsomeoneelsehasalreadycalled.Alwaysreportsuspiciousactivityandallcrimesbecausepolicedon’tknowthere’saproblemunlesstheyaretold.

Knowing What and

How to ReportThere are four general

categories to consider whendetermining what to report: 1)suspiciousactivities,2)peopleandvehicles; 3) illegal activities; and4) unusual events or incidents,dangeroussituations.

By reporting these typesof activities and situations, citizens can make theircommunities safer and more secure, reduce violence,minimize victimization, reduce crime, and improve theoverallqualityof life.Communitymembersmustalsobeinstructedonhowtoreportsuspiciousactivity.Toreportsuspiciousactivities,crimesinprogress,orpossibleterroristactivities,simply:

What is SuspiciousActivity?

Anythingthatfeelsuncomfortableorlooks

outofplace.

Report:•Suspiciousactivities,peoplewatchingvehicles

•Illegalactivities•Unusualeventsorincidents•Dangeroussituations

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• Dial9-1-1andcallthepolicedepartmentorsheriff’soffice.

• Tell the call taker what happened and the exactlocation.

• Provide a detailed description of individuals orvehicles.

• Remainonthephoneandstaycalm.• Bepreparedtoanswerfollow-upquestions.

OneideaforacreativeNWmeetingistovisitthelocal9-1-1 dispatch center. If someone is willing to take yourWatch group or even the Area Coordinators and BlockCaptains around the center, community members willunderstand the fast pace of a 9-1-1 call center. This willemphasizetheneedforclearreportsofsuspiciousactivity.Some9-1-1centerswon’tacceptnon-emergencycalls;theywillgiveanothernumbertocall.DuringoneofyourfirstWatchmeetingsyoushouldfindoutallthelocalnumberstocallfornon-emergencycallstothepolice.Onlyseriousand legitimate calls should be made to 9-1-1, no matterwhat.Teachchildrenhowtorespectthe9-1-1systemandhowtouseitiftheyarealone.Childrenlearnby“doing”but practice on a toy phoneonly.Encourage them to begoodcitizens;helpthemlearntowatchfortroubleandhowtogethelpwhenneeded.

Whenyouhaveanofficerattendameetingyoumightsuggest they go over what happens to the informationprovidedto911andwhennottocall911.

REMEMBER:

Communitymembersonlyserveastheextra“eyesandears”oflawenforcement.They

shouldreporttheirobservationsofsuspiciousactivitiestolawenforcement;however,citizens

shouldnevertrytotakeactiononthoseobservations.Trainedlawenforcementshouldbe

theonlyonesevertotakeactionbasedonobservationsofsuspiciousactivities.

When to Call 911 and When Not!Calling 911 is an important communications tool

for emergencies.However, some citizens call 911 in non-emergencysituations.Thiscancausethedispatchoperatortomissacallofapersonneedinghelp.Itisimportantthatnotonlyyourgroupsbutall citizensunderstandwhen tocallandwhennottocall911.

When To Call

• Medical emergency (examples: chest pain, extremeshortnessofbreath,uncontrolledbleeding).

• Motorvehicleaccident.• Fire.• Whenalifeisindanger.

When Not to Call• Thepowerisoff.• Askingfordirectionstothehospital.• Askingfortelephonenumbersofothers.• Requestingtospeakwithaparticularofficer.• Inquiringastothetimeandday.• Inquiringaboutcommunityactivitiesandlocations.

Formoreinformationaboutwhenitisappropriatetocall,pleasecontactthenon-emergencynumberofyourlocallawenforcementandaskforanofficertodiscussthetopicwithyou.

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Neighborhood Watch Observation Notes

Post-observation activities:1.Writedownyourobservationassoonaspossible.2.Notethedateandtime.3.Ifactivitiesappeartobeunusual,suspicious,orillegal,callforassistanceandtaketheappropriateactionaccordingtoyouragency’spoliciesandprocedures.

