Neighborhood Watch

USAonwatch (UOW) was created by the National Sheriffs' Association, in conjunction with several well-known federal agencies, to advance this cause by encouraging the initiation and/or revitalization of Neighborhood Watch programs throughout the country. One of the oldest and best known crime prevention concepts in history, Neighborhood Watch was created to unite law enforcement agencies, private organizations, and individual citizens in a massive effort to reduce residential crime. USAonwatch is used not only to promote NWs, but also record the number of NWs started. The President asked the National Sheriffs' Association to double the number of Neighborhood Watchgroups by January 2004.

We encourage you to learn more about these programs and their history by visiting the USAonwatch website.

The Neighborhood Watch Toolkit
In response to the President's call to involve more Americans in neighborhood safety and security, the National Sheriffs' Association in partnership with the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice has produced a new Neighborhood Watch Toolkit. The Toolkit provides numerous resources for law enforcement and community members working with Neighborhood Watch groups - whether starting, revitalizing or enhancing existing programs. Find out more....

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start a Neighborhood Watch?
To begin a NW, merely form a small planning committee of neighbors to discuss the needs of your community, gage the level of interest and potential problems, decide on a date and place for an initial Neighborhood Watchmeeting, and contact your local police department or sheriff's office, and notify them of your interest to start a NW. You will then be assigned a crime prevention officer who will attend your first meeting. It's that simple. For more information and educational materials related to starting a Neighborhood Watch or to register your Neighborhood Watch in the National Neighborhood WatchDatabase, click onto the Register / Start Watch on the USAonwatch website.

How do I join a Neighborhood Watch in my community?
First, search the National NW database to find your local law enforcement agency, and call to find out if there is a Neighborhood Watch in your neighborhood. If there is a Neighborhood Watch in your neighborhood, simply attend a meeting and sign up to volunteer. If there is not Neighborhood Watch in your neighborhood, talk with your local law enforcement agency about starting a new NW.

What are the criteria for starting a Neighborhood Watch?
In order to create a Neighborhood Watch in your community, you must have established a partnership with a law enforcement agency. For information on the criteria for starting a NW, go to the Resource Center on the USAonwatch website.

Who can participate in a Neighborhood Watch?
Members of local communities and representatives from businesses, government agencies, and a variety of organizations can participate in a Neighborhood Watch once they have established a partnership with their local law enforcement agency.

Who Trains Neighborhood watch volunteers?
A crime prevention officer assigned by your local police department or sheriff's office supplies initial training of volunteers. In addition, you will find all of the materials you will need on starting and operating a Neighborhood Watch on the USAonwatch website.