The Program

Neighborhood Watch is a program of neighbors watching out for each other. The purpose of the Neighborhood Watch program is to create an alert neighborhood by using simple crime prevention methods. A patrol officer driving by your home may not recognize a stranger in your yard, but an alert neighbor would and could call 911 to alert police of suspicious activity. Neighborhood Watch does not promote vigilantism and members are never to place themselves in harm’s way to prevent a crime. They should only observe and report suspicious activities to the Police Department. The Newnan Police Department is responsible for confronting and apprehending criminals. 

How to Begin & Maintain a Neighborhood Watch

With your neighbors, determine a date for a first meeting. Neighborhood Watch meetings are usually held on weeknights around 6:30 p.m. Contact the Newnan Police Department at 770-254-2355 to schedule a meeting with a patrol officer. Please plan to schedule your meeting four to six weeks in advance.

The first meeting of a Neighborhood Watch group should include addressing home security issues. To qualify for the installation of a Neighborhood Watch sign on your block or street, at least half (50%) of the households must attend the meeting and complete the recommended home security measures. A block map should be distributed and should include member contact information.  This map should be easily accessible and may be used when reporting suspicious activity. To maintain status as an active Neighborhood Watch group, the group must meet at least once a year with a member of the Newnan Police Department. One of the best aspects of an active Neighborhood Watch group is the opportunity to build community. 

Effective Neighborhood Watch groups maintain updated block maps which are regularly updated and distributed. Neighbors should share any suspicious or criminal activity.  Other issues may be addressed, such as speeding vehicles, lack of lighting, etc. Regular communication helps build community and keeps the neighborhood safer.