Date:________________Time:_________________Observer:_______________________

Observation:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Notes:

Physical Setting – specific location____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

People – What do they look like? How are they acting? How many are there?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Specific Items – What aspects are important?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Routines – Did you notice any recurring patterns or routines? How often didthey occur? Who was involved?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Stay calmRemain alert to your surroundingsBegin with the basicsMove to the specificsBroaden your perspectiveAdd detail

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Chapter 7

Establishing Partnerships

OneofthefoundationsoftherevitalizedUSAonWatch-National Neighborhood Watch program is an emphasisonpartnerships. Potential partners can be any formal ororganizedgroupthataNWgrouppartnerswithtoimprovesafety, security, and quality of life. NW partners can becitizengroupsand/orcityorregionalgovernmentagencies.Thesegroupsprovideinformation,resources,andsupport.Theyhelpbroaden the scopeofNWgroups andhelp tocoordinate responses for neighborhood issues. To ensuresuccessful partnerships, Area Coordinators and BlockCaptainsshouldremembercommunication,coordination,cooperation,andcollaborationtechniques.

Communication –Theagreement to share thoughts,ideasandinformation.Communicationneednotrequireface-to-faceinteraction,butcanbeaccomplishedthroughletters,telephonecalls,reports,oremail.Communicationrequiresamessage,sender,andareceiver.

Coordination–This is critical to creatingand sustaining partnerships and citizeninvolvement.Theamountornatureofinteractioncancoverarangeofactivitiessuchasarrangingfor Community Emergency Response Training(CERT)orhelpingtoarrangeanevent.

Cooperation – This occurs when two ormore communicating individualsor groups agree tohelpeachotherwithtasks.

Collaboration–Anintenselevelofpartnershipbasedonamodelofsharingpowerforattainingacommongoal.

Watchprogramsseektoimprovethesafetyandsecurityofeveryoneinthecommunity.Belowareafeworganizations

thatyourgroupmaywanttopartnerwith,inadditiontoalocallawenforcementagency.

Some potential partners could be:

• Businesses• Schoolsanddaycarecenters• Faith/Community-basedorganizations• Communicationscompanies• Hospitalandmedicalproviders• Localgovernment• Otherneighborhoodgroups• CitizenCorpscouncils• Localfire,EMS,andpolice• ParksandRecreation

• CodeEnforcement• PublicWorks• HealthandSocialServices• Localnewsmedia

Identifying ResourcesThink about your NW program and the

community surrounding you. Partnershipsaren’t just important for training and activities, but alsofinancialassistance,personnel,andmaterials.• Financial resources can includeboth individual and

outsideagencyresources.• Personnel resources can include items as such as

individualskillsorpossessions.

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• Materials can range from items such as trainingmaterialstobuildingmaterials.

• Training resources can come from individuals oroutsideagencies(i.e.,locallawenforcementagency).

• Organizations that can serve as resources includesocialserviceagenciesandcivicgroupssuchasKiwanisorRotary.Thesegroupscanprovideeverythingfromspeakerstovolunteers.

BuildingpartnershipswithinyourcommunitycanaddstrengthtoyourNWgroup.Don’tlimityourself!Becreativewhenlookingforpartnersandresources.Lawenforcementofficers should be aware that there are a wide range ofbothpublicandprivateorganizationsthatareavailabletosupportandenhancetheeffortsofWatchgroups.

Citizen CorpsThemission ofCitizenCorps is to harness the power

of every individual through education, training, andvolunteerservicetohelpmakecommunitiessafer,stronger,and better prepared to respond to threats of terrorism,crime, public health issues, and disasters.After September11, 2001, America witnessed a wellspring of selflessnessandheroism. People in every corner of the country asked,“HowcanIhelp?”CitizenCorpswascreatedtoanswerthesequestions throughpubliceducationandoutreach, training,and volunteer service. Citizen Corps Councils help drivelocal citizen participation by coordinating Citizen Corpsprograms, developing community action plans, assessingpossiblethreats,andidentifyinglocalresources.www.citizencorps.gov

TherearefiveCitizenCorpsProgramPartners.Thesepartners expand the resources and materials availableto states and local communities by offering resourcesfor public education, outreach, and training; representvolunteersinterestedinhelpingtomaketheircommunitysafer; or offer volunteer service opportunities to supportfirst responders, disaster relief activities, and communitysafetyefforts.

