To start a successful neighborhood watch program in your area, contact the Pacifica Police Department through the main business line. You will be sent start-up information about the neighborhood watch program and details on working together in the future. Additionally, the following initial steps should be taken:

Talk to Your Neighbors

• Canvass your neighborhood for interest
• Briefly explain the value of the neighborhood watch program
• Ask about convenient times to schedule your first neighborhood watch meeting
• Arrange a date, time and place for the first meeting
• Coordinate the date and time with the crime prevention officer
• Develop and distribute a flyer announcing the meeting
• If possible, meet in the home of a neighbor to foster an informal, comfortable atmosphere
• Remind everyone of the meeting date as it approaches (two or three days before)

Hold the First Meeting

• Distribute name tags
• Make opening remarks
• Provide simple refreshments such as beverages and cookies. This creates a relaxed atmosphere and encourages people to get to know each other
• Turn the meeting over to the crime prevention officer who will cover the following topics:
  • The Pacifica Police Department and its crime prevention programs
  • Specific crime problems in your area
  • How to obtain neighborhood watch signs
  • Effective crime prevention techniques for your home and the neighborhood