STARTING A NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAM

Hello Everyone,

My name is Deputy Chris Johnston, and I am employed by the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, assigned to the Crime Prevention Unit. I have been in law enforcement for 10 years, and during that time I have learned something very important. In order for us to protect and serve our communities, a partnership between us and the good citizens we serve must exist. For us to know what is happening, and where, we need your help! A great way to gather and report information is through the use of a Neighborhood or Block Watch program. It’s simple, and it’s a great way for communities to unite!

Here’s how:
In Spokane County, just call the Neighborhood Watch Coordinator at 509-477-3055 to get started. Fill out the organizer application and return it to the Neighborhood Watch Coordinator, schedule a meeting with your neighbors and invite a Crime Prevention Deputy and/or the Neighborhood Watch Coordinator. We’ll give a presentation on crime prevention tips and provide materials for attendees. We encourage face to face meetings at least three times a year to talk about what is going on in your neighborhood, however it’s up to each watch group to determine how often they want to meet. We’ll provide newsletters for you to email or distribute to your neighbors, and you will be added to our confidential email list to receive important notifications. For those interested, we can also make additional presentations to your neighborhood or group throughout the year.
 

A few of the many presentation topics available to citizens:
• Home Security
• Scams and Identity Theft
• Internet Safety
• Investment Fraud
• Drug Awareness
• Firearm Safety
• Map Your Neighborhood for emergency preparedness

For More Information:
The Spokane County Crime Prevention Office at the Valley Mall
Go to the main mall entrance on the West side. Take the escalators upstairs and turn to your left. We are next to Silver Safari and the children’s play area. We are open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm, and sometimes on Saturdays, but please call to be sure we are available if you need to meet with someone. If for some reason you don’t find the door open, we hope you will understand that volunteers staff the front desk and sometimes are
not available. Please note: for the City of Spokane, please contact our partner organization, C.O.P.S. by visiting their website or calling 509-835-4592. If you live outside of Spokane County, please contact your local Police Department or Sheriff’s Office to see if they provide similar services.