Neighborhood Watch is the most successful crime prevention program ever offered. By working with your neighbors and the Stockton Police Department, you can help fight crime in our community the most effective way--before it begins!

How do I Start a Neighborhood Watch Group?

First, talk to your neighbors. Tell them you want to start Neighborhood Watch on your block. If 70% (10-15 households) of your neighbors are interested, call the Stockton Police Community Services Section at 937-8208 and tell them you are interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch Group. They will help you choose a date to hold your first meeting, and they will provide invitations for your to distribute.

The first three meetings will be comprised of the following:

First Meeting - At the first meeting, Police Department personnel will talk to you about specific crimes occurring in your area, when and how to use 9-1-1, and general crime prevention tips. The group will also elect a captain and a co-captain at this initial meeting.

Second Meeting - The second meeting consists of a presentation by Police Department personnel on home security. During this meeting, you will learn how to effectively secure your home and make it less appealing to burglars.

Third Meeting - Stockton Fire Department personnel will attend the third meeting to conduct a fire-safety presentation, geared toward household hazards.

Free Placards:
As members of a Neighborhood Watch Group, each household will receive free placards to place in their windows.

Neighborhood Watch Signs:
Once your group has held its three initial meetings and 70% of the neighbors have the placards in place, your Neighborhood Watch Group will be able to purchase a metal Neighborhood Watch sign for a minimal fee. Signs are purchased through the Community Services Section of the Police Department and installed by the City of Stockton Public Works Department.

Community Alert Newsletter:
A semi-annual newsletter, Community Alert, will be mailed to you at no charge by completing a subscription application form, included in your first meeting folder, and returning it to the Stockton Police Department.

Continue to Meet as a Group: Neighborhood Watch Groups are encouraged to meet at least twice a year after the three initial sessions to discuss events occurring on your block or to review presentation materials available through the Police Department's Community Services Section. A sample of available topics include the following:

• Personal Safety
• Auto Theft Prevention
• Alarm Systems
• Gang Awareness
• Traffic Safety

Advisory Board Meetings: Neighborhood Watch members are encouraged to attend monthly Advisory Board meetings offered through the Stockton Police Department. For meeting dates and times, call the Community Services Section at 937-8208.

Stockton Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Program needs your involvement to be an effective crime-fighting tool.