Volunteers in Police ServiceTheVolunteersinPoliceService(VIPS)programworks

toenhancethecapacityofstateandlocallawenforcement

toutilizevolunteers.VIPSservesasagatewaytoresourcesandinformationforandaboutlawenforcementvolunteerprograms.FundedbytheBureauofJusticeAssistance,U.S.DepartmentofJustice,VIPSismanagedandimplementedbytheInternationalAssociationofChiefsofPolice.www.policevolunteers.org

CERTCommunity Emergency Response Team (CERT)

educates people about disaster preparedness and trainsthem in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety,light search and rescue, and disastermedical operations.Using their training,CERTmemberscanassistothers intheir neighborhood orworkplace following an event andcantakeamoreactiveroleinpreparingtheircommunity.TheprogramisadministeredbyDepartmentofHomelandSecurity(DHS).www.citizencorps.gov/cert

Medical Reserve CorpsThe Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) strengthens

communities by helpingmedical, public health, and othervolunteersoffer their expertise throughout the year aswellasduring local emergencies andother timesof communityneed.MRC volunteers work in coordination with existinglocal emergency response programs and also supplementexistingcommunitypublichealthinitiatives,suchasoutreachandprevention,immunizationprograms,blooddrives,casemanagement, care planning, and other efforts. The MRCprogram is administered by Department of Health andHumanServices(HHS).www.medicalreservecorps.gov

Fire CorpsFire Corps promotes the use of citizen advocates to

enhance the capacity of resource-constrained fire andrescue departments at all levels, whether volunteer orcareer. Citizen advocates assist local fire departments infire safety outreach, youth programs, and administrativesupport. Fire Corps provides resources to assist fire andrescue departments in creating opportunities for citizenadvocates and promotes citizen participation. Fire CorpsisfundedthroughDHSandismanagedandimplementedthroughapartnershipbetweentheNationalVolunteerFireCouncil,theInternationalAssociationofFireFighters,andtheInternationalAssociationofFireChiefs.www.firecorps.org

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Chapter 8

Neighborhood Watch’s Expanded Role

Emergency Preparedness and

Homeland SecurityOne of the newer elements of NeighborhoodWatch

is the expanded role that now includes awareness andreportingofpossibleterroristactivities.SinceSeptember11,2001,thefederalgovernmenthasissuedheightenedstatesofalertforlocallawenforcement,andhasurgedAmericanstoremainvigilantforthethreatofnewterroristactivities.Theneedforstrengtheningandsecuringcommunitieshasbecome more important than ever. For 35 years Watchgroupshaveworkedsuccessfullytoaddresscrimepreventionissuesandtorestorepridetoneighborhoods.Nowtheyfaceanewchallenge:helping local residentsbecomeacriticalelement in the detection, prevention, and disruption ofterrorism.Althoughgovernmentagenciesassumemostofthe responsibility for detecting and preventing terrorism,preparedness is the jobof the individual citizens aswell.Disastercanstrikequickly.Whetheradisasterisanaturalevent, a technological event, or an act of terrorism, theimportanceofpreparednessisthesame.

Preventing Terrorism TheuniqueinfrastructureofNWbringstogetherlocal

officials,lawenforcement,andresidentsfortheprotectionof thecommunity,makingNWanexcellentprogramforpromotingbothcitizenawarenessandpreparednessinthewar against terrorism. To strengthen communities and

effectivelyrespondtothethreatsofterrorism,crime,oranytypeofdisaster,communitymembersshouldknowhowtostartorjoinaNW,createaDisasterPreparednessplan,andrecognizeandreportthesignsofterrorism.

Sixmonthsafterthe9/11attackontheWorldTradeCenterandthePentagon,anationalpollshowedthatalready60%ofAmericansfeltthattheprimaryresponsibilityfortheirsecuritydidn’trestwiththemselvesbutwithlawenforcement.Whilelawenforcementdoesn’thavealltheanswerstoHomelandSecurity,onethingiscertain:residentsarethekeytobuildingsafercommunitiesandhelpingprotectthemselves.

