How to Start a New Chapter

If you are concerned about crime in your neighbourhood and wish to implement a Neighbourhood Watch program in your area, you must first contact your local Police Services Community Relations or Crime Prevention Bureau. 

If there is a program already organized in your area, you will be referred to the local program representative who will assist you in getting involved.

If there is not a program in your area, you should...

1.      Canvass your neighbourhood using pamphlets outlining Neighbourhood Watch. Determine how many of your neighbours are as concerned as you, and are interested in participating in the program.

2.      After you have determined the level of interest your neighbourhood, arrange for a meeting place large enough to hold your group, such as a school, church, or community centre.

3.   Contact the Police Liaison to arrange a mutually agreeable date and time for the meeting.  Flyers and letters regarding the program and upcoming meeting may then be prepared and distributed.  Enlist the aid of a few of your neighbours in distributing these.

4.   The Police Liaison will assist you by supplying maps outlining your Neighbourhood Watch boundaries, dividing your area into blocks (15-25 homes), and suggesting an agenda. 

5.   At the meeting, the Police Liaison will explain the Neighbourhood Watch concept, Operation Identification, home security and the method of reporting incidents to the Police Services.  The purpose of the meeting will not only be to convey this information to your neighbours, but also to identify Block Captains and Assistants.  One volunteer on each block will ensure there is at least one candidate for Block Captain or Assistant.

Once the above steps are completed, check with the local Police Service or the Neighbourhood Watch representative in your area as to the requirements needed for recognition of the Neighbourhood Watch program.  Requirements can vary by community, in some the Police Services Liaison will require complete residents list and in others, the names of the Area Coordinator and Block Captains are sufficient.

  

For further information on how to get started please refer to the Neighbourhood Watch Volume 1: Organization brochure or speak to your local Police Services Community Relations or Crime Prevention Bureau.