Studies show that the Neighborhood Watch Program is one of the most effective and important anti-crime strategies in the country. For any community that is interested in providing its citizens a safe and pleasant environment, a crime watch program is one of the least expensive ways in which to do so.
The biggest impact that the program has is on burglary. One of the most prevalent crimes in the country, it accounts for more than one third of the index crimes in the United States. It doesn't just threaten property; many people are injured and killed when they surprise or approach a burglary in process.
Neighborhood Watch Programs are successful at deterring this kind of crime as neighbors are trained to notice suspicious activity and report it to law enforcement officials and one another. In addition, material provided by local law enforcement agencies, such as Neighborhood Watch signs and decals work to discourage would-be burglars and aid in the effort toward crime prevention. The idea of watch programs is not new. People regularly used to sit on their front porches watching the comings and goings within their neighborhoods, reporting any discrepancies to one another and to the police.
The Neighborhood Watch Program re-instills this practice by encouraging people to take care of one another. The combined effort of the members of the crime watch, the community, and the local law enforcement agency, is essential for the success of any neighborhood watch program.
The Albertville Police Department will assist you and your neighbors to organize a Neighborhood Watch Program in the area of which you live. For more information contact Assistant Chief of Police Jamie Smith 256-891-8225 or Chief of Police Doug Pollard 256-891-8221