Neighborhood Watch promotes good security practices, observant and caring neighbors, and cooperation between citizens and law enforcement. These are the keys to successful crime prevention programs. Experienced crime prevention practitioners know that sustaining Neighborhood Watch is much more difficult than organizing neighbors after a crime has violated their community. An effective Neighborhood Watch program often increases the number of police service calls to the area. However, these calls decrease as criminal activity decreases.
Law enforcement is seen as a vital source of guidance.
The neighbors see crime prevention as their responsibility and they are part of program planning, implementation, maintenance, and evaluation. The program address local concerns. Many programs focus on crime and neighborhood problems such as abandoned cars, domestic violence, child recreation, or the increase in drug or gang activity. Citizen participation - involve citizens in every aspect of program operations. Organization management - community leaders and practitioners must manage and organize the skills and resources available throughout the community.