Terroristsuse fear to getattentionandshowthe seriousness oftheirintentandtoleave victims withan unforgettable

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impression. Their hope is to cause panic and seriousdisruption of services and everyday activities goes farbeyondtheimpactoftheimmediatevictims.Byattemptingtodemoralizeus,theterroristsseektoattackournationalpsychebyshockingorparalyzingusintoinactivity.Aspartofasuccessfulterrorismawarenessandpreventionstrategy,wemustnotonlyknowwhatterroristsdo,butalso learnaboutwhotheyareandwhattheybelieve.Beingawareofthis andmore importantly,who they target, allowsus touseourresourcesmosteffectivelyandefficientlytoaddresstheirthreatsandattacks.

Bypracticing the following common sense guidelinesforobservingandreporting,youcanactivelyincreasesafetyandsecurityagainstapotentialterroristact—andeverydaycrimeandviolence.

Mostpeoplewillnotrunintoterroristsorextremistsintheirdailyroutinebutsomehaveandwill.Lawenforcementneedstheactiveinvolvementofcitizenstoreportsuspiciousactivity.Withoutleads,therearenoinvestigations.

NW Activities Related to Homeland Security

• Make sure community members know what kindof suspicious activity to look for and how to reportit to law enforcement. Invite a representative fromyour local law enforcement agency or emergencymanagementofficetospeakwithyourWatchgroup.

• Develop a neighborhood evacuation plan. Create aneighborhood directory with phone numbers andemail addresses for all communitymembers, notingcontactinformationandplansforchildrenandseniorswhomaybealoneduringemergencies.

• Encourage members to develop an individualemergencypreparednessplanandsharethisplanwiththeentirefamily.

• Develop a preparedness kit and have supplies forshelteringinplace.

• Discuss local warning systems and how to findinformation on evacuation routes, schedule, andtemporarysheltersinanemergency.

• Discusspotentialterroristtargetsinyourcommunity(e.g.powerandchemicalplants,airports,bridges)andtheconsequencesoftheattack.

• Discuss how to report suspicious terrorist activity.UsuallyNWmembersare trained to report to locallawenforcement,butinthecaseofterrorismitmightbe more appropriate to report to a local FederalBureauofInvestigationsoffice.CheckwithyourNWofficer to findoutwhat isbest foryour jurisdiction.Also,localemergencyagencieswillgivedirectionstocitizensregardingwhattodoviathepublicemergencybroadcasts.

Disasters: Are you Ready?Checkwithyourlocalfiredepartmenttofindoutabout

the classes and training they offer in first aid,CPR, firesuppression,anddisasterpreparedness.CERT(CommunityEmergency Response Teams) includes extensive trainingforcitizensondisasterpreparednessfortheneighborhood.Someofthesubjectsinclude:

• Disasterfirstaid.• Howtotriageandsetupmedicalareas.• Howtofightfiresandturnoffgaslines.• How to inspect buildings and mark them after

inspecting.

Thefirststepismakingsureyourfamilyissafeandyouhavewhatyouneedtostaysafeandhealthyforthedurationandaftermathofadisaster.Suppliesmustbereadybecauseyouusuallydon’tgetmuchwarningortimetogatherandpacksupplies. If youwait, youmaynot findmuch in thestores after everyone else scrambles for food, medicalsupplies,batteries,andwater.Makeitafamilyactivitytogetemergencysupplies together.Childrencanrotatesuppliestokeepwater,batteries,andfoodfresh.Youshouldpracticefireescapeplansanddisasterevacuationplansacoupleoftimes a year. Thisway, if the “real” thing happens, yourfamilywillbecalmand levelheaded.Useold suitcases topack disaster clothing and personal items; they are easytograb inahurry.Ask your firedepartment for a listofitemsneededfordisasterkits.Individualswithdisabilitiesneed toplan for specialneeds. For example, they shouldhaveapairofworkglovesattachedtotheundersideoftheirwheelchairincasetheyhavetorollthroughdebris,brokenglass,etc.Don’tforgettoplanforthesuppliesyourpetswillneed.YourWatchgroupshouldhavealistofresidentswhowillneedassistance.

