Neighborhood Watch Programs

Neighborhood Watch ProgramsName

Institution

Table of Content

TOC o “1-3” h z u HYPERLINK l “_Toc353864060” Naighbourhood Watch Programs PAGEREF _Toc353864060 h 1

HYPERLINK l “_Toc353864061” Table of Content PAGEREF _Toc353864061 h 2

HYPERLINK l “_Toc353864062” Introduction PAGEREF _Toc353864062 h 3

HYPERLINK l “_Toc353864063” Background PAGEREF _Toc353864063 h 3

HYPERLINK l “_Toc353864064” How neighborhood watch functions PAGEREF _Toc353864064 h 4

HYPERLINK l “_Toc353864065” Problem Statement PAGEREF _Toc353864065 h 5

HYPERLINK l “_Toc353864066” Thesis statement PAGEREF _Toc353864066 h 5

HYPERLINK l “_Toc353864067” Research approach PAGEREF _Toc353864067 h 5

HYPERLINK l “_Toc353864068” Sources of data and data gathering PAGEREF _Toc353864068 h 6

HYPERLINK l “_Toc353864069” Findings and discussions PAGEREF _Toc353864069 h 7

HYPERLINK l “_Toc353864070” Organization of neighborhood watches programs PAGEREF _Toc353864070 h 7

HYPERLINK l “_Toc353864071” The activities involved in the watch PAGEREF _Toc353864071 h 7

HYPERLINK l “_Toc353864072” Campaigns and publicity PAGEREF _Toc353864072 h 8

HYPERLINK l “_Toc353864073” Policing and other surveillance PAGEREF _Toc353864073 h 8

HYPERLINK l “_Toc353864074” Environmental Design improvement PAGEREF _Toc353864074 h 8

HYPERLINK l “_Toc353864075” Security Devices PAGEREF _Toc353864075 h 8

HYPERLINK l “_Toc353864076” Success in dealing with the problem PAGEREF _Toc353864076 h 8

HYPERLINK l “_Toc353864077” CCTV surveillance in Vancouver in Canada PAGEREF _Toc353864077 h 10

HYPERLINK l “_Toc353864078” Conclusion and Recommendation PAGEREF _Toc353864078 h 13

HYPERLINK l “_Toc353864079” Conclusion PAGEREF _Toc353864079 h 13

HYPERLINK l “_Toc353864080” Recommendations PAGEREF _Toc353864080 h 14

HYPERLINK l “_Toc353864081” References PAGEREF _Toc353864081 h 15

IntroductionNeighborhood watch programs are programs initiated by neighborhood watch groups which are organized group made up of law abiding citizens who are devoted to deterring crime, violence and vandalism in their neighborhood. According to Bennett Holloway & Farrington (2008) neighborhood watch deters about one fist of all neighborhood crimes. It is evident that the programs have the ability to reduce crime rates irrespective of whether they are implemented as standalone programs or as part of another major crime prevention program.

Background

Many people have expensed numbing fear after finding their homes broken into and ransacked and all valuables such as watches and jewelleries stolen. Such incidence is very common. It is the frequency of occurrence of such incidences that pushed residents in many residential places around the world to set up the self protective scheme dubbed neighborhood watch (Bennett Holloway & Farrington, 2008).

Irrespective of how their name portrays them, the activities conducted under this program entail more than watching out for irregularities around residential areas (Clear, 2007). The programs are structured in a way that allows neighbors to look after each others’ properties, houses and vehicles. The setting up of the program may take different forms; it may be created by the residents themselves, or police officers. It may also be a standalone program to be composed of a large crime prevention scheme entailing activities such as property marking and installation of alarms.

Neighborhood watch programs are relatively old practices. Interests in such programs started to soar in 1980s. For instance, in Ottawa Canada, Abbey Road resident due to the concern they had for their security started a neighborhood watch between 1975-80. Adjacent areas joined, and the watch took care of a large area by 1990 (The Neighborhood Watch Renewal Group, 2011). At the moment,, this program is found in large number in several countries around the world such as UK, US and Canada. Almost half the populations in these countries live in areas that have neighborhood watch programs. Every year, huge amounts of fund are set aside for these programs. Aside from these funds many people work for these programs on a voluntary basis. The programs have been improved to an extent which can accommodate technology (Yunus et al. 2011).

