City of Davis

The Davis Police Department has long supported the notion that involved residents who work in conjunction with the police are the most successful in reducing crime. In Davis, Neighborhood Watch groups work with their respective “beat officers” to prevent crime and maintain security in their individual neighborhoods.

To explain further, a Neighborhood Watch consists of neighbors who are committed to maintaining the safety and quality of life on their residential block. The Neighborhood Watch program counts on citizens to organize themselves, work with the Davis Police Department through a Neighborhood Police Liaison, and keep a trained eye on their neighborhood while demonstrating their presence at all times.  It is through that persistent presence that criminals are deterred or not given the opportunity to commit crime.  Participants also have the opportunity to communicate their safety and quality of life concerns to the assigned Liaison’s, who may be able to help resolve emerging neighborhood problems.

How big should a Neighborhood Watch Program be?

Neighborhood Watch groups consisting of 15-20 homes are most effective.  As groups get larger it is more difficult to recognize unusual or suspicious activity in the neighborhood.  The most effective groups tend to be smaller so that the neighbors really get to know each other and the “typical” activity in the neighborhood.

Starting a Neighborhood Watch?

The Davis Police Department can help you start an organized Neighborhood Watch.  Trained crime prevention staff will help you organize the neighbors, provide crime data relevant to your neighborhood, and provide you with information on how to prevent crime using the “Neighborhood Watch Toolkit”.

What does a Neighborhood Liaison do?

Each Neighborhood Watch will be responsible for selecting a “Neighborhood Police Liaison” who will be responsible for coordinating the group.  The Liaison should be someone who is willing to:

• Keep the contact information current for the neighborhood.
• Communicate with the Davis Police Department about crime trends or problems.
• Communicate Crime Alert information to the group.
• Hold meetings to discuss neighborhood issues.

How often should we have a meeting?

An organized and cohesive neighborhood is the most successful in reducing crime.  It is recommended neighborhoods meet as often as possible, but no less than twice a year.  The Neighborhood Liaison is responsible for getting the group together and notifying the Police Department so the “beat officer” can attend any meetings.

Meetings don’t have to be formal.  In fact, we recommend barbecues and other casual get-togethers as a way for neighbors to really get to know each other.

What resources does the Davis Police Department provide to our neighborhood watch group?

• Beat Officers: The City is broken into small geographic patrol areas called “beats.”  Officers are normally assigned to patrol specific beats so that they become familiar with the neighborhood and the unique issues that can come up in a particular area of town.  We encourage residents to contact the beat officers directly so that they are aware of any neighborhood problems and so that they can attend any neighborhood meetings.  You can look up or contact the beat officer assigned to your neighborhood by clicking here.  

• Crime Prevention Specialist: A Crime Prevention Specialist will help you organize a Neighborhood Watch. You will be given all the tools and on-going support to prevent crime in your neighborhood.  A Crime Prevention Specialist can be contacted by calling (530) 747-5445 or by email at policeweb@cityofdavis.org.

• Timely Crime Alert Information: You will be provided timely information that may have an effect on you and your neighborhood. Please take a look at the Daily Police Log and posted Crime Alerts. We want to raise your awareness while dispelling misleading rumors and suppressing unnecessary fear.

 

 

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