ABOUT NEIGHBORHOOD WATCHES
This most widespread crime prevention effort in the United States has a long track record of success. It is so well respected that major criminologists do not generally undertake studies of whether it works-just how it works.
BE PERSISTENT!
Neighborhood Watch:
Watch groups empower people to prevent crime, forges bonds between law enforcement and the communities they serve, and build foundation for
broader community improvement.
EXTENDING THE SCOPE OF NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
Successful Neighborhood Watches move beyond the basics of home security, watching out for suspicious activities, and reporting them to law enforcement. They sponsor community cleanups, find solutions to local traffic problems, collect clothing and toys for homeless families, organize after-school activities for young people, help victims of crime, tutor teens at risk of dropping out of school, reclaim playgrounds from drug dealers, and form task forces that influence policymakers. They can even start a safe house program for children or Block parent program, which are reliable sources of help for children in emergency or other frightening situations.
CONSIDER THE DIFFERENCES
Often, the hardest thing for everyone to learn is that different does not always equal wrong or improper. When with individuals raised in different cultures, you need to consider such things as:
Their length of time in the United States.
English or other language
Possible distrust of law enforcement, stemming from a fear of people in uniform and in government offices based on experiences in their native country.
Educational level and social class (especially the social class in the native country for immigrants and first-generation residents).
Role expectations for males and females, parents, grandparents, and children.
Religious and ethical values.
Rules and expectations for interpersonal relationships.
Ways to share and get to know cultural differences: Host international: potluck suppers: youth performances; musicals, and oral histories by elders.
ACT NOW! FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Call Crime Prevention / Community Relations Officer Rex Osborn (209) 239-8441
Finding Help
