What is a block watch?
  A block watch is a self-help, anticrime program in which the key to success is community involvement.
 
  Citizens act as "extra eyes and ears" to report crime and suspicious activity to the Police and to each other in an organized manner.
 
  Block Watch does not require exposing yourself or family to any dangerous situations.
 
  Block Watch means communicating with your neighbors to improve the quality of life on your street.
 
  Block Watch means getting to know others who are willing to help keep your territory safe. Working as a group, you can accomplish more than as an individual.
 

How Do I Get a Block Watch Started?

First, speak with your neighbors about the idea. Once you have formed an interested group, call the New Haven Department of Police Service, Neighborhood Services Unit at 946-6299 to set up an appointment for the Neighborhood Services Unit representative to meet with you and your neighbors.

To become a registered block watch with the New Haven Police Department, you need to do the following (in this order):
  1. Have a block watch organizational meeting with someone from the Neighborhood Services Unit - this must be scheduled in advance.
  2. Choose Block Captains.
  3. Put together your membership list, map, and telephone chain.
  4. Submit your membership list to the Neighborhood Services Unit.

What Have Other Block Watches Accomplished?

A block watch, through regular meetings with neighbors, put together information on a suspicious person in the neighborhood and gave the information to police detectives investigating several burglaries in the neighborhood. This suspect was found out to be linked to the burglaries and an arrest was made.

A block watch was instrumental in working with police to have drug dealers arrested on their block. After the arrest, they contacted the prosecutor and judge. The suspect was convicted and the block watch was instrumental in getting a stronger sentence.

A block watch developed a system of communication using freon horns (loud noise-making devices). When a thief attempted to steal the purse of one of the block watch members, she sounded the horn which scared the mugger away and immediately summoned help from her neighbors.

Another block watch reclaimed a small vacant lot, cleaned it up, and set up a playground and community garden.

For more information on organizing a block watch or reactivating your block watch in New Haven, call 946-6299