Neighborhood Watch began in the Mt. Vernon area in 1982 and it came following a string of residential burglaries in the community.  The residents of the community realized they had to be the “eyes and ears” for each other. There are far more residents than police officers and if both groups work together they can better protect their community.

The watch groups help each other by establishing phone trees to contact each other for information sharing.  Regular meetings allow the groups to discuss what is observed and to gather information that can be passed on to the police.

There are three elements to consider about the common criminal: 

DESIRE

OPPORTUNITY

ABILITY

Together we can take the Opportunity away from the criminal.  This will eliminate the criminal’s Ability and lessen their Desire. Contact the Police Department to set up a Neighborhood Watch in your area.