Neighborhood Watch FAQs

What is USAOnWatch (UOW) / Neighborhood Watch(NW)?
USAOnWatch (UOW) was created by the National Sheriffs' Association, in conjunction with several well-known federal agencies, to advance this cause by encouraging the initiation and/or revitalization of Neighborhood Watch programs throughout the country. One of the oldest and best known crime prevention concepts in history, Neighborhood Watch was created to unite law enforcement agencies, private organizations, and individual citizens in a massive effort to reduce residential crime. USAOnWatch is used not only to promote NWs, but also record the number of NWs started. We encourage you to learn more about these programs and their history

What is the National Sheriffs' Association role in the USAOnWatch/Neighborhood Watch program?
The National Sheriffs' Association is the founder of the UOW/Neighborhood Watch program, serves as the primary contact, and oversees the program. We invite you to learn more about the National Sheriffs' Association online.

Is the National Sheriffs' Association a government agency?
No. The National Sheriffs' Association is non-profit organization dedicated to raising the level of professionalism among those in the criminal justice field.

How do I start a Neighborhood Watch?
To begin a NW, merely form a small planning committee of neighbors to discuss the needs of your community, gage the level of interest and potential problems, decide on a date and place for an initial Neighborhood Watch meeting, and contact your local police department or sheriff's office, and notify them of your interest to start a NW. You will then be assigned a crime prevention officer who will attend your first meeting. It's that simple. For more information and educational materials related to starting a Neighborhood Watch or to register your Neighborhood Watch in the National Neighborhood Watch Database, click onto the Register / Start Watch on this website.

How do I join a Neighborhood Watch in my community?
First, search the National NW database to find your local law enforcement agency, and call to find out if there is a Neighborhood Watch in your neighborhood. If there is a Neighborhood Watch in your neighborhood, simply attend a meeting and sign up to volunteer. If there is not Neighborhood Watch in your neighborhood, talk with your local law enforcement agency about starting a new NW.

What are the criteria for starting a Neighborhood Watch?
In order to create a Neighborhood Watch in your community, you must have established a partnership with a law enforcement agency. For information on the criteria for starting a NW, go to the Resource Center on this website.

Who can participate in a Neighborhood Watch?
Members of local communities and representatives from businesses, government agencies, and a variety of organizations can participate in a Neighborhood Watch once they have established a partnership with their local law enforcement agency.

Who Trains Neighborhood watch volunteers?
A crime prevention officer assigned by the police department supplies initial training of volunteers. In addition, you will find all of the materials you will need on starting and operating a Neighborhood Watch on this website.

Where do I obtain materials to start a Neighborhood Watch?
Materials that can aid you in starting a Neighborhood Watch can be downloaded from this website.

Can businesses or corporations start Neighborhood Watches?
Yes. For more details, go to the Resource Center on this Website and download the brochure on Starting a Business Watch. If your company is interested in becoming a corporate partner, the Outreach Program section on this site includes information on Corporate Initiatives for Community Safety. You may also contact the National Sheriffs' Association at (703) 836-7827 or email Info@USAOnWatch.org.