Orchard Breeze Neighborhood Association

Neighborhood Watch

Aug 03, 2008

HOW TO START A NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH GROUP

Neighborhood Watch groups should be about one city block in size. It's best to keep the size small so that everyone in the group can know each other and can see each other's house. To start a Neighborhood Watch group, you must have the interest and commitment of the rest of your block. It is suggested that you go door-to-door and talk to your neighbors (you might want to get the help of another neighbor on the block). Find out from the others if they are interested in forming a Neighborhood Watch group. If they are, determine what is the best day for them to get together for the initial meeting (example: Tuesday evening works best for the majority of the block). Once that is determined, call the Community Affairs Section of the Wichita Police Department to schedule the Neighborhood Watch officer to give the presentation to your group on the next available day of the week of your choice.

WHERE ARE THE MEETINGS HELD?

Generally speaking, it's best if the Neighborhood Watch meetings can be held in the block. In an individual home or church is usually best. If those attending can walk to the meeting, that is the ideal. When the weather is nice, many blocks hold their meetings outside; in someone's front yard, and ask everyone to bring a lawn chair.

HOW LONG WILL THE MEETING LAST?

Neighborhood Watch meetings last about an hour and a half. The Neighborhood Watch officer's presentation will last about 45 minutes to an hour, and then time is allowed for questions. In addition, the Community Policing officer is also invited to attend.

They usually like to introduce themselves to the group and talk with them for a few minutes.

WHAT HAPPENS THEN?

Once the initial meeting is conducted, your group is on its own. How involved your neighborhood becomes is strictly up to you. Many Neighborhood Watch groups have annual cook-outs, garage sales, and clean-ups. Some other groups sponsor a needy family or collect food during the holiday season. It is best for Neighborhood Watch groups to get together at least once a year. This enables them to meet new people who may have moved into the block and to keep current with what's going on with their neighbors. The key to an effective Neighborhood Watch group is to know what is "normal" on your block, so that you can recognize the "out of the ordinary" activities and report them to the Police Department.

WHAT ABOUT BLOCK LEADERS?

Two Block Leaders are identified from each Neighborhood Watch group. The Block Leaders names are kept in our files so that we can maintain contact with your block. Two leaders are chosen so that if one moves, we still have a contact on the block. The Block Leader job description is simple.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Organize residents in assigned area.
2. Keep residents informed and interested.
3. Discourage "vigilante" action.




ACTIVE DUTIES:

1. Be familiar with assigned area.
2. Promote and explain the Neighborhood Watch Program in assigned area.
3. Canvas your area for active watch members to assist you in performing watch duties.
4. Encourage residents to have a free Home Security Survey.
5. Encourage residents to participate in Operation Identification.
6. Attend organizational meetings.
7. Organize and preside over Neighborhood Watch meetings and activities.
8. Distribute leaflets and pass along information when necessary.
9. Solicit new members as people move into the neighborhood.
10. Assist Neighborhood Watch Officer as the need arises.
11. Coordinate with other City Departments and Community Organizations to confront neighborhood problems that are not directly related to crime.
12. Instill enthusiasm and involvement among residents in neighborhood improvement projects.


Training opportunities for all citizens, including Block Leaders.


CONVINCED?

Call Officer Michelle Tennyson at 268-4101 to set up a meeting for your neighborhood!

Information from www.cityofwichita.gov