Sometimes having locks, gates, and security systems aren’t enough. You may live in a high crime neighborhood or a low crime neighborhood, but if you don’t feel safe then what’s the point?
If your neighborhood in NYC doesn’t have one, considering starting a neighborhood watch in NYC. If there is one, join it so you can be secure in the knowledge of what is being done in order to protect you and your family.
It is a bit of work to create and run a successful neighborhood watch. However, don’t be discouraged. We’ve got some pointers for you on how to better protect your community and the people you care about most.
Ask Your Neighbors
You can’t have a neighborhood watch without neighbors. More than likely, your neighbors will approve that idea, especially if you live in a community with a high crime rate. Not to mention it will foster closer relationships within your neighborhood which is always a plus.
So how do you ask them? There are several options depending on how outgoing you are. The bluntest approach is to knock on their door with a plate of cookies. No one turns down cookies. Explain to them your idea and see if they would like to participate. If that’s not your style, post up flyers around the neighborhood detailing a meeting time. That way you know the people attending are interested in protecting the community with you. Finally, if interacting with people really isn’t your thing, get your friend or spouse to help you.
What Do You Have To Do?
So what exactly does operation a neighborhood watch consist of? Well, the fundamental idea is to improve security in the community. Since you have people patrolling the residential area, in theory it helps reduce crime. Who’s going to try breaking in when they know that any minute someone is going to come driving by and catch them in the act?
Not only that, but with people being able to physically see the neighborhood watch patrolling their community, it lends a sense of security that might otherwise not be found.
Tell the Po-Po
Since you want to create a legitimate group, it would be smart to tell the authorities about your neighborhood watch lest they consider you vigilantes. You would be surprised at how willing they are to work with you. Being an officer is hard work. Though they wish they could, you don’t know the details of everything that is happening. They have to deal with the bigger problems which allow the smaller ones to slip under their noses.
With a neighborhood watch set in place, they can provide a more accurate calculation of official crime statistics in your area and you can help them clean up the community you live in.
Time For The First Meeting
First time is always the hardest. Set up an event time and place around the evenings so people who want to participate but work can attend. During that meeting, explain the overarching idea behind the creation of this group. This is also a great time for any police officers to give pointers. Since you are still civilians, the officers will talk about precautions and being safe and explain the scope of your abilities.
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