Neighborhood Watch

What Neighborhood Watch is

Neighborhood Watch is simply a program of neighbors watching out for each other during the workday, evenings, vacations or any other absence. The purpose of the Neighborhood Watch program is to create an alert neighborhood by using simple crime prevention methods. The program works through the mutual aid of neighbors watching the property of other neighbors. This has several advantages, including the fact that your neighbors know who you are, what type of car you drive, and who belongs, as a rule, at your residence. A patrol officer driving by your home might not recognize someone as a stranger in your yard. However, an alert neighbor would recognize the person as a stranger. They could then call 9-1-1 to alert police of the suspicious activity. Neighborhood Watch does not promote vigilantism. Members of Neighborhood Watch groups are never asked to put themselves in harm’s way to prevent crime. They should only observe and report suspicious activities to the Police Department. This leaves the responsibility for confronting and apprehending criminals where it belongs—with your Tucson Police Officers.

How to get started

First, click on the link for “Neighborhood Watch—A Leader’s Guide To Getting Started” for information on the basics of putting your Neighborhood Watch group together. The links that follow are more tools to help create a successful Neighborhood Watch group in your area. If you prefer to have the same information mailed to you, please contact the Tucson Police Department Neighborhood Watch coordinator in your area.

Then talk to the neighbors on your street, block, or cul-de-sac. You should decide on a date(s) when your group will hold its first meeting. Neighborhood Watch meetings are held on weeknights at around 6:30 p.m., as a rule. Then contact the Tucson Police Department Neighborhood Watch coordinator in your area to schedule your meeting with a patrol officer. Please plan to schedule your meeting four to six weeks in advance.

The typical first meeting of a Neighborhood Watch group will include discussion of Neighborhood Watch and Home Security. To qualify for the installation of a Neighborhood Watch sign on your block or street, at least half (50%) of the households must attend the meeting and complete the recommended home security measures. A "block map," which includes at least the names and addresses of each member, should be made and distributed to each member. This map should be kept in a safe place near the telephone to aid in reporting suspicious activities to police. To maintain status as an active Neighborhood Watch group, the group must have a meeting at least once a year with a member of the Tucson Police Department. Of course, Neighborhood Watch groups are encouraged to get together as often as they wish for block parties, BBQs, neighborhood cleanups, etc.

Keeping it together

Now that you have your group formed, how do you keep the members interested and involved? One of the best aspects of an active Neighborhood Watch group is the opportunity it affords neighbors to get to know each other. Effective Neighborhood Watch groups hold block parties, BBQs, or other social and holiday events in addition to their annual meetings. These activities give neighbors a chance to meet and get to know each other. These events can be used to include new residents and introduce them to the neighbors. These activities help develop a sense of community among neighbors. Neighbors are much more likely to notice and report something amiss at the home of someone they know as opposed to someone they don't.

Effective Neighborhood Watch groups maintain their "block maps" and assure that all members have one available. These maps, which list members’ names and addresses, are invaluable when reporting activity to police. Members of effective groups also stay in touch with each other and share information on criminal activity in the neighborhood so everyone is aware of what is going on. The members also work together to solve neighborhood problems which might arise such as speeding vehicles, lack of lighting, etc. Involving your group in these activities will help keep the interest and activity level high. Experience has shown that the greater the involvement and interest of the neighborhood residents the more effective the group will be in achieving its primary goal, which is making the neighborhood a safer, more attractive place to live.


Police divisions map

Neighborhood Watch Coordinators

Operations Division South, (520) 837-2860
Community Service Officer Kassandra Tapia

Operations Division West, (520) 837-7241
Community Service Officer Kirsten Hinthorn
Community Service Officer Karla Rubio-Corral

Operations Division Midtown, (520) 837-7428
Community Service Officer Ramon Silvas

Operations Division East, (520) 837-7158
Sergeant Gary Parrish


Resources

  • 792-CITY (792-2489)
    792-CITY is the number to call when you don’t know where to call for service. If you are seeking government services from the City, we will make that connection for you. If you are seeking government services from entities other than the City of Tucson, we will provide that information. 792-CITY is staffed by a live person from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • City of Tucson Crime Statistics
    Search in a variety ways for information about crime in the city and in your neighborhood.
  • Graffiti
    For more information about prevention, reporting, and removal, learn about the City's Graffiti Removal Program.
  • Improvement Districts
    City of Tucson Transportation Department
    Phone: 791-4124
    For information about construction of neighborhood improvements, such as paving, sidewalks and streetlights.
  • Neighborhood Traffic Management
    City of Tucson Transportation Department - Traffic Engineering
    Phone: 791-4259
    For information on managing traffic in neighborhoods by installing speed humps, traffic circles and other traffic control barriers.
  • Fire Safety Education & Child Safety Seats
    City of Tucson Fire Department
    Phone: 791-4502
    For information concerning fire safety, child car seats, bike and pool safety. Also, how to use the 9-1-1 system and home safety.

Contact Us

Emergency: 911

Non-emergency: 520-791-4444

88-CRIME (website)

88-CRIME (520-882-7463)
520-882-7463

Human Resources/Recruiting

520-791-COPS (2677) (2677)
recruit1@tucsonaz.gov