A neighborhood watch (also called a crime watch or neighborhood crime watch) is a organized group of citizens devoted to crime and vandalism prevention within a neighborhood. It builds on the concept of a town watch from Colonial America.
A neighborhood watch may be organized as its own group or may simply be a function of a neighborhood association or other community association.
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A neighborhood watch (also called a crime watch or neighborhood crime watch) is a organized group of citizens devoted to crime and vandalism prevention within a neighborhood. It builds on the concept of a town watch from Colonial America.
A neighborhood watch may be organized as its own group or may simply be a function of a neighborhood association or other community association.
Neighborhood watches are not vigilante organizations. When suspecting criminal activities, members are encouraged not to intervene but to contact authorities.
The current American system of neighborhood watches began developing in the late 1960s as a response to the rape and murder of Kitty Genovese in Queens, New York. People became outraged after reports that a dozen witnesses did nothing to save Genovese or to apprehend her killer. Some locals formed groups to watch over their neighborhoods and to look out for any suspicious activity in their areas. Shortly thereafter, the National Sheriffs' Association began a concerted effort in 1972 to revitalize the "watch group" effort nationwide.
A successful Neighborhood Watch should result in a sense of ownership by members of each community. A true community-police partnership develops, resulting in reduction in police service calls and reduction in crime or the fear of crime. Awareness is increased, and when a community perspective or support is needed, Neighborhood Watch groups serve as a valuable resource.
http://www.sandiego.gov/police...
Other sites to look at:
http://www.ncpc.org/topics/nei...
http://64.233.167.104/search?q...
An important characteristic is the signs that people put in their windows that say they are a part of a neighborhood watch. This does a lot do deter crime, especially burglary, It lets children that may be threatened know of a house they can go to for help if they are away from their house. The signs are distinctive.
