CNA “Neighborhood Watch” Primer

 

National Night Out ~ 20th Anniversary August 5, 2003 (Tue) Registration ~ History ~ Block Party Ideas


 
1. APD.  For more info, or to organize a Neighborhood Watch (NW), contact Mario Renteria, Community Liaison, Office of the Chief of Police, POB 689001, Austin TX 78768-9001.  974-4736. < mario.renteria@ci.austin.tx.us >.
> Wilson & Kelling, "Broken Window" -- some of the deeper sociology of what makes NW work
 
2. BENEFITS.  Do NW programs deliver what they claim?

Apparently, they do.  Law enforcement professionals report dramatic decreases in burglary and related offenses in communities with active Watch programs.  Statistics show impressive results when residents do their part.  NW is the most successful anti-crime initiative in the country – homeowner's insurance that works.  Successful Watch groups surveyed indicate:
• 80 percent participate in Operation Identification (marking & recording numbers);
• 68 percent sponsor home security surveys;
• 38 percent work on environmental/beautification problems;
• 27 percent coordinate Block Parenting programs; and
• 19 percent engage in some form of victim assistance.
Trying out different crime prevention and community service methods keeps a Watch program alive.  Having realistic, achievable goals also stimulates continued participation.
 
3. TIME COMMITMENT.  One meeting with an APD officer is necessary for residents of an interested block (or several adjacent blocks) to attend.  A followup meeting is common.  To begin, someone must inform people in the area of what a NW program is, and invite them to the initial meeting (typically M, T, W, or Th evening at 7p, at someone’s home).  If residents agree to proceed, a Block Captain is elected, and more efforts may follow.

 
4. PARTICIPATION.  APD prefers at least 50% of residents a Watch area – which may be one block or several blocks (on one street or adjacent streets) – join the effort.  There’s no absolute requirement.  But neighbors banding together is a key ingredient of an effective Watch program.\

 
5. COST.  No fee is charged.  Participants may want to chip in for signs, window decals, handbooks, check lists, or other supplies.  An on-line catalog is available.

 
6. BLOCKs and CNA.  For some time, some CNA leaders have thought a system of block leaders would be a valuable organiational asset.  Block leaders could reach more people than e-mail can (Neighborhood subscribes about 10% Cherrywood families).  They could deliver Fleas.  They could reach residents who are not active in the Association, or who may not even know it exists.  They could help arrange services for neighbors in need. including better security.  Organizing NW blocks could fit into a larger picture.

 
7. WEB.  The National Sheriff’s Association "USA on Watch" page offers an excellent overall presentation, “Meet the Challenge” (30 pages).  It covers home and neighborhood security in detail.
1. NSA’s “Manual for Citizens” is similar but shorter.
2. NSA’s checklist for a house or apartment is for guarding against forced entry.
3. NSA’s check list for when going away is for absent residents.
4. A second overall good presentation is offered by NY State.
5. A third one is offered by Project Safe Neighborhoods.

 
8. MODEL.  Mr. Renteria recommends nearby Chestnut (south of MLK, west of Airport Blvd) as having an exemplary NW program.  On a cautionary note, the Chestnut Neighborhood Plan calls for more.  Second of Chestnut's ten top recommendations is, "Rebuilid a strong neighborhood watch and form a strong police and neighborhood partnership so that police presence and visibility and presence can be enhanced."  Contact Ms. Scottie Ivory, 474-5109;  2110 E. 12th St, Austin TX 78702.

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