Block
Watch Workshop
Basic
Information
What is the Block Watch Workshop all about? Some folks picture a neighborhood block watch
as citizens out in the streets with their baseball bats and brass knuckles,
waiting for someone to “mess around” in their neighborhood. In actuality, a block watch is simply a group
of concerned citizens that have organized, gotten to know one another, and
decided use problem-solving to better their neighborhood. They decide that their neighborhood is not
going to be the place for
criminal activity. They
consciously decide to care for and look out for one another, just like in the
“old days”, and it works to reduce crime.
To start a block watch in your
area, someone must decide to host a block watch workshop. The host calls Officer Mark Young of the
Proactive Policing Unit at the Bellingham Police Department
On the night of the block watch, a Crime Prevention
Officer comes to the host’s home and facilitates a 2-hr workshop. The workshop consists of sharing information
with each other, identifying neighborhood concerns, and generating action plans
to address those concerns.
These meetings are crucial in order for a productive
communication system to be established on the block. The participants get the opportunity to meet
the crime prevention officer and get to know their neighbors. Knowing those that live around you is the
most important part of a block watch.
Increased communication leads to decreased crime. This workshop is
definitely worth your time and energy.
There are three basic goals for the Block Watch
Workshop:
1.
The participants gain a greater awareness of their neighborhood
(people, cars, habits)
2.
The participants identify areas of concern or improvement that they
want to address.
3.
The participants realize that by organizing and becoming involved, they
can have an impact on reducing crime and improving their neighborhood.
For more information,
or to schedule a Block Watch Workshop, email Officer Tara Fleetwood at tfleetwood@cob.com or call (360)676-6924
Crime Prevention Unit