WHAT IS NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH?
How can it help you as a member of our community? The Neighborhood Watch Program was developed by the National Sheriff’s Association and local law enforcement agencies in the early 1970’s and utilizes citizen involvement to make them a partner in the reduction of crime. In the beginning, the Neighborhood Watch program was an “extra set of eyes and ears,” whereas today, it has become more sophisticated and proactive, with some neighborhoods having their own volunteer manned security patrols. National statistics show that communities with a NWP have a definite reduction of crime.
The Sahuarita police chief has assigned three officers to the Neighborhood Watch Program in Sahuarita to coordinate the over 20 programs operating in our city. Each program functions as an independent, yet fully supported law enforcement resource with two components: first, additional lines of communication between citizen groups and the local police are activated, and it also facilitates familiarity and trust between the two groups. When and if the time ever comes when you need to call the police department about a concern, this mutual trust should make it much easier.
If you observe and report a suspicious event, wait for the authorities to arrive to handle the situation, as suspicious individuals could be armed and dangerous. If you have questions, comments or suggestions regarding Neighborhood Watch, please contact any HOA Officer. When thieves and vandals see these signs, they know that members of the neighborhood work with police officers to prevent crime.