Disaster Preparedness KitWhile it may not be fun to think about a disaster

occurringinyourcommunity,thechancesitmayhappenare possible and the type of disaster varies from whereyou live.However, yourWatch group canmakeDisasterPreparedness fun by holding a meeting to educate onevacuationplans,thentakethetimetocreatePreparednessKitstogether.Haveeachhouseholdbuyitemsinbulk,thensharewitheachotherinordertoreducecosts.Don’tforgetto use the partnerships you’ve developed and see if localbusinessesorgovernmentagenciescandonatesupplies toyou.

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Recommended Items to Include in a

Basic Emergency Supply Kit:

• Water,onegallonofwaterperpersonperdayforatleastthreedays,fordrinkingandsanitation.

• Dustmask,tohelpfiltercontaminatedair,andplasticsheetingandducttapetoshelter-in-place.

• Battery-poweredorhandcrankradioandaNationalOceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)WeatherRadiowithtonealertandextrabatteries.

• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishablefood.

• Flashlightandextrabatteries.• Firstaidkit.• Whistletosignalforhelp.• Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for

personalsanitation.• Wrenchorplierstoturnoffutilities.• Canopenerforfood(ifkitcontainscannedfood).• Localmaps.

Additional Items to Consider Adding to an

Emergency Supply Kit:

• Prescriptionmedicationsandglasses.• Infantformulaanddiapers.• Petfoodandextrawaterforyourpet.• Important family documents such as copies of

insurance policies, identification, and bank accountrecordsinawaterproof,portablecontainer.

• Cashortraveler’schecksandchange.• Emergencyreferencematerialsuchasafirstaidbook

orinformationfromwww.ready.gov.• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person.

Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weatherclimate.

• Completechangeofclothingincludingalongsleevedshirt,longpants,andsturdyshoes.Consideradditionalclothingifyouliveinacold-weatherclimate.

• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper.When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach,bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in anemergency,youcanuse it to treatwaterbyusing16dropsofregularhouseholdliquidbleachpergallonofwater.Donotusescented,colorsafe,orbleacheswithaddedcleaners.

• Fireextinguisher.• Matchesinawaterproofcontainer.• Femininesuppliesandpersonalhygieneitems.• Messkits,papercups,platesandplasticutensils,and

papertowels.• Paperandpencil.• Books,games,puzzlesorotheractivitiesforchildren.

Through its Ready Campaign, the U.S. DepartmentofHomelandSecurityeducatesandempowersAmericansto take some simple steps to prepare for and respond topotential emergencies, including natural disasters andterrorist attacks. Ready asks individuals to do threekey things: get an emergency supply kit, make a familyemergencyplan,andbeinformedaboutthedifferenttypesof emergencies that could occur and their appropriateresponses.AllAmericansshouldhavesomebasicsupplieson hand in order to survive for at least three days if anemergencyoccurs.Theprevioussection listedbasic itemsthateveryemergencysupplykitshouldinclude.However,itisimportantthatindividualsreviewthislistandconsiderwhere they live and the unique needs of their family inordertocreateanemergencysupplykitthatwillmeettheseneeds.Individualsshouldalsoconsiderhavingatleasttwoemergency supply kits, one full kit at home and smallerportable kits in their workplace, vehicle, or other placestheyspendtime.

Formore information on preparing your family andcommunity for a disaster check out the www.Ready.govwebsite.There are tips to prepare for particular disastersaffecting your area as well as downloadable forms andchecklists.

TakesometimetoexploretheUSAonWatchwebsitefor information and materiels regarding pandemic flupreparedness and other topics on preparedness that canbebeneficialtoyourgroup.Itisimportantforyourgroupto be prepared for all hazards due to the reduced accesswithfirstrespondersintheeventofacommunitydisaster.A number of printable resources that can assist a groupin organizing and preparing for all hazards, along withrecommendations son other important resources, can befoundatUSAonWatch.org.

