How does a neighborhood watch start?
A motivated individual, a few concerned residents, a community organization, or a law enforcement agency can spearhead the effort to establish a watch. Together they can:
  • Organize a small planning committee of neighbors to discuss needs, the level of interest, and the possible community problems
  • Contact the Jackson Police Department for help in training members in home security and reporting skills and for information on local crime patterns
  • Hold an initial meeting to gauge neighbors’ interest, establish the purpose of the program, and begin to identify issues that need to be addressed
  • Select a coordinator
  • Ask for block captain volunteers who are responsible for relaying information to the members
  • Recruit members, keep up-to-date information on new residences, and make special efforts to involve the elderly, working parents, and young people
  • Work with the City of Jackson to put out Neighborhood Watch signs, usually after at least 50% of all households are enrolled

Show All Answers

1. Why utilize the neighborhood watch program?
2. How does a neighborhood watch start?
3. Who can be involved?
4. I live in an apartment building. Can I start a neighborhood watch?
5. What does a neighborhood watch do?
6. What are the major components of a watch program?
7. What are my responsibilities as a watch member?
8. What kind of activity should I be on the lookout for as a watch member?
9. How should I report these incidents?