Partners Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice National Sheriffs’ Association

Neighborhood Watch Community Training

Course Objectives To provide an overview of the steps involved in starting and maintaining your program To help participants begin identifying strategies for creating awareness and recruiting members To provide an opportunity for members to begin identifying neighborhood issues and training needs

Training Topics Initial Planning –Preparation –Message –Distribution of Message Getting the Word Out –Strategies Maintaining Momentum

Preparation Contact your local law enforcement liaison for assistance Form a small planning committee by recruiting a few neighbors

Message Develop a recruitment message that contains the following information:  Need  Benefits to neighborhood  Personal benefit  Fears  How to get involved  Meeting arrangements and contact information

Creating Awareness Strategies for getting the word out: Meeting Flyer Media Notices Personal Interaction Other

Flyers Flyer Contents: Logistics –Time –Date –Location –Other Information Purpose of meeting Attention-grabbing statement Guest Speaker

Working with Media Sample Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (date) Contact: Public Information Office, SHERIFF’S OFFICE HOSTS NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH FORUM The Sheriff’s Office will hold a Neighborhood Watch Forum on Tuesday, March 21, 2006 at O. Henry Middle School, 2610 W. Tenth St., from 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. The meeting is designed to organize crime watch groups and form partnerships with law enforcement to fight crime in neighborhoods. Residents will have the opportunity to meet Central Division representatives and discuss ways to curb crime in their communities. Future meetings will be held to form groups in other command districts.

Other Media Options Radio announcement Local Cable channel

Personal Interaction Methods of Interaction: Telephone call Personal visit Neighborhood event

Other Strategies Other strategies include: Use of Neighborhood Association newsletter Library event board Church bulletins School newspapers Local websites Brochures

Activity #1 Using the Recruitment Planning worksheet, begin identifying strategies you feel will be most effective in your neighborhood. What resources do you have to assist you?

Maintaining Momentum Neighborhood surveys Regular meetings Crime prevention training Exposure to other Neighborhood Watch Groups

Neighborhood Surveys Focus on identifying: –Issues –Resources –Priorities –Obstacles

Regular Meetings Structure Development –Leadership Positions –By-Laws –Communication Network Development Strategic Planning –Focus on neighborhood issues Guest Speakers

Specialized Training Fire Prevention Victim Assistance School Issues Crime Trends Community Recycling Self-Defense Family Violence Prevention Gang Violence Substance Abuse Prevention Mediation

Program Growth Ongoing communication –Newsletter –Phone Tree Interesting and fun meetings –Guest Speakers Ongoing recruitment of new members Community events or projects –Block Parties, etc. Evaluation of goals and program

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