Neighborhood Watch Part 2 National Crime Prevention Council

Neighborhood Watch Part 2 National Crime Prevention Council 2014 -2015

Goal of Presentation To provide participants strategies for strengthening their Neighborhood Watch program and explore ways that their program can be connected with homeland security and emergency preparedness. 2 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Objectives n Learn how to maintain and strengthen a Neighborhood Watch n Learn how to expand the scope of Neighborhood Watch n Explore how Neighborhood Watch can be linked to homeland security and emergency preparedness 3 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Neighborhood Watch Works Birmingham, AL. : Prior to Neighborhood Watch, 13 out of 15 neighborhoods had experienced increases in burglaries. After the program was in place, 12 of the 15 had no burglaries. n Lakewood, CO: Burglaries dropped 77 percent after Neighborhood Watch was implemented. ■ Cypress, CA: Neighborhood Watch cut burglaries by 52 percent and thefts by 45 percent. The program saved police an estimated $79, 000. n 4 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Neighborhood Watch Background n Neighborhood Watch is a community-based program supported by the National Sheriffs’ Association. n Since its inception in 1972, thousands of communities have created Neighborhood Watch programs. n These programs have expanded and become major assets in solving neighborhood problems. 5 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Example of an Expanded Neighborhood Watch Program The Niagara Falls Block Club Council has expanded the traditional Neighborhood Watch activities to include increasing community awareness as well as engagement. Home Block Club Association Roger Spurback, President 2234 Forest Avenue Niagara Falls, NY 14301 716 -285 -5426 rspurblockclub@aol. com 6 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Maintaining and Strengthening Your Neighborhood Watch Program 7 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Seek Help From Other Organizations n Talk to other Neighborhood Watch groups in the area. n Talk with local PTAs, tenants’ groups, community service organizations, social clubs, faith groups, public and mental health associations, taxpayers’ groups, and homeowners’ associations (among others) for help and ideas in sustaining and preserving activities. 8 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Community Assessments n Ask your local police department or sheriff’s office for a map of your area. You can use this both to define the boundaries of your Neighborhood Watch program and to map crime. n Ask your local police department for statistics on crime in your community and whether it has done any crime mapping or crime analysis of your neighborhood. If so, ask to see the results. 9 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Consider a Neighborhood Assessment n A neighborhood assessment can provide a “road map” that can be used to address problems and community needs. n A neighborhood assessment can also highlight other organizations – local government, local civic groups, etc. – that might need to be involved. 10 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Community Assessments n Collect crime data from police and residents. – What types of crimes have been reported? – What details are available about these crimes? – Do patterns of crime show up? – Are there specific “hot spots” where many incidents have occurred? 11 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Community Assessments (continued) n What have residents noticed in general about the community? n What types of activities have residents noticed? Which are positive, which are negative? n What can be said about activities of concern? Where, when (what time of day or week)? 12 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Community Assessments (continued) Conduct a survey of residents. – Ask about their observations of the neighborhood. – Ask about their concerns and things they want to see happen. n Have responses sent anonymously to one person who compiles the responses. n Report on the responses at the next meeting. Identify those for which solutions are apparent and those that need investigating. Be sure someone takes notes. n 13 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design n Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a way of looking at changing the environment to increase prevention factors and decrease crime problems. 14 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

CPTED Principles n CPTED seeks to strengthen: – Natural Surveillance – Access Management – Territoriality – Physical Maintenance – Order Maintenance – Activity Support 15 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (continued) Local law enforcement agencies frequently have officers on staff who have been trained in CPTED principles. Seek the help of such an officer, to coordinate a neighborhood review. n CPTED seeks to identify problems and strengths by asking questions such as n – Does this make me feel safe/unsafe? Does it look like someone cares about this space? – What make me feel safer in this space? What would tell me that someone is taking care of it? 16 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Safe or Unsafe – Residential Street 17 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Safe or Unsafe – Open Space 18 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Strategies to Keep Your Neighborhood Watch Strong 19 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

A Lasting Neighborhood Watch… 20 n Often communities start Neighborhood Watches because of a dramatic crime or increase in crime. When the problem subsides or is forgotten, the program loses momentum. n Adopt a long-term attitude from the start – your aims are to empower people to prevent crime, to forge bonds among residents and law enforcement, and to build a base for broader community improvement. 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Example of Neighborhood Watch that Works Closely With the Sheriff’s Department Hinds County, MS, has 240 Neighborhood Watches in six towns within its 875 square miles and each must meet specific requirements set forth by the Sheriff’s Department. 21 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

