Neighborhood Watch

     
Ocean Shores Police Department is
an Official Certifying Organization for

What is Neighborhood Watch?

Neighborhood Watch is a program where the police department and community citizens, of a neighborhood, get together to discuss crimes and crime prevention. It also allows each member of the neighborhood to become acquainted with and told how to watch out for each other. If everyone in a neighborhood knows and watches out for each other, the possibility of crime occurrence is reduced dramatically. Criminals network and tell each other what neighborhoods are easy targets and which ones to stay away from. If a criminal has the police called on them each time they are in a specific neighborhood; that information is passed around and the area is avoided.

How is Neighborhood Watch Organized?

Your area police officer determines who, in your neighborhood, is interested in becoming a Neighborhood Watch Block Captain. That person works closely with the officer and the Ocean Shores Police Department's Crime Watch Volunteers in setting up meetings for neighbors to attend. The meetings are held in the Block Captain's home and several things occur toward the goals of the program.

What responsibilities does the Block Captain have?

A Block Captain is a citizen who resides in the target neighborhood and is responsible in performing some minor functions to assist in the Watch's success. Those responsibilities include:

• Passing out flyers - notifying neighbors of a meeting

• Hosting a meeting at their residence

• Documenting attendance

• Providing refreshments (coffee and cookies)

• Providing a VCR and TV for showing of tapes

• Consolidating the attendance into a master list

• Providing a copy of the master list to the department

Will Neighborhood Watch guarantee my not being a victim of crime?

Even though no program can guarantee you will not fall victim to crime, we feel the procedures taught in the Neighborhood Watch training drastically reduce your chances of becoming such a victim

How does Neighborhood Watch fit in with the Police Department's Community Policing Commitment?

Each police employee has made a commitment to act in partnership with the community to prevent and solve crimes and problems. Neighborhood Watch is simply one of the tools used toward that goal. Everyone knows the police cannot be everywhere at once and Neighborhood Watch allows for more eyes to watch for suspicious activity, which may need further investigation.

How can I become a Block Captain and involve my neighborhood in the program?

If you are interested in becoming a Block Captain, simply let us know. You can express your interest when your area officer makes contact at your door, or leave a message for your officer by calling the department at 289-3331.

A sign will be erected in your neighborhood after the completion of your Neighborhood Watch program. This sign lets everyone know you are an organized crime prevention portion of the community