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Chapter 9

Basic Home Security

TheoriginalpurposeofNWwastoincreaseawarenessin communities about ways to protect homes fromburglaries. Although NW has expanded over the years,protectinghomesisstillapriority.Sincemostburglariesandtheftsarecrimesofopportunity,themoreobstaclesthatweputinplacetoprotectourselves,thelessthechanceofourbeingvictimized.Insports,themoredefensesateamhas,andthebetterthatdefenseis,thelesslikelytheopponentwillbetoscore. Intargethardening,wewantto increaseour “defense” by identifying multiple methods that youcanemploytoprotectyourselfandstopthecriminal.Somearecommonsensemethods that cost littleorno timeoreffort,whileothersmaybemorecomplicated.Thenumberofhomeburglaries is stillhighandcommunitymembersshoulddoeverythingpossibletopreventburglaries.Whenapersonfallsvictimtoanattackontheirhometheyfeelvulnerableandusuallydonotrecoverthestolenproperty.Law enforcement canhelp citizens protect their propertynot just tokeep crime rates low,but also to increase thelikelihoodofrecoveringstolenproperty.

Basic Home Target Hardening Techniques

When developing a target hardening program toprotect against home burglaries, law enforcement cansuggest a variety of options. Target hardening can rangefrom the purchase of elaborate alarm systemswith everypossibletypeofmonitor,tobuyingadogthatannounces

the arrival of anyone at your door. NSA offers a TargetHardening course through the Neighborhood WatchToolkit,oryoucancontactyourlocallawenforcementforassistance in developing strategies. These techniques aredesignedtoassisthomeownersinprotectingtheirpropertyby using simple, cost-effective crime preventionmethods.These include using appropriate doors, locks, windows,lighting, appearance, alarms, and garages, and providesomehelpfulhints that range across several categories ofsafetyandsecurity.

Assessing the StructureWhenscanningahome,youbeginyourhomeburglary

risk assessment with the front door and work your wayaround the house. Start at the entryway of the house orapartmentandobservethedoor,thelocks,nearbywindows,entryarealighting,andthegeneralappearanceofthehome,aswellasotherfeaturessuchaswhetheranalarmsystemispresent.Next,movecounterclockwisearoundtothesideandbackwhereyoumayencounteragarage,shed,orotherareasthatneedtobesecured.

DoorsAs theprimarypointof entry formanyburglars, the

firstitemtoinspectisthefrontdoor.Hollow-coreorpoorlyfitting doors can mean trouble, as can front doors thatarenotequippedwithproperdeadbolt locks(at leastoneinch). All exterior doors should be metal or solid wood

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andhavestrongdoorhingesontheinsideofthedoorwithhiddenornon-removablepins.Officersshouldrecommendhomeowners install good quality deadbolt locks on allexterior doors and on any doors that open to attachedgarages.

LocksRecommend homeowners install strong, reliable

deadbolt locks extending at least one inch when in thelockedposition.Theymayalsowanttoconsiderdeadboltswithreinforcedstrikeplatesandextralongmountingscrewsto anchor the lock. Finally, if there is a change inhomeownership, recommendall locksbe changed immediatelyto avoid the possibility that extra keys to the housemaybe in the hands of unknown individuals. High qualitysecurity locksareavailableatmostmajormarketretailersandhardwarestores.

WindowsAfterdoors,windowsarethenextmost-utilizedaccess

points,yettheyareoftenoverlookedbybothlawenforcersandcitizensalike.Windowscanbebroken,priedopenorlifted fromtheir tracks,orcanhave theirpanes removedbythieves.Itisimportantforyourwindowstohavelockson them.Thoughplacingnailsorpins inadoublehungwindowcanbea firehazard itcanprovideextrasecuritywhenaway.Youmightwanttohaveaprofessionalwindowexpertcomeoutandtalktoyouaboutthesecurityofyourwindowsorwhatyoucandotomakethemmoresecure.

