Neighborhood Watch Program Background Information
Neighborhood Watch in one form or another has been around for many years, although the National Sheriffs' Association is recognized as giving life to the modern-day concept in the early 1970's. Today it is one of the most popular and successful of all efforts to prevent crime. Many law enforcement experts credit citizen participation in Neighborhood Watch as one of the primary reasons for a declining burglary rate.
Years ago, there was little need for a program, which encouraged citizens to keep a watchful eye on their neighbor's property. In contrast to today, concern for the well being of neighbors was simply part of being a good neighbor, since family life evolved around the neighborhood.
Today many people consider their homes to be a retreat from the hazards of every day living. More often than not, activities that used to build neighborliness now take place outside of the neighborhood.
Like law enforcement officials, criminals recognize that neighbors are less concerned about the safety and security of the community and therefore, less likely to know or care about the living habits of their neighbors. As a result, criminals know they can move about most neighborhoods without being considered suspicious or conspicuous.
Neighborhood Watch has proven to be one of the most effective means to combat this community apathy. It has proven to be an organized means by which citizens, in concert with law enforcement, can collectively reduce or remove the opportunity for crime.
Benefits of the Neighborhood Watch Program
Prevention of Residential Crime
In many communities, statistics reveal that Neighborhood Watch Programs have succeeded in reducing residential burglary by as much as 50 to 75 percent. Many law enforcement agencies report that in addition to reductions in burglary, Neighborhood Watch Programs have caused substantial declines in thefts of property, vandalism, fraud, sexual assaults and even traffic-related offenses.
The establishment of a Neighborhood Watch Program in a low crime area is added assurance that it will remain safe. After all, crime is rarely stagnate; it often moves from one neighborhood to the next.
Greater Awareness of Crime
Home security and personal security are enhanced because residents are more aware of the threat of crime. Since they have been exposed to crime prevention information, they are better equipped than the general population to remove or reduce the opportunity for crime.
Enhanced Reporting of Suspicious Activities
Residents are more aware of who belongs in the neighborhood and are more inclined to report suspicious persons and activities to law enforcement. Typically, the number of calls concerning suspicious persons and activities increase substantially after a watch program is established.
Serves as a Warning to Criminals
Neighborhood Watch signs alert the criminal that the neighborhood is concerned about crime and is willing to intervene. It also warns criminals that they are likely to be observed and reported to the authorities if they attempt to commit a crime.
Promotes Neighborliness
Neighborhood Watch encourages residents to interact with each other by exchanging information about work schedules, vacation plans, types of vehicles belonging to the residents, etc. It also requires neighbors to observe the property of others and occasionally attend meetings designed to strengthen neighborhood safety and security.
Access to Crime Data
As previously mentioned, crime often moves from one neighborhood to the next. Obviously, it is important to neighborhoods to have access to information about crime trends that threaten them. Many law enforcement agencies identify trends and patterns through a crime analysis function and routinely notify neighborhood watch leaders of crime-related problems.
Increases Arrest and Convictions
Neighborhood Watch programs serve as a network through which law enforcement can collect and disseminate information on crime.
Join the Dominion Station Neighborhood Watch Program
The Dominion Station NWP meets several times a year. If you would like to join the NWP and/or receive more information, please contact the NWP Co-Chairs Lisa Eyler at (703) 501-2043 or Melissa Fishman at (703) 298-4482.
If you witness suspicious criminal activity, please report it to the Sheriff's Department by calling (703) 777-1021.