What is a neighborhood watch? Many people have a major misunderstanding of what a neighborhood watch is...and isn't.
What it IS:
Neighbors getting together, meeting and getting to know each other, and working TOGETHER to solve issues within their neighborhood.
What it ISN'T:
A gripe session, or a place to vent grievances.
What it IS:
Making the neighborhood stronger and safer through increased participation of everyone in being alert and observant, and contacting local law enforcement when suspicious circumstances are obseerved.
What is ISN'T:
A vigilante group walking the streets looking for trouble.
The single most common reason that people do not call police when they see something "suspicious" is that they don't want to get involved for various reasons. No time, it's a hassle, fear of retribution, etc. The list goes on and on. While I understand and can sympathize with these reasons, I submit that if everyone stood up together and worked cooperatively with law enforcement and community management, word would soon spread that this neighborhood is not the place to be getting out of line. That has already started, and with your help can continue.
A neighborhood watch means just exactly that...neighbors watching, and reporting. I would remind everyone though that when you call the police, if you are not willing to fill out a statemnt on what you saw, the police will be seriously hindered in their investigation of the incident. If you witnessed something, officers need you to stand up and testify about what you saw. They can not prosecute people for something they did not see unless there is sufficient evidence or witnesses. Make your voices heard.
