AF Crime Prevention Task Force Block Watch

How It Works How To Form One Meeting Ideas Printable Invitation

What is Block Watch?
Since the Police are unable to cover every neighborhood at all times, you can help by forming a neighborhood Block Watch. You and your neighbors can stay safe by looking out for one another.

Block Watch is simply a program of neighbors watching out for each other. It is designed to enlist the active participation of citizens in cooperation with the Police to reduce crime and improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods.

	It is becoming acquainted with your neighbors.
	It is working together to identify and solve problems in your neighborhood.
	It is helping the Police by being aware of and reporting unusual activities.
	It is learning to use 9-1-1 and CRIMESTOP (602-262-6151) wisely.
	It is the implementation of crime prevention techniques to enhance home security.

How Does Block Watch Work?

	Block Watch works by having you and your neighbors use simple techniques to deter, delay, and detect crime, and improve the quality of life for the neighborhood.
	Being aware of criminal activity can help in keeping your neighborhood safe.
	By joining together and working with your neighbors, your efforts help the Police to assist you in promoting a safe and healthy neighborhood.
	Block Watch does not require frequent meetings.
	Block Watch does not ask that anyone take personal risk to prevent crime.
	Block Watch leaves the responsibility of apprehending criminals where it belongs, with the Police Department.

Steps in Forming a Block Watch

Canvass your neighborhood for interest. Click here for a printable announcement to distribute to your neighbors. (This will open a new browser window with the invitaion in it. Use the browser's "Print" button to print the invitation. Close the window to exit.) A section is included for your neighbor’s name, address, email address and phone number, so you can start collecting information for a neighborhood phone and email list.

Find several interested neighbors to serve as your “core group” Block Watch Planning Committee.

Contact Community Action Officer Armida Gonzales and Officer Jared Charley of the Phoenix Police Department-South Mountain Precinct, Ahwatukee-Foothills Station, at 602-534-2892 or armida.gonzales@phoenix.gov or jared.charley@phoenix.gov.

Officer Gonzales and Officer Charley will set up a date for a 45-minute initial meeting with you and your core group to discuss starting a Block Watch. At this meeting you will receive many helpful materials and will discuss holding the formal Block Watch presentation. Ten-day notice is needed when scheduling your formal Block Watch presentation with Officer Gonzales or Officer Charley. The presentation is given by either a Community Action Officer or a certified patrol officer, and usually takes about 1½ hours.

Things to decide at your core group meeting or before your first presentation:

•	Choose a Block Watch leader, the person who will receive mailings and be the group’s main spokesperson.
•	Decide how many homes are going to be included in your Block Watch. It is recommended to keep your Block Watch small at first, and incorporate more homes over time as your Block Watch becomes established. Use street and geographical boundaries as the limits to the Block Watch.
•	Decide upon a date and a format for your first Block Watch meeting. Many groups throw a block party along with the police presentation.
•	Choose a name for your Block Watch. Many groups simply incorporate their subdivision or HOA name along with their street name.

Have a terrific time getting to know your neighbors better at this first presentation! Set a date for your next Block Watch function at this meeting. Most active groups meet 1-2 times per year.

Presentation Ideas
for Block Watch Meetings

	Self-Awareness and Personal Safety - presentation for adults
	Stranger Danger - presentation for children
	Bicycle Safety - presentation for children
	Bicycle Rodeo - event for children. This program requires at least four weeks advance notice for scheduling.
	Fingerprinting - The Police Department will fingerprint your child at no charge. The Police do not keep a record of the fingerprints.
	Burglary Prevention - ways to make you home more secure and less attractive to the criminal element.
	Cons and Frauds Involving the Elderly - presentation for adults
	Robbery Prevention for Businesses - presentation for adults