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Neighborhood Watch

Neighborhood Watch is a cooperative and collective effort by police and citizens to prevent crime. The program helps strengthen communities by encouraging resident involvement without endangering any participant or lessening the normal protection offered by Howard County police.

Most Howard County neighborhoods are eligible to participate in the program. Urban, suburban and rural communities can get involved, whether the residents are homeowners or apartment dwellers. If you are a neighborhood leader, association member, property manager, civic association member, village board member or just a concerned citizen, you can make a difference.

Neighborhood Watch relies on participation by residents who serve as volunteer block captains and block watchers. These volunteers work closely with Neighborhood Community Resource Officers from Howard County police. Through proactive steps and increased communication with police, residents can get involved in ensuring the safety of their communities.

As part of the program, neighbors look out for each other, and neighbors begin to pay closer attention to suspicious people and activities. Neighbors exchange basic information with each other and police and create a phone tree for information exchange. Although residents are encouraged to increase awareness, no one should take on personal risk to prevent crime. Citizens are reminded that apprehension of criminals is the function of the police.

Any community interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch should contact their Neighborhood Community Resource Officers or District Station Community Resource Officers. Click here for contact information

When you contact the Community Resource Officer, he or she will ask about your concerns and determine the viability of the program in your neighborhood. The officer will ask you to canvas your neighborhood for interest in the program and determine a time for an informational meeting. During the meeting, the officer will explain Neighborhood Watch and other crime prevention programs.

Learn more about Neighborhood Watch at www.USAonWatch.org.

All residents, regardless of involvement in Neighborhood Watch, are reminded:

• In case of emergency, call 911
• For non-emergencies, call 410-313-2200
• To provide an anonymous tip, call 410-313-STOP
• Make note of the descriptions of suspicious people and vehicles. Write down the car’s make, model, color, license plate number and direction of travel.