- 1). Formulate an organizational plan that includes goals, objectives and a mission statement for your neighborhood watch group. Compile newspaper articles and local crime figures culled from your area's police records to show neighbors why it's important to start this group.
- 2). Contact community law enforcement officials. Request the attendance of one or more spokespeople at your upcoming neighborhood watch committee start-up meeting. Order a Neighborhood Watch Implementation Manual from The National Sheriffs' Association or tap local law enforcement officials for materials.
- 3). Call a brief organizational meeting by creating and circulating a flier outlining the plan to start a neighborhood watch committee. Promise brevity---"the meeting will last just an hour so your schedule won't be disrupted"---and give neighbors enough time to calendar the orientation. Draft an agenda. Reserve post-meeting time for neighbors who may wish to stay longer to discuss local problems and solutions.
- 4). Call your neighborhood watch meeting to order on time. Circulate a registry form to gather names, phone numbers, street and e-mail addresses. Introduce yourself, explain your mission and ask for committee volunteers, passing around a second form so interested parties can sign up. Have your law enforcement representative address the crowd. Conclude the meeting at the predetermined time so neighbors wishing to stick around can do so.
- 5). Schedule your first committee meeting immediately after the orientation to take advantage of the interest expressed at the first get-together. Empower the committee by holding an immediate election to choose a chair and other leadership roles. Request the assignment of one member of your police or sheriff's staff as an ad hoc committee member.
- 6). Register your neighborhood watch committee with National Sheriff's Association. Ask for their help training members in the art of surveillance and reporting. Set up a schedule of volunteers to take responsibility for monitoring neighborhood activity, dividing up shifts so every volunteer is assigned an equal amount of time on duty.
- 7). Pass the hat and collect cash to purchase signs and stickers identifying safe houses and neighborhood watch committee members if your committee can't get these materials donated by law enforcement officials. Commit to making sure your neighborhood watch committee sticks to its mission by being the voice of reason should the group veer off track at any time.
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