This simple diagram shows how a Neighborhood Watch program can work to keep each neighbor informed of current events in the neighborhood and elsewhere.

The police department notifies the block Captain of current crime problems in the area. The captain notifies the neighbors in his/her group. At other times, the neighborhoods watches out for each other, advising neighbors of suspicious activities and/or call the police when needed.

Communication
Communication is the key to a successful watch program, not only between citizens and the police, but between neighbors as well. Knowledge is power, and the more people who know about the criminal activity in an area the better the neighborhood is prepared to deal with the threat.

The police department notifies the Block Captain of current crime problems in the area. The captain notifies the neighbors in his group. At other times, the neighborhood watches out for each other, advising neighbors of suspicious activities or calling the police when needed. Neighbors should try to keep each other informed of vandalism, thefts or suspicious persons and cars so that others can be on the lookout for the same type of problem.

Report Requirements
These reports to other neighbors do not have to be lengthy or detailed, but should alert others to the potential problem. Once you alert your neighbors to problems that you have encountered, you will be surprised how readily they are to alert you as well.