Block Watch - Guidelines P. 2
Organization
Block Watch is a group of neighbors working together to make their community a safer place to live. This
occurs when neighbors look out for the general welfare of others and property by calling 911 to alert law
enforcement of suspicious activities or crimes. Groups need to establish clear objectives and strive for 100
percent participation within their geographical area. Block Watch truly is “Neighbors Helping Neighbors.”
Block Watch Captain and Co-Captain Responsibilities:
1. Serve as a liaison between your active Block Watch members and law enforcement.
2. Recruit new Block Watch members to reach 100 percent participation in your neighborhood.
3. Maintain and distribute the Member List.
4. Distribute Block Watch materials and information to members in a timely manner.
5. Initially confi rm Operation ID requirements are completed. Annually follow-up with active members
to encourage updating Operation ID.
6. Notify members of Block Watch meetings.
7. Encourage members to call 911 before contacting you of unusual or suspicious activities and
document it on the Neighborhood Activity Log. (Form may be downloaded from our website.)
8. Record situations when members called 911 on the Neighborhood Activity Log. Provide information
to law enforcement to help track criminal activity in your neighborhood.
Participant Responsibilities:
1. Attend meetings and get acquainted with neighbors.
2. Keep your Member List in an easily accessible location.
3. Make your home as burglar-resistant as possible.
Daily Tips:
1. Be observant. Report suspicious activities to 911 and Block Watch Captain.
2. Educate children about crime prevention. Stress the importance of 911 and helping law enforcement.
3. Do not physically confront suspicious individuals. Call 911.
Tools:
• Member List
- Provides immediate contact information in the event of suspicious activities.
• Block Watch Signs
- Warns potential thieves of law enforcement partnership with residents.
- Placed at entrances and inside the neighborhood.
• Neighborhood Watch Window Decals
- Emblems can be used on windows, gates, doors, mailboxes, etc.
- Identifi es property as documented by Operation ID.
• Neighborhood Street Map
- Guide for participants and law enforcement, fi re, rescue or other emergency personnel.
- Informs other participants who is an active member.
For emergencies, call 911
02-10
www.ci.lake-stevens.wa.us
cbrooks@ci.lake-stevens.wa.us
Lake Stevens Police Department