A Lasting Neighborhood Watch (continued) n Spell out roles of the group. Consider forming a formal association with bylaws and officers. n Decentralize planning and work. Establish committees and delegate tasks. n Keep all members informed, via a mix of personal contact and newsletters. n Plan for and train new leaders. 22 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

A Lasting Neighborhood Watch (continued) n Strike a balance between work and pleasure. Address the problems but also have fun as neighbors. n Involve the entire community. n Organize meetings that focus on current issues pertaining to children, youth, adults, seniors, and public and private property. 23 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

A Lasting Neighborhood Watch (continued) n Consider organizing citizen patrols to walk or drive around alert police to crime and suspicious activity. Talk to local law enforcement about how patrols could work in your area. n If you do implement patrols, share patrol duties and consult regularly with law enforcement, who should help train patrols. 24 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

A Lasting Neighborhood Watch (continued) n Don’t forget to hold social events that give neighbors a chance to know each other – a block party, potluck dinner, volleyball or softball game, or a picnic. n Thank people publicly for their hard work. n Share data (formal or informal) that show Neighborhood Watch has helped reduce crime and improve safety. 25 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Examples of Citizen Patrol Groups n The San Antonio, TX, Cellular on Patrol Program engages more than 600 trained volunteers who report possible crimes to police. n Baltimore County, MD, has more than 115 Citizens on Patrol groups—trained individuals who patrol by car in their neighborhoods and report concerns or crimes to the police. 26 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Examples of Citizen Patrol Groups (continued) The Mc. Gruff Truck Program, in which drivers call for help on behalf of children in distress, is another adaptation of mobilizing the “watch out for each other” concept. Lost children have been returned to their parents; others have been saved from closed and overheated cars or even rescued from abusive situations, thanks to these trained and vetted drivers of more than 16, 000 corporate and municipal trucks in 24 states. 27 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

What Else Can Neighborhood Watch Do? n Adopt a neighborhood park or playground and hold a cleanup. Paint over graffiti in the neighborhood. n Work with local building code officials to bring sub-par buildings up to code. n Help neighbors install deadbolt locks, window locks, smoke alarms, and other safety devices in new and existing homes and commercial buildings. 28 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

What Else Can Neighborhood Watch Do? (continued) 29 n Work with parents’ groups to start a “Mc. Gruff House” or similar block parent program to provide safe places for children to go in emergencies. n Publish a newsletter with prevention tips, local crime news, recognition of residents’ achievements, and news of neighborhood and community events. 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Expanding the Scope Neighborhood Watch can serve communities in many ways beyond preventing crime. n It can provide focus for community preparedness, including Community Emergency Response Team training. n Strong, organized, cohesive neighborhoods are better equipped to recognize terrorism and handle all sorts of emergency situations. n 30 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Homeland Security IS Crime Prevention 31 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Overview of Homeland Security n Prevent terrorism and enhance security within the United States n Secure and manage our borders n Enforce and administer our immigration laws n Safeguard and secure cyberspace n Ensure resilience to disasters 32 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Homeland Security and Neighborhood Watch n Crime prevention is terrorism prevention. n Both help to achieve safety and security. n Both require action by individuals and neighborhoods. n Both help us cope with fear. n Both need planning and organization to be effective. 33 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Homeland Security and Neighborhood Watch (continued) Neighborhood Watch groups are excellent platforms for community preparedness. n They are already experienced in teaching residents about prevention. n They often offer networks of neighborhoods. n They are accustomed to training residents in various skills. n They are accustomed to communicating regularly among themselves and with others. 34 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Homeland Security and Neighborhood Watch (continued) n Neighborhood Watches can develop neighborhood-level plans for residents to help each other in emergencies; they can keep plans current. n The groups provide excellent focal points for developing inventories of neighborhood skills and equipment that might be needed in emergencies. n They can tap training for security needs. 35 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

An Example The Pasadena, CA, Police Department matched the old concept of Neighborhood Watch with the new idea of security for the recreational vehicles at the Rose Bowl Parade Watch, as it came to be known, provided experienced neighbors to monitor RVs along the parade route and notify police of any suspicious vehicles. 36 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

An Example In Stafford County, VA, the sheriff’s office identified sites that might be attractive to terrorists, such as reservoirs, train tracks, and bridges. Neighborhood Watches near the sites were invited to get special training in what to report and how to report it with respect to possible threats to these targets. All residents were offered education on preparedness and mitigation strategies. 37 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

