Neighborhood Watch

What Is Neighborhood Watch?

Neighborhood Watch is a crime prevention program that enlists the active participation of residents in cooperation with law enforcement to reduce crime, solve problems, and improve the quality of life in your area. In it you will get to know and work with your neighbors, and learn how to:

• Recognize and report crimes and suspicious activities
• Protect yourself, your family, and your property,
• Protect your neighbor’s family and property, and
• Identify crime and disorder problems in your area and work with Martin Police Department personnel to solve them.

How to Start a Neighborhood Watch

First, talk with your neighbors to determine if there is an interest in forming a Neighborhood Watch group in your area. If the interest is there, contact Chief Don Teal to find out how to schedule your first meeting. Chief Don Teal can be reached at 731-587-5355 or email.

Maintaining a Neighborhood Watch

Here are a few ideas for keeping your Neighborhood Watch going;

• Schedule regular meetings – at least once/year or as the need arises. Quarterly meetings would be ideal to keep your watch up to date on crime trends and to meet people new to the neighborhood.
• Be creative with your meetings! Combine them with a cookout, block party, or even a safety presentation for children in the neighborhood.
• Provide training for your watch members during meeting on a variety of topics such as, Target Hardening, Observation Skills, etc.