What Is a Neighborhood Block Watch?

A Neighborhood Block Watch is made up of a group of people living in the same area --on the same street or in the same subdivision -- who want to make their neighborhood safer by working together and in conjunction with local law enforcement to reduce crime and improve the quality of life in their neighborhood.

Effective Neighborhood Block Watch groups have regular meetings (a minimum of two per year) to plan how they will accomplish their specific goals and to ensure they stay connected.  

It is essential for your group to register with Goodyear Police Department Public Relations Unit because Neighborhood Block Watch is a cooperative effort.

If you are interested in starting or joining a Neighborhood Block Watch in your area, contact: 

Ofc. Bonasera at 623-882-7396 or by Email

Some Benefits of Starting a Neighborhood Block Watch Group:

• Becoming acquainted with your neighbors
• Partnerships with law enforcement and your neighbors
• Reduction in crime
• A more united community
• Improved communications

Reasons to Register:

• Avoid duplication of effort
• Access to public safety-related education
• Receive correspondence from the city
• Obtain Neighborhood Watch street signs

Captain or Co-Captain Responsibilities Include:

• Acting as a liaison between the neighborhood and the Goodyear Police Department
• Getting to know the neighbors in your community
• Coordinating periodic meetings (minimum of two per year)
• Reporting issues and concerns (e.g., suspicious persons, places or vehicles) to the Police Department and educating and encouraging others to do the same

A Neighborhood Block Watch group is easy to start.

1. Recruit and Organize as many neighbors as possible. The first step is to gauge interest by talking to your neighbors about starting a group. 
2. Contact your Goodyear Police Department Community Services Unit to register your group. It is essential for your group to work in collaboration with law enforcement because Neighborhood Block Watch is a cooperative effort.
3. Discuss community concerns and develop an action plan. Have a meeting with your neighbors and don’t forget to invite the Goodyear Police Department Public Relations Unit. Remember this is your Neighborhood Block Watch group and law enforcement is there to support and assist you. It is your responsibility to maintain interest and keep the group running smoothly. There are several resources that you can use to guide you.
4. Create a communication plan. Don’t be discouraged by low attendance or lack of interest. Not everyone will be interested in joining your group right away or understand the usefulness of a Neighborhood Block Watch. Continue to invite everyone and update neighbors who aren’t involved. As the group grows, more will want to join! Decide what type of communication will work best: door hangers, email, social media, or a combination. 
5. Take Action: Hold Meetings and Events. Successful Neighborhood Block Watch programs are built upon relationships and regular meetings or events (a minimum of two per year) are crucial to maintaining connections. The Neighborhood Watch Toolkit has a number of wonderful topics and meeting ideas that can be useful to your group.

Quick Links

Register your Neighborhood Watch group

Neighborhood Block Watch Attendance Sheet

Neighborhood Watch Manual (USA on Watch)

Neighborhood Watch Manual Spanish (USA on Watch)

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