Neighborhood Watch Coordinator

Answer Key

Do you know . . .

A. The philosophy and role of Neighborhood Watch?

Neighborhood Watch is a crime prevention program designed to increase neighborhood livability by reducing crime and the fear of crime through education and communication. Just as important, Neighborhood Watch helps build a sense of connectedness in the neighborhoods by becoming familiar with the neighbors and the activities on the block.

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B. What your role as Neighborhood Watch Coordinator is?

• Take every opportunity to promote Neighborhood Watch.
• Assist New Block Contacts with the easy set up process.
• Attend block meetings, as appropriate.
• Attend neighborhood association meetings.
• Encourage Block Contacts to purchase Neighborhood Watch signs.
• Remind Block Contacts to keep their block information up to date.
• Assist with finding replacements for Block Contacts who can no longer participate.
• Assist in training the new Neighborhood Watch Coordinator should he/she resign from the position.

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C. How to train Block Contacts within your Neighborhood Association?

• Have a thorough understanding of Neighborhood Watch, it's purpose and philosophy.
• Meet with the new Block Contact face-to-face and show them the "Neighborhood Watch Block Contact Packet".
• Explain the packet to the Block Contact, answer any questions they may have.
• Explain the step-by-step procedure to get Neighborhood Watch started in the block contact's neighborhood.
• Follow up with the new block contact and assist them if needed.

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D. How to get a Neighborhood Watch sign and what the cost is?

The cost for a Neighborhood Watch sign is $45.00.  Once the application is approved the sign will be installed by the West Salem Lions Club or the City of Salem.

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E. When to call 9-1-1, the Police business line, or your district officer?

Use 911 when life or property are in danger or could become endangered if the situation continues. Any crime that happened within the last 15 minutes or where the suspects are still in the area.

Use the non-emergency line when the crime happened at least 15 minutes ago or longer. The victim is safe and the suspect is gone. No lives or property are in immediate danger.

Call your district officer to pass on suspicious information. Do not call the officer directly to assist in a crime that is occurring. The officer may be on days off or assigned to another detail. Talk to your district officer and ask them what they prefer.

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F. Whom to call for other crime prevention programs (National Night Out, Home Security, Operation ID, etc.) and general Police programs?

Salem Police Department's Crime Prevention Officer at 503-588-6175, x7047.  The Crime Prevention Unit of the Community Response Team can assist you with information on a wide range of programs and education opportunities.

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