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Neighborhood Watch: An Organizer's Guide to Crime Prevention

NCJ Number
168264
Date Published
Unknown
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This brochure describes local crime prevention measures that can help make neighborhoods safer.
Abstract
The pamphlet suggests that citizens first create a Neighborhood Watch or block club to address immediate crime problems, focus on home security, and build neighborhood cohesion. Next, program organizers should educate residents about child protection, drug abuse victim services, and domestic violence. The organizers should explore circumstances in the community that might contribute to crime (e.g., the physical design of buildings, traffic patterns, drug trafficking, lack of jobs or recreational opportunities for teenagers, lack of affordable housing) and look for long-range solutions. The brochure suggests 21 different actions that neighborhoods might take to get their program started, from turning a vacant lot into a park, playing field or community garden, to translating crime and drug prevention materials into languages needed by non-English speakers in the community. The brochure also describes community actions beyond a Neighborhood Watch, such as encouraging schools to teach crime and drug prevention and working with schools, parent associations and recreation departments to organize after-school programs for children and teens. The brochure includes a Neighborhood Watch Family Information Form.