What is Neighborhood Watch?

For over 40 years, the San José Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit has provided Neighborhood Watch presentations to neighborhood groups. Neighborhood Watch focuses on community education to discourage, deter and prevent crimes such as burglary, vehicle theft, car break-ins, and personal crimes which often occur in or near homes. Problems and concerns such as vandalism, graffiti, drug dealing and gang activity among others, are also addressed when applicable.

How to Schedule a Neighborhood Watch Meeting

• Call: Crime Prevention at (408) 277-4133 to schedule a Neighborhood Watch meeting at least three weeks in advance. A Crime Prevention Specialist assigned to your area will work with you to schedule a meeting.
• Meeting location: An indoor home or neighborhood facility such as a library, community center, places of worship among others.
• Attendance: A minimum of 10 homes for small streets of single-family homes, and or 30% for larger blocks and multi-unit dwellings.
• Schedule: Monday through Thursday.
• Meeting starting time: Recommended between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Meetings last approximately two hours long.
• Outreach: An electronic flyer will be sent to the host to distribute to the neighbors. Posting meeting details on social media is not recommended due to neighborhood boundaries.

Benefits of Hosting a Meeting

• Meet your neighbors.
• Develop a partnership between the Police Department and residents.
• Obtain crime prevention information and awareness that can help deter crime in your community.
• Work proactively with neighbors, utilizing the tools learned at the meeting, to improve safety and quality of life.

Through This Meeting, Residents Will Learn and Receive Information About:

• San José Police Department (SJPD) general information
• Real Time Intelligence Center (RTIC)
• Crime trends in your area
• How to identify and report suspicious or criminal activity
• Target hardening: Provide tips on security measures such as:
  • The “Three Ls”: Landscaping, Lighting and Lock
  • Alarms, cameras and other technology
  • Crime Prevention Tips
• Neighborhood Watch Signs
  • Plastic Window Signs: Residents who attend the entire Neighborhood Watch meeting will receive one Neighborhood Watch plastic window sign per household.
  • Street Metal Signs: If 70% or more of the households on your street are represented at the meeting, Neighborhood Watch metal signs will be installed on the street metal poles at the discretion of the Police Department and the City.

It begins with a meeting...
...and ends with a safer neighborhood