How to Start A Neighborhood Watch Group in 5 Easy Steps

Recruit and Organize as many neighbors as possible

It is wonderful that you are taking the steps to start a Neighborhood Watch group in your neighborhood. The first step is talking to your fellow neighbors about starting a group.

Contact your local law enforcement agency and schedule a meeting

The next step is contacting your local law enforcement agency. Invite them to meet with your group at a time and place convenient for your Watch Group. It is essential for your group to work in collaboration with law enforcement because Neighborhood Watch is a cooperative effort.

Discuss community concerns and develop an action plan

If law enforcement is unavailable to come to the first meeting you might want to have a meeting to discuss the concerns and issues in the neighborhood. Your group should create a plan on how to work towards lessening the impact of the top 3 concerns of neighbors.

There are wonderful resources that you can use to guide you. Become a National Neighborhood Watch Member to gain access. Click here to join today. 

Create a communication plan

It is important to decide what type of communication will work for your watch group – meetings or social media or both. Our publication on Advances in Technology Take Watch Groups to the Next Level will help you to understand what resources are out there.

Take Action: Hold Meetings and Events

Neighborhood Watch Toolkit has a number of wonderful training topics and meeting ideas that can be useful to your group.