Police Department

Neighborhood Watch Program

What is Neighborhood Watch?

Police Departments across the country are learning that community participation in anti-crime programs is essential. One of the most effective ways to promote citizen interaction with police is the sharing of information.  Citizen groups determine specific needs or problems and then share this information with local police. The police then act on this information and report back to the group on their progress. This program also works when the police go to public groups and organizations and make them aware of specific criminal activities or the needs of the police department.

The Neighborhood Watch concept is designed to target specific geographical areas and to assist citizens in these areas to:

	Establish an organizational structure and create an information-sharing network.
	Help to introduce neighbors and create social ties that will help them work together.
	Allow police to train citizens on how to be proactive by preventing crime and how to recognize and report criminal activities.
	Access information and assistance from police and other Government agencies that can help to improve living conditions.
	Provide the community with a strong unified voice to inform community leaders on programs and actions that the "people" support.
	Neighborhood Watch cannot only be utilized as a strong tool to fight crime; it is also a strong social organization. It can also be utilized to enact other projects such as Community Clean Up.
	Bus Stop Safety Watch for children and locating and assisting citizens with special needs.
	Neighborhood Watch is not a vigilante organization!  It promotes awareness techniques and reporting crime not physical confrontation of criminals.

So What's the First Step?

	The first step is to discuss interest in organizing with neighbors in your area. You should obtain a map and clearly define the boundaries for your watch area. (Start small, less than 50 residences, you can expand as you become more organized.) Distribute a flyer or go door to door and let the people in your area have input on this project.
	Step two is to begin planning your first neighborhood meeting. Call the Bentonville Police Department and schedule a date when an officer can come to speak to your group about the Neighborhood Watch concept (479-271-5983).
	After setting the date, select and secure a location close to your area to hold the meeting. Local churches, schools, and community centers are usually very cooperative. Advertising the meeting is very important!  Be creative with handouts and personal or phone contacts. Let everyone know when and where the meeting will be held.
	The first meeting is basically a social event and an information sharing time. The Police Officer, who will be speaking to your group, will tell you about the Bentonville Police Department and how Neighborhood Watch can help your community. The primary goal of the first meeting is to gage the expected participation in the project and create an understanding for the need for Neighborhood Watch (NHW).

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For more information contact Sgt. D Green at 479-271-5983 or via email at dgreen@bentonvillear.com

 

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