Neighborhood Watch

To start a successful neighborhood watch program in your area, contact the Pacifica Police Department through the main business line. You will be sent start-up information about the neighborhood watch program and details on working together in the future. Additionally, the following initial steps should be taken:

Talk to Your Neighbors

• canvass your neighborhood for interest
• briefly explain the value of the neighborhood watch program
• ask about convenient times to schedule your first neighborhood watch meeting
• arrange a date, time and place for the first meeting
• coordinate the date and time with the crime prevention officer
• develop and distribute a flyer announcing the meeting
• if possible, meet in the home of a neighbor to foster an informal, comfortable atmosphere
• remind everyone of the meeting date as it approaches (two or three days before)

Hold the First Meeting

• distribute name tags
• make opening remarks
• provide simple refreshments such as beverages and cookies. This creates a relaxed atmosphere and encourages people to get to know each other
• turn the meeting over to the crime prevention officer who will cover the following topics:

  • the Pacifica Police Department and its crime prevention programs
  • specific crime problems in your area
  • how to obtain neighborhood watch signs
  • effective crime prevention techniques for your home and the neighborhood