Do you live in a 'neighborhood watch' community?

I think the the ideas are certainly noble:) And as I mentioned, I find the general idea an excellent one. I think it depends a lot on the neighborhood itself. I have seen it work really well in some places and not do well in other. It seems to be working well where my ex=brother in law lives. And they have been making quite some nice improvements in the community including creating some volunteer based programs for seniors and children. On the other hand, where my aunt lives, it hasn't been that positive. THey have had a few get together with all the neighbors, some bbqs where people ended up drank and quarreling and there has even been some harassment for people living in there. So basically, it has a lot to do with the neighborhood. You know yours, so you might be able to assess how well it will work. I am not sure it would work so well in mine, which is a pity.

Thank you Arkaf. Your points are excellent! The specifics of any neighborhood are likely to be the best gauge of possible success. I also appreciate your mention of some of the volunteer activities that you've heard of as linked to Neighborhood Watch -- that's very helpful.

GLad I was able to contribute :) Different perspectives are always a good thing when considering something important.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts here, WhatsHerName -- and for the kind words. You are indeed fortunate to live in a safe neighborhood. Like you, I count my blessings in that regard as well. I live out in the country, and we have very little crime. Yet, the much larger, neighboring community is developing a Neighborhood Watch. Which, of course has folks in my area concerned that the criminal element will leave the larger area, and settle into the neighboring areas where there is no Neighborhood Watch. I also appreciate your mention that you've felt comfort in seeing the signs in people's windows. I was speaking about this to my brother who shared that one thing that his Neighborhood Watch promotes is that the stickers in people's windows are an indication to children to whom they should turn in the case of an emergency. That's a huge relief to the parents as well. If a member of the community is actively involved with the rest of the community, there's at least a decreased chance that that neighbor would pose a risk to their child. As I see it, that's a real benefit of a Neighborhood Watch.

I admire you for what you are doing.

Hello Red, Why would anyone criticize such a proposal? I have been surprised to hear other than support for the idea, yet it's out there. Some people have scoffed "Why do we need a neighborhood watch when we don't have any crime?" Those folks remain isolated, so they don't hear about problems in the area, and as such they believe that no problems exist. Others have indicated that they don't "want to get involved". Still, others have expressed concerns that getting involved might make them a target.

The thinking of these critics of the NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH program is very short sighted and ignoring reality.

Hello Drannhh, Why you're very welcome! Speaking of gated communities and 24 hr. guard service -- do our dedicated rescued mutts count as guard service behind our closed gates? I'll bet it would make them feel really special if they thought that they were sincerely earning their keep. The five of them sure do eat alot of dog food! I see that I have some interesting responses here, so I guess we'll both see what the general 'sense' is about Neighborhood Watch. Thanks for stopping by Drannhh!

Har, har, does the name Officer Pup mean anything to you? For the youngsters hereabouts, a reference to the Krazy Kat cartoon: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5e/Ignatzoffisapuppkrazy.jpg

Hello Ctry, I hope the links are helpful to you. You may be interested to learn that the State Police and the local Sheriff's Dept. have been very helpful in launching the program. They have really welcomed the community interraction. Best wishes, I hope that your efforts will be met with great enthusiasm.