AlexL1 (Florida)
Posts: 305
Posts: 305
Posted:
I have found NOTHING in the archives here pertaining to the subject of forming neighborhood watches... advantags of it, disadvantages, etc. Am I looking under the wrong heading??
A service of:
Community123.com
Professional websites for HOAs & condos, since 2004
Professional websites for HOAs & condos, since 2004
🎁 1st year FREE for HOATalk members! →
Neighborhood Watch
Started by AlexL1 • 26 replies • 1693 views
💬 Join us to post & get advice from 50,000 HOA & Condo leaders.
Create Free Account →
⚡ Takes 30 seconds
Already a member? Log in
RobertR1 (South Carolina)
Posts: 5,164
Posts: 5,164
Posted:
Try homeowner watch or community watch
DonnaS (Tennessee)
Posts: 5,671
Posts: 5,671
Posted:
Alex,
Try your County Sheriff or city police Dept. We just did it. They have all of the stats. All it takes is getting a date set with the enforcement dept, getting the neighbors to gather and probably a choclate cake. The best part about it is that you get to meet your neighbors and form sort of a bond because you are now responsible to try and take care of one another.
AlexL1 (Florida)
Posts: 305
Posts: 305
Posted:
Thanks Robert and Donna... Might have to go Donna's way. ... I cannot find anything in the archives and yet... I distinctly remember something on that subject about a year ago.
RobertR1 (South Carolina)
Posts: 5,164
Posts: 5,164
Posted:
Try community watch program!
It is there.
It is there.
SusanW1 (Michigan)
Posts: 5,202
Posts: 5,202
Posted:
In our area, the local police dept. helps set up the Neighborhood Watch program, even posting signs, and providing stickers for the door. Is that what you meant?
DonnaS (Tennessee)
Posts: 5,671
Posts: 5,671
Posted:
Alex,
Yes, our County Sheriff was more than eager to help us set up our watch group. They have brochures and information already written to distribute to the groups. They also can answer questions and did an analysis of our entry areas which we improved at their suggestion. The next day we had the Neighborhodd Watch area signs at all of the entrances which they provided so I reccomend doing it thru your local enforcement. It was helpful to them because they now know the streets and residents.
BradP (Kansas)
Posts: 2,640
Posts: 2,640
Posted:
Alex:
As others have said get with your local Police department, they should be able to help you set one up. That is what we did.
As others have said get with your local Police department, they should be able to help you set one up. That is what we did.
KathyS (California)
Posts: 145
Posts: 145
Posted:
We had a Neighborhood Watch program. Unfortunately, the Neighborhood Watch turned into a "Watch Thy Neighbor" program. The leader was using her position to walk around every day and turn CC&R violations into the management company. Needless to say, a good thing turned into a case of mistrust and anger. Now, no one wants a Neighborhood Watch program despite the advantages.
DonnaS (Tennessee)
Posts: 5,671
Posts: 5,671
Posted:
Kathy,
Why did someone not relieve her of her duties? The Sheriff explained that the "watch" committee was NOT in any way, an avenue for anyone to play cop and that the department does not in any way get involved with internal and community issues. He stressed that there should NOT be any person who walks around looking for community infractions. That we should have people on the lookout for vehicles that are acting suspicious, cars parked in driveways when we know residents are not at home and groups of people, especially younger ones, walking the neighborhoods and going into yards, etc. There has to be one self appointed oddball in every community who gets too big of a head with any kind of a job that they are given. Too bad, because you guys let her ruin it for all.
BradP (Kansas)
Posts: 2,640
Posts: 2,640
Posted:
Kathy:
A neighborhood watch doesn't have to be that formal either, it is unfortunate you had one person who felt is was their job to play God. We have a more informal approach, we have signage posted, the police attend our meetings and speak to us and they also have an email database of over half our residents where they can send information about recent trends or reminders. We don't patrol streets, but we are constantly reminding our residents to watch our for one another and have heard stories in the neighborhood of that happeneing.
A neighborhood watch doesn't have to be that formal either, it is unfortunate you had one person who felt is was their job to play God. We have a more informal approach, we have signage posted, the police attend our meetings and speak to us and they also have an email database of over half our residents where they can send information about recent trends or reminders. We don't patrol streets, but we are constantly reminding our residents to watch our for one another and have heard stories in the neighborhood of that happeneing.
RobertR1 (South Carolina)
Posts: 5,164
Posts: 5,164
Posted:
BradP,
I think you may be onto something of real importance. Certainly worthy of talking to your BOD and Police about.
We get thousands of spam a year, a lot of it never gets looked at.
But if the police was proactive enough to be able to send e-mails selectively to effected areas in their town or city, it appears that would be a wonderful thing. It probably wouldn't have to be a constant stream of e-mails but specific to the area.
In other words on the large picture it appears everyone wopuld benefit.
If the police had a secure data base. It could even be voluntaary to send you e-mail.
Comments please.
I expect the first thing would be someone saying the police would be liable if someones breaks in your house and they suspected this gang was operating in your neighborhood.
I think you may be onto something of real importance. Certainly worthy of talking to your BOD and Police about.
