Neighborhood Watch

We are looking for volunteers to help out with setting up the neighborhood watch program. We need people to  be block captains. If you are interested please email me at RobynBaird@gmail.com. Thank you!!

The Neighborhood Watch Program

Meridian’s Neighborhood Watch program is designed to increase the safety and
livability in our community by organizing and involving individuals and families in a
united crime prevention effort. Neighborhood Watch participants learn how to:

· Be familiar with neighbors and activities on the block
· Recognize and report suspicious activity
· Increase home and vehicle security
· Engrave and document property correctly
· Make your neighborhood less attractive to criminals
· Communicate regularly with neighbors using block maps and communication
networks
· Assist local police
· Organize to deal with a variety of other non-crime issues, such as livability and
neighborhood or city wide concerns
· Stay active in order to receive the benefits of Neighborhood Watch!




The Goals of Neighborhood Watch

1. Reduce the level of fear of crime in our neighborhoods. Knowledge builds
awareness and lessens the fear of crime.
2. To increase neighborhood livability and reduce crime in our neighborhoods.
3. Build a stronger sense of community in our neighborhoods
4. Develop a viable communication network for neighbors
We believe it is the responsibility of residents (working with the police) to build and
maintain livable and cohesive neighborhoods and to support and assist each other in
the prevention of crime.
We believe that involved residents, businesses and police, working cooperatively
towards these ends, create a united and secure community and reduce vulnerability to
crime.


Neighborhood Watch Roles and Responsibilities

Block Captain
· Coordinates the design, development and distribution of the Neighborhood Watch map
and communication network
· Ensures that the Neighborhood Watch map, and communication network are up to date,
(at least yearly) and that Meridian Police - Crime Prevention Office has a current copy.
· Relays information about crime and nuisance activity in their neighborhood to the
appropriate resource. (Crime Prevention Specialist, Meridian Police etc.)
· Acts as the primary contact person between the Crime Prevention Specialist/ Meridian
Police / and their neighborhood
· Coordinates collecting money for purchasing and installing the Neighborhood Watch
signs
· Encourages full participation in the Neighborhood Watch Program.
· Coordinates the welcoming of new household into the Neighborhood Watch
· Coordinates scheduling meetings, trainings and social gatherings such as National
Night Out.
· Finds a replacement if no longer able to fulfill the duties of Block Captain.
 
Co-Captain
· Assists and supports the Block Captain. The Block Captain and Co-Captain many
function as a team, sharing the Block Captain’s duties equally.
· Performs the Block Captain’s duties if the Block Captain is unable to do so.
· Interacts with Neighborhood Watch members to learn of neighborhood needs and
concerns.
Meridian Police Department Crime Prevention
208.846.7360

Neighborhood Watch Member
· Assists the Block Captain in putting together the block map and communication network
· Assists block captain with organizing efforts by helping with refreshments, hosting
follow-up meetings and assisting with block parties.
· Participates in the communication network: passing on messages as part of the
network and informing neighbors of crimes and suspicious activity.
· Attends Neighborhood Watch meetings and social gatherings if possible.
· Works to develop trust and communication with neighbors.
· Keeps an eye on neighbors’ homes and reports suspicious activity and crimes in
progress when they are happening, not later.
· Implements personal safety, home security and property identification strategies and
works to make the block less attractive to criminals.
· Works to find options and solutions to neighborhood issues and finds ways that
members can be involved in the problem solving process.

Crime Prevention Specialist
· Provides initial Neighborhood Watch materials and trainings
· Helps motivate and support Block Captain and Co-Captain in organizing efforts
· Distributes information on how/where to purchase Neighborhood Watch signs
· Establishes and maintains communication with the Neighborhood Watch groups
· Assists in problem solving efforts. Helps Neighborhood Watch members find solutions
to common problems
· Maintains Neighborhood Watch file with current neighborhood map, communication
network and other items as necessary
· Sends out alerts and other information to the Neighborhood Watch when appropriate.

Meridian Police and other Government Agencies:

· Assist in problem solving efforts
· Attend Neighborhood Watch meetings when invited, if possible
· Provide crime statistics and other public safety and livability information
· Supports the concept of Neighborhood Watch and the strength of the program