Based on the concept of cooperation, neighborhood watch programs bring together law enforcement, city officials and residents and ask them to work together to provide protection for their homes and communities. Our success will be based on your commitment to work together to observe, report and dissuade crime in our neighborhood. People regularly used to sit on their front porches watching the comings and goings within their neighborhood, reporting any discrepancies to one another and to the police. The neighborhood watch program re-instills this practice by encouraging people to again take care of one another. Neighborhood Watch is simply a program of neighbors watching out for one another.
Neighborhood Watch does not promote vigilantism. Members are never asked to put themselves in harm's way to prevent crime. They should only observe and report suspicious activities to the Fort Smith Police Department. This leaves the responsibility for confronting and apprehending criminals where it belongs -- with your Fort Smith Police Department.