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Improving the Use and Effectiveness of Neighborhood Watch Programs

NCJ Number
108618
Author(s)
J Garofalo; M McLeod
Date Published
1988
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article outlines the results of a national study of Neighborhood Watch (NW) carried out in 1985.
Abstract
The Bureau of Justice Statistics reported in 1986 that 38 percent of families living in a neighborhood with a crime prevention program participate. NW asks residents of an area to get to know and watch out for each other, be alert, and be willing to call the police when something is amiss. This study assessed what is happening in these programs using questionnaires, observation of programs in operating, and interviews with program managers and participants. Also, documents such as evaluation reports, handbooks, and newsletters were reviewed. The programs that responded to the survey were relatively new ones. Responses revealed that the primary source of funds was voluntary contributions, more than 70 percent of the programs had no formal operating budget, and approximately 80 percent of the administrative staffs were volunteers. The programs were located in predominantly middle-income, racially homogeneous areas with no commercial establishments. Newsletters and regularly scheduled meetings were used extensively to disseminate information to participants. A wide range of specific crime prevention activities were employed. The 66 programs engaging in 'organized surveillance' used citizen patrols in addition to informal surveillance. A variety of issues commonly confronting NW programs include the role of the police, the continuing participation and survival of programs, and program operations. Techniques of operation developed by NW programs include internal communications, NW signs, and police innovations. Recommendations include linking NW to other local concerns and making greater efforts to consider needs of specific neighborhoods. 1 table. For final report, see NCJ 111610.