Neighborhood Watch Program Information

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3. Patrol members must have participated in a training session. 4. A patrol team should consist of two people, a driver and an observer in the patrol vehicle or two neighbors walking together. A vehicle may be marked with a removable sign. 5. The purpose of community patrol is to observe and report only. Patrol members should not leave their vehicle or become involved with a suspect. 6. Patrol members do not possess police powers. Each member is liable as an individual for civil and criminal charges should he exceed his authority. 7. Patrol members should not challenge anyone. The patrol's visual presence should be a deterrent to most criminal activity. If a suspicious situation continues, patrol members should call law enforcement professionals and request assistance. 8. Patrol members should not pursue vehicles (except briefly) to get the license number. They should not attempt to enforce traffic laws. 9. Patrol members should patrol as designated, in a random fashion, and at varied times rather than in an observable pattern. 10. Patrol members may not drink alcoholic beverages while on patrol nor report for patrol if they have been drinking. 11. Patrol members do not carry weapons. 12. Any members violating patrol procedures may be banned from participation in the community patrol. 13. Patrol members should take notes of suspicious situations on log sheets. The notes may become evidence if a situation becomes a criminal matter. A copy of the notes could be turned over to the Block Captain and the original kept by the patrol member. (The notes may be needed later for the patrol member to refresh his memory.) Victim Assistance Programs If your agency hasn't already done so, give serious consideration to initiating a victim assistance program. Many citizens suffer serious mental anguish after being victimized by crime and are in need of comfort and help. Many victims (especially women and the elderly) are intimidated by the perpetrator. In some areas, the entire community is victimized. Your agency may not be able to provide all the direct services to victims, but it can act as a referral source to professional agencies in the community. Your agency is especially suited o inform victims of what may be required of them if the case is prosecuted. Your NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH group is also a logical resource for rendering assistance to neighbors who are victims of crime. Your agency is responsible for training and coordinating your WATCH program. Through these training programs, citizens can learn the following methods for providing aid to the victim: ➢ BE THERE to encourage, support, comfort, care for, and reassure the victim. ➢ Avoid being judgmental. If the victim shows signs of guilt, let him know that the criminal is at fault. ➢ Take time to listen and let the victim talk. Ventilation is healthy.