Neighborhood Watch Program

Neighborhood Watch is one of the oldest and most effective crime prevention programs in the country, bringing citizens together with law enforcement to deter crime and make communities safer.

 

Neighborhood Watch can trace its roots back to the days of colonial settlements, when night watchmen patrolled the streets. The modern version of Neighborhood Watch was developed in 1972 as a response to requests from sheriffs and police chiefs who were looking for a crime prevention program that would involve citizens and address an increasing number of burglaries.

 

Neighborhood Watch has been an effective tool to enhance safety and foster a sense of community in neighborhoods. Neighborhood Watch has helped to draw many diverse people together as they make a commitment to watch out for one another. It gives participants an opportunity to be united in the work of crime prevention and to form a partnership with the Little Falls Police Department to take on neighborhood crime and disorder. 

 

Benefits of having a Neighborhood Watch

• Improved livability.
• A team concept of neighbors working together.
• Knowing your neighbors and looking out for one another.
• Improved home security.
• A partnership with the police department.
• Information about available resources and services.

On Thursday, October 23, 2014 I held a meeting at the Little Falls High School Commons to inform area residents about the Neighborhood Watch Program with the hope of implementing the program in many Little Falls neighborhoods. The Little Falls Police Department and the Quality of Life Committee (another committee I started while being mayor) worked closely with me on the project. Our goal was to reduce crime and expand communication between the Police Department, city residents and business owners. We felt, if neighborhoods came together, got to know each other and plan neighborhood events that they would start to watch out for each other and report criminal activity.

 

We invited all Little Falls residents to attend and had a large turn out. The Little Falls Police Department discussed the program and how it operated. MANY people were interested and wanted to implement the program in their neighborhood. Sadly, the program never got off the ground when I wasn't re-elected.