Social Problems: Use of educational programs and other activities to raise awareness and target the root causes of crime (such as drug awareness programs, tutoring, sports clubs, etc.).Opportunity Reduction: Use of observation to spot and eliminate potential opportunities for criminal activity and restore sense of community ownership.They vary from one community to the next, but typically use one of two main approaches: This helps in sharing information and become better equipped to look for signs of suspicious activity. Neighborhood watch programs are created mainly around the concept of getting to know one’s neighbors. Weapons are not part of the watch program and are discouraged, even though local laws and permits may give a volunteer the legal authority to carry a gun (either openly or concealed).

Communities involved in these programs work with local police, but have no authority to make arrests or take actions typically reserved for peace officers. Plus, signs posted around the neighborhood help deter would-be criminals. They focus on being the “eyes-and-ears” for neighborhoods. Neighborhood watch programs are managed nationally by the National Sheriffs’ Association with help from the Department of Justice and local law enforcement. This article provides an overview of watch programs and how they correlate with official law enforcement agencies to prevent crime. Generally speaking, the term refers to a nationwide crime prevention initiative where citizen volunteers actively patrol their neighborhood for illegal activity. You probably suspect it has something to do with crime prevention, but what is neighborhood watch and how does it relate to official police duties? You have probably seen a neighborhood watch street sign at least once, notifying visitors that suspicious people and activities are reported to law enforcement.

Neighborhood watchdog