Haddonfield Civic Association Sponsors – Town Hall On Neighborhood Watch

Welcome from the HCA

“We in America do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.” Thomas Jefferson• First topical town meeting in 1966 – Traffic Safety• Candidate debates – April 2013 for Commissioner Race• Bradshaw Civic Awareness Contest since 1931• Videotaping key meetings since 2009

Please consider becoming a member, visit:http://www.haddonfieldcivic.com

What Is Neighborhood Watch?

• Oldest and best known crime prevention concepts

• In late 60’s an increase in crime heightened the need for a crime prevention initiative focused on residential areas and involving citizens

• The National Sheriffs’ Association created the national Neighborhood Watch Program in 1972

• This program is modeled similarly

Neighborhood Watch IS...

• A Crime Prevention Program• Where neighbors “LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER”• That encourages Neighbor-Participants to get to know each other and their 

routines so that any out of place activity can be observed, recognized for what it is, reported and investigated

• That teaches Participants techniques to reduce the risk of being victimized at home, in their vehicles and in public places

• Which trains Participants on the importance of recognizing suspicious activities and sounds, evaluate them and then how to properly report them

• Which teaches Participants how to make their homes more secure, to properly identify their property, and how to “LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER”

• A cohesive body of concerned, involved, Neighbor-Participants addressing many issues that concern the entire community

Neighborhood Watch IS NOT...

• A vigilante force working outside the normal procedures of the local police department

• A 100% guarantee that crime will not occur in your neighborhood

• A program designed for Participants to undertake personal risks to deter crime

Program History

• Program developed because of requests from Police across the country

• Law enforcement leaders were looking for a crime prevention program that incorporated citizen involvement

• Funding sought to launch the initiative from the Dept. of Justice

• Evolved to promoting local neighborhood watch programs in conjunction with law enforcement

Many Names, One Concept

• After launch by the Sheriffs’ Association left to local law enforcement agencies to create local groups

• Many were started with different names and logos

• However , the concept of crime prevention through citizen involvement remained constant

Benefits Of Neighborhood Watch

• Crime prevention• A greater sense of security, responsibility, and personal control

• Build community pride• Preparing for helping ourselves and others• Provide law enforcement with volunteers support year round

• Citizens become the extra “eyes and ears”

Who Is Involved In Neighborhood Watch

• National-Level Partners• State and Local Law Enforcement• Law Enforcement Liaison• Community Members

Starting A Neighborhood Watch

• Begin to talk to your neighbors to gauge interest

• Contact the local law enforcement agency• Don’t be discouraged by low attendance or lack of interest

Five Steps To Building A Successful Neighborhood Watch

• Step 1 – Recruit and organize as many neighbors as possible

• Step 2 – Contact your local law enforcement agency 

and schedule a meeting• Step 3 – Discuss community concerns and develop 

an action plan• Step 4 – Hold regular meetings and train 

on relevant skills• Step 5 – Implement a phone tree and take 

action steps

Organizing Your Neighborhood Watch

• The Law Enforcement Liaison• The Block Captain• The Neighborhood Watch Coordinator• Citizens’ Advisory Board• Neighborhood Watch Members• Phone Trees• Neighborhood Maps

Next Steps In Forming The Haddonfield Neighborhood Watch

• Gauge interest from this evening• Continue to socialize the concept• Form the Citizen Advisory Board• Develop a program that aligns with our collective interests and ability to execute

• Officially launch the Haddonfield Neighborhood Watch

Haddonfield Police

• Chief J. Banning

• Department Liaison:    Lt. Ed Wiley(856) 429-4700 ext. 250

Haddonfield Police Department• Wants residents to watch out for each other and their

neighborhood.

• Participants should be vigilant observers during their normal routines.

• We want residents to immediately report anything suspicious.

• Residents can be effective deterrents by being visible.

• Be familiar with what is “normal” and report anything that is not.

• If a matter is urgent, if a crime is occurring, or an emergency, call 911. If something does not “look right”, or not an emergency call 429-3000.

Who, What, When, Where,How and Why To Report:• Report anything/anyone you believe to be suspicious. 

• Be prepared to report why it is suspicious and describe in detail.  

• Report immediately.• Call 911 if urgent, call (856) 429-3000 if not urgent.

• Always have your cell phone available .• When in doubt, call the police so      they can investigate further.  

Information is Key

• Provide detailed description of people, vehicles and property.  If you are not sure of the address,  provide directions so the responding officers can get there as quickly as possible.

• Use a phonetic alphabet whenproviding  vehicle license plate information.

    

What You Should Not Do

• DO NOT CONFRONT OR APPROACH SUSPICIOUS CHARACTERS -save that for police.

• We do not recommend walking around shinning a flashlight into yards, cars or buildings.

• We do not recommend carryingbinoculars.

• Carry a cell phone and don’t be afraid to use it.

Benefits to Community

    Getting the use of more resources at no cost is an opportunity we welcome.  Assistance from the community is like having extra eyes and ears.  We anticipate that increasing community participation and awareness will decrease opportunities for crime andincrease detection and apprehension

    of offenders.    

Future Meetings

As Liaison for the program, I look forward to exchanges of information that will mutually benefit the community and the police department.

Informational Photos

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Questions & Answers, Public Discussion

Appendix