SAFETY ABOUT NATIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH By Fay Wood, NW Chief Neighborhood Watch is undoubtedly one of the oldest and most well-known crime prevention programs in history. Do you know how it got its start and why? While the modern day concept of the program rose to prominence in the late 1960s in response to an increasing burglary rate, the roots of Neighborhood Watch can actually be traced all the way back to the days of Colonial settlements, when night watchmen patrolled the streets. The modern version of the Neighborhood Watch-USAonWatch Program was developed as a result of the multiple requests from sheriffs and police chiefs around the country who were looking for a crime prevention program that would incorporate citizen involvement and address the increasing number of burglaries taking place, especially in rural and suburban areas. In 1972, the National Sheriffs' Association (NSA) took the concept a step further by seeking funding to make the program a national initiative. Thanks to a grant from the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration, the National Neighborhood Watch Program was started. For the first two years, the program was devoted primarily to disseminating information on the nature and volume of burglary and securing residential property and making it less vulnerable to break-ins. From there, it evolved into a program that promoted the establishment of ongoing local neighborhood watch groups that encouraged citizens to partner with their law enforcement agencies in an effort to reduce various types of "neighborhood crime." Since its beginnings, Neighborhood Watch has grown from an "extra eyes and ears" approach to crime prevention to a much more proactive, communityoriented endeavor providing a unique infrastructure that brings together local officials, law enforcement, and citizens for the protection of their communities. Today's Watch Group programs incorporate activities that not only address crime prevention issues, but also restore pride and unity to a neighborhood. It is not uncommon to see members of Neighborhood Watch groups participating in community cleanups and other activities that strive to improve the quality of life for community residents. In addition, the adoption of community policing by local law enforcement agencies has contributed to a resurgence in Watch groups over the years. Neighborhood Watch fits nicely into the framework of law enforcement/community partnerships, and Neighborhood Watch meetings provide a useful forum for airing neighborhood problems and practicing problem-solving techniques. Furthermore, Neighborhood Watch has become especially practical in our current society, in which twoincome families are the norm and many neighborhoods are deserted during the day. While criminals have attempted to use this statistic to their advantage, law enforcement has uncovered an important reality: the communities in which citizens have observed and reported suspicious activity have enjoyed lower crime rates. As communities throughout the country have adopted the program and reported success, the popularity of the Neighborhood Watch Program has grown, and it continues still. Why is this important in a 55+ community? It's because crime does not discriminate. In fact, there are more crimes perpetrated against senior citizens than any other demographic. Due to the ever growing sophistication of criminals and surgence of technology senior citizens fall prey to door to door solicitation, phone scams, email scams, mail theft etc. just to name a few. We all need to be more vigilant and come together as a community to help each other. Neighborhood Watch was created and continues by neighbors for neighbors. We need to look out for each other. My eternal thanks to all within the LA community for making NW the largest all inclusive and best known program not only in LA but in many circles. We cannot do this without all of you! If interested in learning more or how you can further help please contact, Chief Fay Wood 714-423-8966 or fswperson@aol.com.
19 Publizr Home