|
Crime Prevention
|
Neighborhood Watch
What it is
Neighborhood Watch is simply a program of neighbors watching out for each other during the workday, evenings, vacations or any other absence. The purpose of the Neighborhood Watch program is to create an alert neighborhood by using simple crime prevention methods. The program works through the mutual aid of neighbors watching the property of other neighbors. This has several advantages, including the fact that your neighbors know who you are, what type of car you drive, and who belongs, as a rule, at your residence. A patrol officer driving by your home might not recognize someone as a stranger in your yard. However, an alert neighbor would recognize the person as a stranger. They could then call 9-1-1 to alert police of the suspicious activity. Neighborhood Watch does not promote vigilantism. Members of Neighborhood Watch groups are never asked to "patrol" the neighborhood or put themselves in harm's way to prevent crime. They should only observe and report suspicious activities to the Police Department. This leaves the responsibility for confronting and apprehending criminals where it belongs-with your Palm Springs Police Officers.
How to get started
Fill out the online form or contact the Community Police Office at 760-778-8421 to request a packet. After you have received and read the information packet, talk to the neighbors on your street, block, or cul-de-sac. You should decide on a date(s) when your group will hold its first meeting. Neighborhood Watch meetings are usually held on weeknights at around 6:30 p.m. Finally, contact the Community Police Office at 760-778-8421, to schedule your meeting. Please plan to schedule your meeting four to six weeks in advance. To help get the word out about your first meeting, we will provide you with Neighborhood Watch meeting announcement flyers that you can fill out and distribute to your neighbors.
For more information, or if you have any questions, contact Leslie Cyphers.
|
|
|
IMC Inc.