The Neighborhood Watch Team is a volunteer group assembled for the sole purpose of “Watching” for safety concerns, “Watching” for illegal activity, and/or assisting in Emergencies as directed by authorities. If issues are observed or presented, they are “reported” to the proper authorities (Sheriff, Local Government, HOA, etc.) any one of which could choose to investigate and could choose to take the appropriate action.”
1) Establish a phone/email chain for quick contact to your team
2) Work with team members to develop “observation skills” and train them to:
i. Be aware of the locations, times, day of the week
ii. Recognize what a person looks like and have a good idea of their height, weight, ethnicity,
gender, tattoos, scars etc.; also, how many people
iii. Record specific Items: What is important/significant about your concern(s)
iv. Take time to notice any recurring patterns or routines, and record how often it
occurred, who was involved, etc.
v. Identify vehicles involved, was it an SUV, truck, car; what was the color, make, model etc.; try to
get the license plate number(s) and the state on the plate (even a partial can be helpful)
3) Point out the need to use observation skills to “watch” for “suspicious activities”
i. A stranger loitering or a vehicle cruising the neighborhood
ii. Someone peering into cars or windows
iii. A high volume of traffic going to and from a home on a daily basis; or coming and going at unusual hours
iv. Strange odors coming from a house, building, or vehicle
v. Open, broken, doors and/or windows
vi. Someone tampering with electrical, gas, or sewer systems without clear identification
vii. Signs of forced entry, or tampering with security systems or safety systems
4) Summary all members need to know and be ready to report
i. Watch for unusual people and vehicles
ii. Watch for Illegal activities
iii. Watch for unusual events, incidents, or dangerous situations
iv. If it doesn’t put you in harm’s way, take pictures and/or record situations
5) Make certain all members know that the only action a Neighborhood Watch representative should take on observations or situations are as follows:
i. If you have reason to be concerned, call your local law enforcement.
Tell call taker to your concern(s.) If suspects are on the scene alert the call taker to use police cellphones because many suspects have police monitors.
i. If there is a medical emergency, motor vehicle accident, fire, or life is in danger – dial 911 immediately
- When you make a call be prepared as follows:
a. Tell the call taker what happened and the exact location
b. Provide a detailed description of the individuals and/or vehicles
c. Remain on the phone and stay calm
d. Be prepared to answer follow-up questions
NOTE: All other action is to be taken by trained Law Enforcement personnel ONLY