LightingAlthough lighting is often considered decorative, a

welllithousecanexposeindividualsattemptingtoconcealthemselves and commit criminal acts. Officers shoulddiscuss the use of both interior and exterior lighting. Alightingauditshouldbecompletedafterdarktobecertainyouareevaluatingartificialilluminationandnotdaylight.Itisokayifthenightisbrightduetomoonlight.Atleasttwo peoplewill need towork together so you can checkfor things like color recognition/identification. Workinginpairs isalsoagoodideaforreasonsofpersonalsafety.In areas less lighted at night youmight considermotiondetectorlightingorsensorlights.

AlarmsThemerepresenceof some alarm systemsmaydeter

potentialburglars.Alarmcompanysignsplacedintheyard,stickers on thewindows, and visible contacts or keypadsare often enough to cause the average burglar to thinktwicebeforetryingtobreakin.Sinceburglaryisacrimeofopportunity,thepotentialthiefmaydecidetomoveontoalocationthatdoesnothaveanalarmsystem.Therearemanytypesofalarmsystemsonthemarketincludingmonitored,

non-monitored, audible, wireless, sound-based, motion-based, etc. Inmany jurisdictions, alarmpermitsmust bepurchasedandtheremaybepenaltiesforfalsealarms.Thepurchaseofanalarmsystemanditsaccompanyingserviceormonitoringfeescanbeamajorfinancialcommitment,and is one that should be thoroughly researched by thehomeowner.

GaragesWhen it comes to security, the garage is one area of

thehomethatiscommonlyoverlooked.Manygarageshaveelectronic garage door openers that give the homeownera false feelingof security.Anotheroften ignoredelementof the garage is thedoor that connects the garage to thehouse.Ifthisdoorisnotkeptsecure,thenanyoneenteringthegaragecanenterthehouse.Inordertoincreasegaragesecurity and house security, residents should always lockthedoorsconnectingahometoanattachedgarage.Theyshould not rely on an automatic garage door opener forsecurity.Athome,peopleshouldalwaysparktheircarsinthegaragewith thegaragedoor shut. Ifaburglarnoticesa patternwhere the garage door is left open, or cars arenormally parked in the driveway whenever someone ishome,thenaclosedgaragedoorornocarsinthedrivewaymay be a giveaway that no one is home. Consistency inleavingthecarsinthegaragebehindcloseddoorswillkeepfromtippingofftheburglarthatthehomeisunoccupied.Besides, leaving the garagedooropenallows strangers toseewhateverbelongingsarestoredinthegarage.It’sagoodideaforhomeownerstoinstallautomaticopenersthatwillallowthemtostay intheircarsuntil safelyparkedinthegarage.

*Forthosewithoutgaragesitisimportantthatvaluablesarenotlefteasilyseeninthecarandthatthecarislockedwhileinthedriveway.

Exterior AppearancesMaking sure your trees and bushes are trimmed and

don’t provide secluded shelter for a robber is important.CrimePreventionThroughEnvironmentalDesign(CPTED)refers to how to use various crime prevention techniqueswhile maintaining or improving the appearance of theproperty.SomelessonsborrowedfromCPTEDmayinclude:using fences,walkways, and shrubs to direct visitor access;limitentryorcallattentiontoindividualswhohavedeviatedfromthedesignatedpathway;plantingthornybushesaroundwindows to make illegal entry more difficult; trimmingshrubsandtreesthatcouldconcealcriminals;cuttingbacktreelimbsthatmightallowthievestoclimbintowindows;andusinglandscapingdesignsthatprovidemaximumvisibilitytoandfromthehouse.ContactyourlawenforcementliaisontorequestanofficercertifiedinCPTEDtoanalyzethehomesinyourcommunity.

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Engravers are inexpensive tools that can save youthousandsofdollars.Pass thehat tobuyaneighborhoodengravertoshare.Ifyousellengraveditems,etchonelinethroughyournumbersoit’sstillreadable.Initialitandgivethebuyerabillofsaledescribingtheitem.

