Community Watch is a crime prevention program that enlists the active participation of residents, in cooperation with law enforcement, to reduce crime and victimization in their communities. It involves:
1. Residents using common sense crime prevention practices to protect themselves and property
2. Neighbors getting together in programs of mutual assistance to prevent crime
3. Residents being trained to recognize and report suspicious activity in their neighborhood
A Community Watch is not a vigilante group, residents pursuing criminals or becoming physically involved in the criminal event, or a means to take the law into your hands. However, police officers cannot be everywhere, so community involvement is essential. You and your neighbors are the ones who really know what is going on in your community. By cooperating with each other and the police, you can help reduce crime in your community in the most effective way; by preventing it. A community watch allows residents to come together for a number of reasons:
• To get something done about an immediate problem
• To problem-solve on issues and achieve future goals
• To gather resources for community needs
• To improve the quality of life in their community
Some Community Watches are defined geographically, while others may be defined on the basis of a common interest. The basic structure of a Community Watch involves a Community Watch Leader, Block Captains and individual members. To learn more about current Community Watch programs in Knightdale, or to get more information about establishing a Community Watch in your neighborhood, please contact Sergeant Chris Burke