We get thousands of spam a year, a lot of it never gets looked at.
But if the police was proactive enough to be able to send e-mails selectively to effected areas in their town or city, it appears that would be a wonderful thing. It probably wouldn't have to be a constant stream of e-mails but specific to the area.
In other words on the large picture it appears everyone wopuld benefit.
If the police had a secure data base. It could even be voluntaary to send you e-mail.
Comments please.
I expect the first thing would be someone saying the police would be liable if someones breaks in your house and they suspected this gang was operating in your neighborhood.
BradP (Kansas)
Posts: 2,640
Posts: 2,640
Posted:
Robert:
That is what we have done, we have made it strictly voluntary to submit your email address. We are the second HOA they have done it with, we have only received 2 emails in the 5 months we have been on board. One was just a recent reminder about holiday safety and an update on some vehicle break-ins in the neighboring association. The other one was a request for assistance for a hit and run they had in our area, my understanding is they got several responses and were able to get a suspect arrested.
I like the concept, it is too early to tell if it is beneficial, but I like the open communication line we have with out police department.
That is what we have done, we have made it strictly voluntary to submit your email address. We are the second HOA they have done it with, we have only received 2 emails in the 5 months we have been on board. One was just a recent reminder about holiday safety and an update on some vehicle break-ins in the neighboring association. The other one was a request for assistance for a hit and run they had in our area, my understanding is they got several responses and were able to get a suspect arrested.
I like the concept, it is too early to tell if it is beneficial, but I like the open communication line we have with out police department.
KathyS (California)
Posts: 145
Posts: 145
Posted:
We did complain to the police department and to the National office. They wrote her a letter telling her that wasn't the purpose of Neighborhood Watch and cease her actions. She didn't.
In response to us guys letting her ruin it for all, no, the Board and the management company ruined it for all. They encouraged her to keep up the good work. That entire Board is gone now and the management company is being replaced but it doesn't remove the bad taste left in our mouths from all their behaviors.
Our hopes are we can get another Neighborhood Watch program going next year.
In response to us guys letting her ruin it for all, no, the Board and the management company ruined it for all. They encouraged her to keep up the good work. That entire Board is gone now and the management company is being replaced but it doesn't remove the bad taste left in our mouths from all their behaviors.
Our hopes are we can get another Neighborhood Watch program going next year.
RobertR1 (South Carolina)
Posts: 5,164
Posts: 5,164
Posted:
BradP,
I am excited about the concept and the possibilities it opens.
This could be a money maker for every police department in the Country as far as crime preventation is concerned and applying for government grants.
If your little experiment works there and a study was set up to check it's effectiveness country wide this could be big potatoes.
Here's an idea for a start. Your police department sounds like they might want to take on a project like this, there may be some of this done in other localities. Approach your PD and discuss expanding this concept and getting some other PD involved.
Worth a shot since you apparently have a receiptive audience.
There could be all kinds of security benefits, I am not in that business but the internet is more than Facebook and my space.
I am excited about the concept and the possibilities it opens.
This could be a money maker for every police department in the Country as far as crime preventation is concerned and applying for government grants.
If your little experiment works there and a study was set up to check it's effectiveness country wide this could be big potatoes.
Here's an idea for a start. Your police department sounds like they might want to take on a project like this, there may be some of this done in other localities. Approach your PD and discuss expanding this concept and getting some other PD involved.
Worth a shot since you apparently have a receiptive audience.
There could be all kinds of security benefits, I am not in that business but the internet is more than Facebook and my space.
RobertR1 (South Carolina)
Posts: 5,164
Posts: 5,164
Posted:
Kathy,
Good for you and we all have to just keep swinging because it is in our genes I think. I say again and I quote: For in Today, walks tomorrow.
Good for you and we all have to just keep swinging because it is in our genes I think. I say again and I quote: For in Today, walks tomorrow.
AlexL1 (Florida)
Posts: 305
Posts: 305
Posted:
I noticed that some responses were that the local POLICE assisted and others was the local SHERIFF's office.. Which would be more involved?
RobertR1 (South Carolina)
Posts: 5,164
Posts: 5,164
Posted:
An association inside a town of city, the Local Policw.
Outside a town or city limits the Sheriffs office.
All HOA's should have quideline published about what authority they fall under. All associations should maintain some regular contact with appropriate authority. It is a real plus to have Officer speak at association meeting or special meetings for that purpose.
Outside a town or city limits the Sheriffs office.
All HOA's should have quideline published about what authority they fall under. All associations should maintain some regular contact with appropriate authority. It is a real plus to have Officer speak at association meeting or special meetings for that purpose.
RobertR1 (South Carolina)
Posts: 5,164
Posts: 5,164
Posted:
L\Association in county..........Sheriff
Association in city or town/////////////Locap Police.
Association should have contact with police and invite them to speak to members.
Association in city or town/////////////Locap Police.
Association should have contact with police and invite them to speak to members.
RobertR1 (South Carolina)
Posts: 5,164
Posts: 5,164
Posted:
Read the rest of this post about contacts with police. I consider it exciting.
Sorry about last post, server problems.
Sorry about last post, server problems.
