Neighborhood Watch

How to Start a Neighborhood Watch Program

A Neighborhood Watch program is a great way to enhance the safety and security of your community. By working together, neighbors can deter crime, improve communication, and create a stronger, more connected community. 

Neighborhood Watch is a volunteer-led initiative. While the Geneva Police Department provides guidance and serves as a liaison, the program is not an official activity of the City of Geneva. The Geneva Police Department does not provide training, supervision, or monitoring for Neighborhood Watch participants.

By following these steps, you will establish a Neighborhood Watch program that fosters safety, cooperation, and a stronger sense of community in your neighborhood. Thank you for taking the initiative to improve the well-being of your community!

Step 1: Notify the Geneva Police Department 

Contact the Geneva Police Department's Road Patrol Lieutenant to let the police department know that you intend to establish a Neighborhood Watch. 

Step 2: Schedule a Community Meeting

Before launching a program, talk to your neighbors to gauge interest. Discuss common safety concerns and identify areas that need attention. A strong, committed group is essential for success. Choose a meeting location such as a home, church, community building, or volunteer fire department. The Geneva Police Department will arrange for an officer to speak about the program and provide recommendations on best practices. 

It is recommended that about one week before the meeting, revisit homes to remind residents. Ask if they need assistance attending. A personal touch increases attendance and engagement. 

Step 3: Invite Your Neighbors

Write to every resident in the neighborhood, inviting them to the meeting. Two to three weeks before the meeting, personally deliver invitations door-to-door. Start the meeting around 7 pm when most people are home. Encourage neighbors to attend and enlist a few volunteers to assist with the outreach. 

Step 4: Create a Neighborhood Map

Draw a large map of all the streets in your community. If necessary, drive through your neighborhood to ensure accuracy. Mount the map on cardboard for support and use an easel for display at the meeting. 

Step 5: Conduct the Meeting

Arrive early and greet attendees. Introduce yourself and the law enforcement official. Have each attendee introduce themselves, their family members and their address to encourage familiarity. 

Step 6: Learn about Neighborhood Watch 

After everyone has been introduced, the law enforcement official will offer general comments on neighborhood watch programs. Pass out paper and pencils so your neighbors can take notes. When the speech is completed, ask the audience questions. Make sure that everyone understands the program completely. The Neighborhood Watch program can be effective only when everyone knows what he or she must do. 

Step 7: Gather Contact Information

Collect names, addresses, and phone numbers of all participants. Identify any special concerns, such as elderly residents, handicapped individuals, or children home alone. 

Step 8: Choose Neighborhood Watch Signage 

Select appropriate signs and window decals to promote visibility. The Geneva Police Department can offer suggestions. 

Step 9: Home Security Inspections

Inform residents that the Geneva Police Department offers free voluntary security inspections for participating homes. 

Step 10: Elect a chairperson

The Chairperson serves as the primary liaison with law enforcement and block captains. Choose a responsible individual, ideally someone frequently at home. 

Step 11: Recruit Block Captains 

Block captains oversee smaller sections of the neighborhood. They distribute information and encourage new residents to join. They should be attentive and aware of neighborhood activity. 

Step 12: Schedule Follow-Up Meetings

Plan a second meeting for the following month. Initially, hold monthly meetings to maintain participations and share crime prevention tips. Over time, adjust the frequency as needed. 

Step 13: Conclude the Meeting

Thank attendees and information them that Block Captains will follow-up. Block Captains should provide their contact information to the Chairperson. Leaders should set a date for their first organizational meeting. 

Step 14: Sustain Interest and Engagement 

You have done a good job and can take pride in the fact that you have initiated a program in your neighborhood, which will change everyone’s lives for the better! The most challenging part is keeping participation strong over time. Regular communication, meetings, and community activities can maintain enthusiasm.