Neighborhood watch programs are a cornerstone of community safety, uniting citizens and law enforcement in a shared mission to protect where we live. Developed over 35 years ago, this community-based initiative was created to increase public participation in crime prevention and encourage neighbors to form watch groups in collaboration with local law enforcement. These programs are based on the idea that the public plays an essential role in safeguarding communities, offering the additional eyes and ears law enforcement needs, especially from those who know their neighborhoods best.  

By fostering collaboration, neighborhood watch programs have proven to be one of the most effective and enduring crime prevention strategies in history. Read on to discover how your community can get involved and help make neighborhoods, counties and cities safer for everyone.

What Are Neighborhood Watch Programs?

While today’s concept of neighborhood watch programs came into prominence in the late 1960s in response to an increasing burglary rate, its roots in America can be traced all the way back to the days of colonial settlements when night watchmen patrolled the streets due to the absence of formal police forces. The National Sheriff’s Association took this crime prevention concept a step further by creating the National Neighborhood Watch Program. 

Today, this concept exists under various names such as Neighborhood Watch, Crime Watch, Block Watch and Citizens on Patrol. Regardless of the name, it remains a proven, community-based strategy for deterring crime. The program has evolved to support the creation of ongoing local groups where residents partner with law enforcement to reduce burglaries and other neighborhood crimes. Participants actively observe their surroundings, report suspicious activity and learn practical crime prevention techniques, all while strengthening ties within their community and with local law enforcement.

The Benefits of Neighborhood Watch Programs

What are some of the benefits of starting a crime watch group?

• Partnership with law enforcement and your neighbors
• Reduction in crime and vandalism
• A more secure and better-prepared neighborhood
• Enhanced community cohesion

Even if your community does not have an organized crime watch program, here are tips to help you and your neighbors deter crime.

Home and Property Security

• Lock all doors and windows, even when you are home.
• Install motion-sensor lights and keep your property well-lit at night.
• Use security cameras or video doorbells to deter and document suspicious activity.
• Trim bushes and trees to eliminate hiding spots near windows and doors.
• Reinforce doors with deadbolts and strike plates.

Community Engagement

• Get to know your neighbors. Looking out for each other increases neighborhood security.
• Report suspicious activity (any incident, event, individual or activity that seems unusual or out of place or feels uncomfortable) immediately to local law enforcement. Trust your instincts.
• Encourage community meetings with local law enforcement to share updates and concerns.
• Use community apps like Nextdoor to stay connected. Many local law enforcement agencies are active there, promoting communication and safety.

Partner with Law Enforcement

• Invite your local sheriff’s office to speak at community events to strengthen relationships. 
• Use law enforcement resources such as crime prevention officers or online crime mapping tools. 
• Support local crime prevention initiatives such as National Night Out.

Personal Awareness

• Avoid sharing travel plans publicly on social media as burglars often monitor these. 
• Keep valuables out of sight in homes and vehicles. 
• Teach children how to respond to emergencies and suspicious situations.

How to Start a Neighborhood Watch Program

If you’re interested in starting a neighborhood crime watch program in your area or learning more about existing ones, your first step should be contacting your local law enforcement agency. Establishing a partnership with law enforcement is essential, as they can provide guidance, resources and support tailored to your community’s specific needs.  

To begin, visit the Florida Sheriffs Directory to find contact information for your county’s sheriff. Once connected, your local sheriff’s office can help you to lay the foundation for a successful watch group. For additional support, download this comprehensive guide from the National Neighborhood Watch on how to start and maintain an effective neighborhood watch program.

Here are three examples of programs in Florida sheriff’s offices that are leading the way with their neighborhood watch programs.

Leon County Sheriff’s Office

The Neighborhood Crime Watch initiative of Leon County Sheriff’s Office aims to strengthen community bonds among residents while fostering a positive, collaborative relationship between law enforcement and the neighborhoods they serve.

Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office

The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office offers several programs which focus on citizen engagement with police to make the community safer. From apartment communities to river-facing business and homes to Spanish-speaking populations, the Sheriff’s Watch program has a way for all residents to get involved. 

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

Neighborhood Watch is a community-based initiative of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office that encourages neighbors to look out for one another. This mutual aid program helps to ensure criminals quickly learn that watched neighborhoods are not easy targets.

The Florida Sheriffs Association encourages Floridians to get involved in neighborhood watch programs, which are proven community initiatives that take a proactive approach to crime prevention. These programs play a vital role in promoting safety, strengthening neighborhood connections and improving communication between residents and law enforcement.

About the Florida Sheriffs Association

Founded in 1893, the Florida Sheriffs Association was established to unite Florida’s sheriffs in advancing public safety, shaping legislation and fostering collaboration among law enforcement agencies. Over the decades, FSA has grown into a powerful advocate for law enforcement, providing training, resources and support to ensure the protection and security of Florida’s communities.  

The Florida Sheriffs Association helps you stay informed on the latest law enforcement initiatives, public safety updates and the work of Florida’s sheriffs. From in-depth blogs to legislative news and community programs, we keep you connected to the issues that matter. Explore more at flsheriffs.org and stay engaged with Florida’s law enforcement community.