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Block Watch Program WHAT IS BLOCK WATCH? Block Watch is a national program that is based on the principle that neighbors working together are the first and best line of defense against crime. The Seattle Police Blockwatch Program began in 1972, and has seen significant involvement and success. Just seven years after the program began, it was recognized as an "Exemplary Project" by the United States Department of Justice's National Institute of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice. Roughly 30% of Seattle neighborhoods are currently involved in Block Watch, compared to a national average of 8-11%. Seattle has always been recognized for its Block Watch program, with over 3,800 registered block watches citywide. Block Watch has been shown to be an effective deterrent of crime at the neighborhood level. HOW DOES BLOCK WATCH WORK? Block Watch really just organizes and extends what you are probably already doing on an informal basis. We tend to know and watch out for our closest neighbors, but a group of neighbors at one end of the block who are doing this may not know the group of neighbors at the other end of the block. Organizing a Block Watch makes this attitude of watchfulness more systematic, and provides a block map with neighbors' names and telephone numbers that can be used in case of an emergency. Block Watch is simple to begin, and can improve the security of your neighborhood while increasing your sense of community. IS BLOCK WATCH A LOT OF EXTRA WORK? Block Watch doesn't require you to perform any special tasks, go to a lot of meetings, or take on extra responsibilities. You don't have to patrol the neighborhood, or tell your neighbors every aspect of your business. Block Watch just involves being alert as a part of your everyday life. All it requires is that you and your neighbors be familiar enough with each other to know who belongs in the neighborhood and who doesn't; which cars are a part of the neighborhood and which aren't; recognize when something suspicious is going on and being a little more observant of changes in your surroundings. STARTING A BLOCK WATCH PROGRAM If you are interested in starting a Block Watch, please contact the Crime Prevention Coordinator in your precinct for more information: CONTACT YOUR CRIME PREVENTION COORDINATOR Diane Horswill Neil Hansen Michael Yasutake Mark Solomon Benjamin Kinlow Terrie Johnston |
 INFORMATION Information for How to Support Your Local Block Watch
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