Property ListIt’s a good idea for community members to make a

list of their property, includingCDs,DVDs, videos, andany other collectible items. The list should be kept in asafeplace.Alistsavedonthecomputerisnogoodiftheburglarsstealthecomputertoo!Peopleshouldtakephotosofexpensiveitems,suchasjewelry,andfillina“PropertyInventoryForm”(availablethroughNeighborhoodWatch)tohelppolicereturnanyrecoveredproperty.Finally, it isimperative to remember that maintaining current andadequateinsurancecoverageisveryimportant.

Operation Identification (Operation ID)OperationIDisaprogramwherepropertyismarked

orengravedwithaspecialnumber.Thisiscalledanowner-appliednumber(OAN)anditcanbeusedtoreportstolenitems.OperationIDhasshowndramaticresultsinreducingburglariesand theft.Burglarsusuallyavoidmarked itemsbecausetheyarehardtore-sell.

• Markvaluableswithdriver’s licensenumber (DL)orstateidentificationnumber(ID)or–forabusiness–statetaxnumber(TX).

• TomakesurenobodychangestheOAN,putthetwolettersofyourstateatthestartandenditwithDL,ID,orTX–whicheverapplies.

• Neveruseyoursocialsecuritynumber.Don’tengravepaintings,antiques,oranyitemyoumaywanttosell.

• HangOperationIDdecalsnearyourdoors.Thisletsburglarsknowthatpropertyinsidehasbeenmarkedandwon’tbeeasytore-sell.

• Decals and stickers may be available from policeagenciesoryoucanpurchasethemfromtheNationalSheriffs’Association.

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Personal Property Identification Record

Ifyouareavictimofaburglaryitisimportanttoknowtheserialnumbersoftheitemsstolen.Withoutpositiveidentificationmadepossiblebyaserialnumber–orauniquenumberwhichyoumayengraveonyourproperty–youmaynotbeabletoproveyouaretherightfulowneriftheitemisrecovered.Inaddition,havingagoodrecordofyourvaluablesmakesiteasiertoreportmissingitemstoinsurancecompaniesforreplacement.

Takeafewminutesandrecordthedescription,serialnumbers,andvalueofthoseitemswhicharemostlikelytobestolen.Manyarelistedonthisform.Youshouldalsotakepicturesespeciallyofjewelry,silver,andantiques.Keepyourpropertyrecordandpicturessafealongwithinsurancepapers.

Credit and Charge CardsCompany Card Number Company Card Number

Household and Personal ItemsItem Brand Name Model # Serial Number $ Value

Television

Television

VCR

CDPlayer

Stereo

MP3Player

Microwave

Computer

Computer

Printer

Watch

Watch

Camera

Camera

VideoCamera

Automobiles, Motorcycles, Bicycles, Etc.Make Year Model SerialNumber LicenseNumber $Value

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Reasons for Neighborhood Watch

Basic Crime PreventionPracticecrimesafetymeasuresthateliminateopportunitiesforcriminals.Encourageotherstojoinincrimepreventionefforts.Aidotherswhentheybecomevictimsofcrime.Workforabetterandsaferneighborhoodthroughprotectingandhonoringtherightsofothers.

Disaster PreparednessLearnskillstoprepareforman-madeandnaturaldisasters.Local,state,andthefederalgovernmentdoalottopreparefordisastersbutcitizenshavetobereadytocareforeachother.Encouragecitizeninvolvementinpreparationandplanning.

Build a Stronger Community Gettoknowyourneighbors.Inourfast-pacedworldwedon’tspendenoughtimelearningaboutourneigh-bors.Watchgroupsgivecommunitymembersareasontogettogetherandtalkaboutmakingtheircommunityabetterplace.NeighborhoodWatchActivitiesareafunwayforcommunitymemberstogettoknoweachotherwhilemakingadifference.

National Sheriffs’ Association

1450 Duke Street • Alexandria, VA 22314

800-424-7877 • Fax 703-683-6541

[email protected]

www.usaonwatch.org

neighborhood watch manual

Documents