Sanders County Neighborhood Watch

Crime Prevention Organizations

Crime Prevention has long been a concern in many small communities and large cities.  Some communties were concerned that an increase in gun ownership by the citizens could result in accidental shootings, seriously injuring or killing loved ones. They began asking serious questions around how to reduce crime and drugs within their communities without people resorting to violence.  How can we protect ourselves and our property without the use of weapons and violence?  What can we do to become more proactive rather than react after crime has happened?  

A variety of programs and non-profit organizations were created around the United States to help communities and businesses reduce crime and increase crime prevention.  Those organizations include the following; Neighborhood Watch, C.O.P.S. (Community Oriented Policing Services), and the National Crime Prevention Council. There are links to these organizations on this website.

Many of these organizations offer resources, provide information on how to begin Neighborhood Watch programs, and offer many publications on crime prevention. The publications and informational materials may be free or purchased for a small fee, depending on which organization you have contacted.  These organizations may be supported through federal grants from the Department of Justice and many private donations from individuals and other organizations.

It is important to remember that the crime prevention organizations are focused on being more proactive in stopping crime before it has happened. They are there to help you get information, tips, ideas, and locate a variety of resources to help make you and your community less likely to be a target of crime. They may be a non-profit located in another state and not be affiliated with any law enforcement agencies. 

Once a crime has occurred it is very important that you contact your local law enforcement agency immediately and report the crime to them.  They will handle the crime, gather evidence, and do what they need and are able to bring the criminals to the justice system.  Do not take the law into your own hands.  This could cause you to become injured, involved in a criminal or civil lawsuit, or even killed.  Those two very distinct and separate processes of crime prevention and crime reporting will help improve the reduction in crime.  Please do your part in helping prevent and report crime.