What exactly is a Neighborhood Watch?

First, an explanation of what we are not.  We do not perform in the traditional sense of townwatches with regular organized neighborhood patrols.  Instead, we have a system of getting to know our neighbors and neighborhood better so when something is out of place, we can take appropriate measures.  We also meet on a regular basis with township officials so we can all stay aware of areas of interest or potential problems.  This proactive stance is the cornerstone of our organization and is the key to our success. Membership in our organization is completely voluntary, both on the neighborhood level and on an individual one.

Becoming a member of a Neighborhood Watch is a great way to get to know the people that live around you. Knowing your neighbors helps to create a safer and friendlier environment for your family and other residents in your neighborhood.

How does it work?

Our organization is broken down into different geographic areas, based mostly on building developments.  Each area is headed by a Townwatch Coordinator and served by Block Captains.  The Block Captains each have a subdivision within their development, usually up to 10 homes, for which they are responsible.  This responsibility would include finding out which residents want to join the townwatch, getting pertinent information* about them (i.e. number of adults/children in residence, number of pets, types of vehicles, disabilities, etc.) and disseminating information back to them pertinent to our purpose. 

*(ALL information gathered from residents is voluntary and confidential).

Coordinators meet a few times a year or as necessary with township officials, usually Police Chief Ken Coluzzi and Patrolman Mike Pell, to discuss all issues relevant to our goals.  In turn, the Coordinators meet with their Block Captains as necessary to inform them of the main issues of the township meetings and to discuss any other matters of interest.  These other matters of interest are not always townwatch related and, as most watches do, can be used to organize social events such as block parties, group baseball games, bowling nights, fund raisers, etc.

How can we form a Neighborhood Watch?

Talk to your neighbors first and see if the interest is there in forming a watch.  Roughly an 80% participation rate is necessary to form a new townwatch within our township.  Then get in touch with Lisa, Christa or Officer Pell using the links below and let them know you are interested in starting a watch in your neighborhood.  The process from there is very straightforward, simply letting the township know you have organized a new watch and giving them your contact information.  Lisa or Christa would then be more than happy to assist you in getting set up within your neighborhood.