What is Neighborhood Watch?
Neighborhood Watch is one of the most effective, and least costly ways to prevent crime and reduce fear. Neighborhood Watch fights the isolation that crime both creates and feeds upon. It forges bonds among area residents, helps reduce burglaries and robberies, and improves relations between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Linn County has many Neighborhood Watch groups throughout the County and the Sheriff’s Office is here to help current and new groups thrive!
The ABCs of Neighborhood Watch
- Any community resident can join.
- A few concerned residents, a community organization, or a law enforcement agency can spearhead the effort to organize a Watch.
- Members learn how to make their homes more secure, watch out for each other and the neighborhood, and report activities that raise their suspicions to law enforcement.
- You can form a Watch group around any geographical unit: a block, apartment, park, business area, public housing complex, office, marina, etc.
- Watch groups are not vigilantes. They are extra eyes and ears for reporting crime and helping neighbors. Neighborhood Watch helps build pride and serves as a springboard for efforts that address community concerns.
Getting Organized
To form a Neighborhood Watch:
- Contact the Linn County Sheriff`s Office Community Services Specialist Michael Mattingly by phone at 541-917-9182 or via e-mail at mmattingly@linnsheriff.org.
- Select a Watch Coordinator and/or Block Captain who is responsible for organizing meetings and relaying information to members.
- Recruit members, keeping up-to-date on new residents and making special efforts to involve the elderly, working parents, and young people.
Click on the links below for more information about neighborhood safety:
National Neighborhood Watch
Ready: Prepare. Plan. Stay Informed
National Night Out