JudithC (Virginia)
Posts: 253
Posts: 253
Posted:
In our area the police have news services that you can get neighborhood watch or no. So, check into it. If they are set up to send out emails, they will no doubt do it to any interested party. If you have a website/message board it is good to have at least one person get these notices so you can filter through them for things of interest.
We have neighborhood watch but it is pretty listless. It turns out that it wasn't a two way street. Everyone felt the police should inform us of what was going on when helicopters were zooming overhead, and they didn't think that was necessary.
We have neighborhood watch but it is pretty listless. It turns out that it wasn't a two way street. Everyone felt the police should inform us of what was going on when helicopters were zooming overhead, and they didn't think that was necessary.
RobertR1 (South Carolina)
Posts: 5,164
Posts: 5,164
Posted:
Judith,
I would not be discouraged if the Police don't want to do what you want. The trick is to establish a relationship with the police and let them know you are there, vote, have an interest in helping the police help you all.
This police contact should be a mutual benefit association. It will not be fruitful until the relationship proves effective. There is a fine line to walk and don't expect a whole lot of visable display. Police are people and people have faults, but what you are shooting for is improvement in the neighborhood security, give it time and nothing is a deal breaker.
Same with neighborhood watches. The signs and people reporting suspecious people are not very dramatic but you are shooting for non dramatic and time is needed. Crooks always look for the easy pickings.
I think you are doing a good job. I wonder how many HOA's actually have a working agreement with the police.
I would not be discouraged if the Police don't want to do what you want. The trick is to establish a relationship with the police and let them know you are there, vote, have an interest in helping the police help you all.
This police contact should be a mutual benefit association. It will not be fruitful until the relationship proves effective. There is a fine line to walk and don't expect a whole lot of visable display. Police are people and people have faults, but what you are shooting for is improvement in the neighborhood security, give it time and nothing is a deal breaker.
Same with neighborhood watches. The signs and people reporting suspecious people are not very dramatic but you are shooting for non dramatic and time is needed. Crooks always look for the easy pickings.
I think you are doing a good job. I wonder how many HOA's actually have a working agreement with the police.
DonnaS (Tennessee)
Posts: 5,671
Posts: 5,671
Posted:
Everyone,
Because I set up our Neighborhood watch, I did the research first and have to tell you all,
Just because you have a neighborhood watch, does not change anything with the authorities. All it gives you is information on how to better protect your community by getting neighbors more aware of what is going on. The Police or Sheriffs Depts. do not respond to you any faster than any other calls. IT"S JUST FOR YOUR OWN BENEFIT. They are there for all of the citizens in their jurisdiction, even the bad guys. Unless you are living with Barney Fife as your Deputy, you are just another group of citizens who hopefully never need their services.
RobertR1 (South Carolina)
Posts: 5,164
Posts: 5,164
Posted:
Gottcha Donna,
Why did you set up the watch?
Answer: because you thought it would help?
Did it help?
Of course.
People are people and no one expects special service over their neighbors.
But you and I, have a certain fondness for folks that are interestred in what we are doing and this goes for the police also. They would be more receptive to people that wave and say Merry Christmas Officer when the drive through the neighborhood. As opposed to turning their heads or throwing rocks at them or ignoring them. I also have no doubt your watch program was done the best way possible.
Our neighborhood is gated and requires car stickers. It is sort of custom when we pass a vehicle with our sticker we wave at each other, something nice and comforting about that small gesture, we should do it for police vehicles.
Santa Claus is coming to town!
Why did you set up the watch?
Answer: because you thought it would help?
Did it help?
Of course.
People are people and no one expects special service over their neighbors.
But you and I, have a certain fondness for folks that are interestred in what we are doing and this goes for the police also. They would be more receptive to people that wave and say Merry Christmas Officer when the drive through the neighborhood. As opposed to turning their heads or throwing rocks at them or ignoring them. I also have no doubt your watch program was done the best way possible.
Our neighborhood is gated and requires car stickers. It is sort of custom when we pass a vehicle with our sticker we wave at each other, something nice and comforting about that small gesture, we should do it for police vehicles.
Santa Claus is coming to town!
AlexL1 (Florida)
Posts: 305
Posts: 305
Posted:
DonnaS;
You stated that before it (the watch) was set up, YOU DID THE RESEARCH FIRST... What was the research? I am interested in doing the same thing
You stated that before it (the watch) was set up, YOU DID THE RESEARCH FIRST... What was the research? I am interested in doing the same thing
DonnaS (Tennessee)
Posts: 5,671
Posts: 5,671
Posted:
Alex,
Myself and my best friend--Google-- spent some time looking at stats. Key in Neighborhood Watch Stats. There are all kinds of postings with stat numbers.
BeatrizB (California)
Posts: 4
Posts: 4
Posted:
www.usaonwatch.org. Best place for info. It spells everything out!
🎯 You've read this entire discussion
Join the conversation with 50,000 HOA & Condo Leaders:
- ✓ Ask follow-up questions
- ✓ Share your experience
- ✓ Get expert advice
- ✓ Access 350,000 discussions
Create Free Account →
⚡ Takes 30 seconds
Already a member? Log in here