Village of North Syracuse Neighborhood Watch Program

The North Syracuse Police Department is interested in revitalizing the Village Neighborhood Watch Program.  To start the process we need Village residents talking with their families, friends and neighbors  to identify interested citizens and notify the police department with names and contact information.  We have made contact with the Countywide Neighborhood Watch Coordinator, Russ Mitchell, who is excited about the opportunity to work with the police department and village residents to revitalize our Neighborhood Watch Program    

 Following is some information obtained from the National Crime Prevention Council web site to familiarize you with Neighborhood Watch

 Neighborhood  Watch

 Neighborhood Watch is one of the oldest and most effective crime prevention programs in the country, bringing citizens together with law enforcement to deter crime and make communities safer. Neighborhood Watch counts on citizens to organize themselves and work with law enforcement to keep a trained eye and ear on their communities at all times of day and night.  Neighborhood Watch works because it reduces opportunities for crime to occur.  Neighborhood Watch operations working with the police can

• gain credibility in the community and are the source of necessary information for the police.
•  link the Watch group with victims’ services to get members trained in helping victims of crime.
• hold regular meetings to help residents get to know each other and to decide upon program strategies and activities.
• be the conduit to linking with existing organizations, such as a citizens’ association, community development office, tenants’ association, or housing authority.  
• canvass door-to-door to recruit members.
• ask people who seldom leave their homes to be “window watchers,” looking out for children and reporting any unusual activities in the neighborhood.
• gather the facts about crime in your neighborhood. familiarize themselves with police operations, and learn residents’ perceptions about crimes. Often, residents’ opinions are not supported by facts, and accurate information can reduce the fear of crime.
• Start a block parent program to help children confronted with emergencies while walking to and from school or playing in the area.
• Watch groups are not vigilantes and should not assume the role of the police. Their duty is to ask neighbors to be alert, observant, and caring—and to report suspicious activity or crimes immediately to the police.

Please pass the word, check with your neighbors and notify the Police Department of your interest in rejuvenating our Neighborhood Watch Program.  We look forward to hearing from you at 458-5670 during normal office hours 8-4 Monday through Friday.