Neighborhood watch programs

Local governments can invest in this strategy using State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

This strategy can help prevent violence. The U.S. Department of Treasury has indicated that strategies that help achieve this outcome are eligible for the use of Fiscal Recovery Funds.
Investments in this strategy are SLFRF-eligible as long as they are made in qualified census tracts or are designed to assist populations or communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

Organizing residents to improve public safety: A neighborhood watch is an organized group of residents that works with a local law enforcement agency to promote public safety and emergency preparedness in a given neighborhood. Common activities include patrolling neighborhoods, distributing crime prevention information, conducting security surveys, leading neighborhood clean-ups, and more.
Led by residents in a neighborhood: All neighborhood watch groups are resident-led, but they vary in structure. More formal groups may elect a leader or select an advisory board to make key decisions, while less formal groups may rely on members who volunteer to assume leadership roles. Regardless of a group’s leadership model, groups typically consist of a coordinator, who handles logistical matters (e.g., organizing meetings); multiple block captains, who monitor a group of 10-15 homes; and general watch members.
Supported by a close relationship with law enforcement: While neighborhood watch groups are resident-led, they often work closely with local law enforcement agencies. Typically, a local agency assigns an officer or deputy as the law enforcement liaison for the area’s neighborhood watch groups. The liaison trains group leaders in areas like crime prevention and volunteer management, attends group meetings, helps groups set goals, and otherwise supports work done by each group under their jurisdiction.

Multiple studies with rigorous designs demonstrate that neighborhood watch programs are a well-supported strategy for reducing crime.

Provide training for group leaders: Neighborhood watch groups are led by volunteer residents, who may not have all of the skills to effectively lead their group. Law enforcement agencies can support these leaders by offering training in key areas, like volunteer management, planning and conducting meetings, crime prevention strategies, and more.

Dedicate time and resources for a liaison: A key aspect of the neighborhood watch model is partnership between local law enforcement and the resident group. Law enforcement agencies should ensure that their designated neighborhood watch liaison is allocated sufficient time and resources to actively engage with watch groups (e.g., attending meetings, planning training opportunities).
Encourage the creation of a communication strategy: Neighborhood watch groups should have a strategy for quickly sharing information during emergency situations. Law enforcement agencies should encourage groups to establish a phone or texting tree, create a group chat on a messaging application, use social media, or identify another method for sharing urgent information.
Recognize volunteers: Neighborhood watch groups require a significant time commitment from group leaders. Local law enforcement agencies can encourage sustained commitment from volunteers by offering them formal or informal recognition for their efforts. This may include thank you notes from the police chief or sheriff, a community-wide volunteer dinner, certificates or plaques, and more.
Maintain information on active groups: As new residents move to a neighborhood, they may be interested in joining the neighborhood watch group. By posting contact information for active groups on their website, local law enforcement agencies can help residents identify and contact the group in their area.