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Neighborhood Watch 101: How to patrol
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Photo By London Looks
By Melina Ann Collison
St. Louis – Neighborhood watch groups play a vital and important role in communities.
Knowing how and where to properly patrol a neighborhood can increase the effectiveness of the group.
Make sure people patrol in groups of 2 or more, carry a radio or cell phone for communication, bring paper and pen to take notes if necessary, have bright colored clothing on, and flashlights if it is dark. There are two ways one should patrol; car and/or foot.
Do not allow neighborhood watch group members to chase criminals, carry weapons, or try to act like police. Never confront a criminal.
Talk to other people in the neighborhood and ask what they think needs patrolling or how much they will allow their property to be patrolled. Some people take comfort in neighborhood watch groups and others want the group to stay of their lawns. Always check with individuals in the neighborhood first.
Dividing the blocks up evenly between neighborhood watch members makes things fair. Overlap some patrol areas if needed. Assign group members a patrol area that is close to their house if possible. Have a “base” home for group members to call or go to if problems arise, this is good for people who want to participate in the neighborhood watch but maybe cannot easily patrol; elderly and disabled.
How To Patrol
- Write things down when you see them. Suspicious activity needs to be accurately recorded for police.
- If a neighborhood watch member violates any of the patrol procedures they will be banned from participating.
- No weapons are to be carried while on patrol.
- Patrol members need to stay on their specific patrol course.
- No one is allowed to go on the patrol unless over 18 years old and already having gone through patrol training.
- Patrol at different times and in multiple patterns.
- No drinking alcohol before or during patrol.
- A minimum of two people per patrol group at all times.
- Mark patrol vehicles with a sign stating “Neighborhood Patrol Watch”.
- If a patrol member breaks the law they will face charges from police. Neighborhood watch membership does not include being exempt from the law.
- Patrol members are here to report observations to the proper authorities only, never to become involved.
- Never try to enforce traffic laws, let the police handle that.
- Never follow a vehicle that might be involved with criminal activity. Get the license plate number and call 911.
- Do not approach a criminal. This could cost a neighborhood watch member their life.
For more info: The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department is always willing to answer any calls or questions regarding Neighborhood Watch. If you live in an area surrounding St. Louis please contact your local police department.
Neighborhood Watch 101 series:
- Neighborhood Watch 101: How to start a neighborhood watch group
- Neighborhood Watch 101: What to watch for in your neighborhood
- Neighborhood Watch 101: How to report a crime to police
- Neighborhood Watch 101: Confrontation with criminals
Internet Safety 101 Series
- Internet Safety 101: Rules for your children when they are using the Internet
- Internet Safety 101: I think my child is talking to a sexual predator on the Internet
- Internet Safety 101: What is NetSmartz411?
- Internet Safety 101: What can I do if a predator is talking to my child online?
- Internet Safety 101: How can I keep my child safe from sexual predators?
- Internet Safety 101: What are the signs that my child is being victimized or preyed upon online?
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By Melina Ann Collison St. Louis – Home safety goes a lot further than locking the doors behind you and making sure the alarm is activated. …
By Melina Ann Collison St. Louis – Home safety goes a lot further than locking the doors behind you and making sure the alarm is activated. …
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