The Crime Prevention Framework n Crime prevention has a strategic role to play in community preparedness. n Practitioners can help communities apply crime prevention skills to the work of community preparedness. n A safe nation begins with safe, engaged communities. 38 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Community Preparedness Much like crime prevention, everyone can have a role in preparing for the unexpected emergency. Individuals or families can prepare by… n Identifying meeting locations in case of an emergency n Developing a family emergency contact list n Assembling a disaster supplies kit n Taking a first aid or CPR course 39 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Disaster/Emergency Preparedness n 40 A Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is a neighborhood team (trained by emergency service professionals) who respond following a major disaster when professionals are overwhelmed or delayed in meeting immediate needs. 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Disaster/Emergency Preparedness (continued) n CERT offers 20 hours of instruction and hands -on training in disaster preparedness, first aid, fire suppression, light search and rescue, disaster psychology, team organization, and terrorism awareness. n http: //training. fema. gov/EMIWEB/CERT 41 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Everyone Can Play A Role n Here are some things participants can do: ØBe proactive. ØGet involved. ØMotivate others to get involved. ØInvolve all members of the community. ØTranslate national needs into community concerns. ØTrain and practice. ØAccept the challenge. ØBegin today. 42 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Questions and Answers 43 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

About NCPC – www. ncpc. org The National Crime Prevention Council is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. n Mission Statement – To be the nation’s leader in helping people keep themselves, their families, and their communities safe from crime. n For over 30 years, NCPC has successfully promoted and engaged the public in crime prevention efforts through Mc. Gruff the Crime Dog®, various programs, and the support of government agencies, corporations, foundations, and individuals. n 44 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Resources from NCPC www. ncpc. org Click on “Home and Neighborhood Safety” n United for a Stronger America: Citizens’ Preparedness Guide, National Crime Prevention Council, 2002 n Neighborhood Watch Needs You Toolkit, National Crime Prevention Council, 2006 45 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Resources from NCPC www. ncpc. org Click on “Home and Neighborhood Safety” n Citizens’ Involvement in Homeland Security, National Crime Prevention Council, 2003 n Checklists, emergency family planning guides, information on how to recognize terrorists activities are available for download on NCPC’s website 46 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Celebrate Safe Communities www. celebratesafecommunities. org 47 © 2014 National Crime Prevention Council, Inc. www. ncpc. org

Celebrate Safe Communities n n n n 48 Celebrate Safe Communities Coloring Page Disaster Preparedness Checklist Making Children, Families, and Communities Safer From Violence Booklet CSC Banner (English and Spanish) CSC Flier (English and Spanish) CSC Postcard (English and Spanish) CSC Poster (English and Spanish) Auto Theft Brochure © 2014 National Crime Prevention Council, Inc. www. ncpc. org

Resources National Sheriffs’ Association 1450 Duke Street Alexandria, VA 22314 800 -424 -7827 www. sheriffs. org Neighborhood Watch Program by the National Sheriff’s Association www. NNW. org 49 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Resources (continued) National Association of Town Watch 308 E. Lancaster Ave, Ste 115 PO Box 303 Wynnewood, PA 19096 610 -649 -7055 www. natw. org 50 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Government Resources n www. bja. gov – Bureau of Justice Assistance website n www. bjatraining. org – Bureau of Justice Training website is a major source of criminal justice training and technical assistance information and resources, offering specialized assistance on current laws and evolving trends that affect the criminal justice field. 51 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Government Resources (continued) �www. crimesolutions. gov - The Office of Justice Programs’ Crime. Solutions. gov uses rigorous research to determine what works in criminal justice, juvenile justice, and crime victim services. �www. ncjrs. gov – National Criminal Justice Reference Service is a federally funded resource offering justice and substance abuse information to support research, policy, and program development worldwide. 52 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Resources (continued) n National Criminal Justice Reference Service www. ncjrs. gov n USA Freedom Corps www. nationalservice. gov www. volunteeringinamerica. gov www. peacecorps. gov 53 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

Resources (continued) n Citizen Corps Programs www. citizencorps. gov n Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) www. policevolunteers. org 54 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org

For More Information National Crime Prevention Council 2001 Jefferson Davis Highway Suite 901 Arlington, VA 22202 202 -466 -6272 www. ncpc. org 55 2014 ©National Crime Prevention Council www. ncpc. org