Neighborhood Watch & Community Preparedness
A Neighborhood Watch and Community Preparedness Program in your area will have many rewards to you and your family. The first component of this program is neighborhood watch. Neighborhood Watch is a crime prevention concept that:
- Teaches residents techniques to reduce the risk of being victimized at home and in public
- Trains participants how to make their homes more secure and to properly identify their property
- Trains residents on the importance of recognizing suspicious activities and how to report
- Provides opportunities for neighbors to get to know each other and their routines, so any out of place activity might be reported and investigated
The second component of this program is Community Preparedness, which will teach you:
- How you can be better prepared and help your neighbors better prepare for natural disasters or other emergencies
- How to build an emergency kit
- How to make an emergency plan
- In the event a natural disaster or other emergency occurs, prepares you to:
- Better care for yourself and your family
- Better care for your neighbors
- Be aware of how to help first responders recognize your status and needs after an event
Together these will provide:
- Personal Safety
- Crime Prevention
- Community Preparedness
- Improvement of the well-being of the entire community
How to Start a Neighborhood Watch & Community Preparedness Group
- Contact the Dallas Police Department to discuss the steps, training and the area you want to organize. A smaller area (1-2 blocks) typically allows neighbors to get to know each other and have visibility over their homes.
- Coordinate the date and time of a first meeting with DPD.
- Choose the place where you will hold the training. Many neighbors host meetings in their home or neighbors’ homes.
- Send out invitations to neighbors by social media, door-to-door visits or email. Ask another neighbor to help.
- Start thinking about who might lead the group after the training. Consider asking neighbors who you are inviting if they are interested.
Persons interested in forming a Neighborhood Watch & Community Preparedness group should call the Dallas Police Department at 503-831-3516 or email
alyson.roberson@dallasor.gov to schedule a meeting with the program coordinator. Arrangements will be made to meet and discuss your preferences, along with available options best suited for your particular neighborhood.