How neighborhood watch functionsNeighborhood watch is based on the idea of being one’s brother’s keeper. There is a notion that by watching over each other’s residences people can reduce crime in their residential areas. Neighbors simple become vigilant, and when they notice anything suspicious they immediately notify the police. Neighbors can help each other for instance by emptying trash cans when their neighbors are away, checking their mail boxes and even mowing their laws when they are not around. The extent of activities varies from one program to another. Nevertheless, in most of these programs the neighbors develop a system of watches or use citizen patrols and appoint a coordinator to lead the activities

The notion behind such actives is that increase in surveillances has discouraged criminals since their chances of getting cause are increased severally. Creating evidences of occupancy further makes it impossible for criminals to determine homestead that are occupied and those that are unoccupied at any moment. By the neighbors just making a homestead look occupied when an owner is out on vacation, they manage to deceive housebreakers into thinking the house is occupied.

This approach to improving residential security has been lauded by researcher who feel the programs not only enhance the security but further increases social cohesion. This means that the neighbors develop a community spirit and show increased respect for each other and increased tolerance towards each other. In fact, through such organizations more defined activities in addition to theft are reduced and prevented.

Problem Statement

Systematic reviews based on reputable studies examining the effect of neighborhood watch on crime indicate a reduced rate in the number of crimes. Studies emphasized on gaining information about burglaries and other crime to determine the number of this offence occur in areas with vibrant community watch programs most of these studies use information from the resident and police data. They hand and remarkable result but still pointed out to the need to conduct further research on the mechanisms of community watch and how to improve theses programs further (Bennett Holloway & Farrington, 2008).

Thesis statement

Research and statics on neighborhood programs have not only lauded the ability of these programs in reducing crime. They have proved beyond doubt that these programs can be can very effective in preventing neighborhood crimes, but further pointed to the need to generate more conclusive information regarding the principal mechanisms for the connection between neighborhood watch and crime (Bennett Holloway & Farrington, 2008).

Research approachThe research sought to capture as much information about neighborhood watch programs in Canada as possible in order to record evidence of success and determine room for improvement. The research involved a systematic and narrative examination of studies conducted in Canada and elsewhere regarding community watch programs and other literature texts published on the on the issues. The research is broad in nature in order to tap into information generated in different places to determine how it can be used to improve neighborhood watch programs in Canada.

Sources of data and data gatheringAs aforementioned, the sources of data for this research study include previous studies, report on the programs, published literature such as books and periodical with relevant information regarding neighborhood watch. The information from the texts is compared and evaluated to give a report on the state of neighborhood watch and the benefits that have been realized since these programs were introduced in neighborhood in Canada. Neighborhood watch program has been in active existence and studied extensively and published since 1980s. These provide an extensive bank of information that will be beneficial in determining the difference in crime rate in place where the program is implemented and where they are non-existent. Also interesting is data from the area that have recently adopted neighborhood which programs which shows the difference in crime rate between preprogram period and post-program period. Source of literature showing the performance mechanism of neighborhood programs will also be used to create and adequate understanding that can facilitate the generation of conclusion of the optimum functionality of neighborhood programs and this set a reliable reference point of how these programs should function. This approach also takes into consideration report of the shortcomings of the neighborhood watch programs will seek to determine the challenges these programs face and what can be improved. A SWOT analysis is also conducted on neighborhood watch programs using this date to determine strength and opportunities of this program and how better to use them. It will also enable determination of weakness and threats.

Findings and discussionsOrganization of neighborhood watches programsNeighborhood watch programs are mostly initiated by community members who by the understanding they have about their community know that there is a need to improve the security status in their neighborhood. The community members must first determine the general community interests in the program the all community members convened to come together and agree on the structure or the program. The programs must have local leadership. Every community has its unique security needs. In this regarding community are in a better position to give precise information about their crime challenges, this make it possible for them to formulate tailored solutions. This is why local leadership is an important component of the program (Schoech et al, 2008). It is evident that through local leadership, the residents in the neighborhoods own the programs, and this enhances participation. The engagement of the locals enhances their commitment thus providing opportunities for the creation of perfect all include neighborhood programs. The localized approach of the programs is based on the notion that the existence of crime in any given society is not entirely the product of the criminal element in the community alone in a number of determining factors in the community. Participation ensures that all these dynamics are identified (Pennell et al, 2012, 572)

The activities involved in the watchNeighborhood watch entails several activities all channeled at improving security literature review revealed the following as the main activities involved in neighborhood watch

Campaigns and publicity

This involves sensitizing the neighborhood about security watch. It involves creating publicity to encourage the resident in the neighborhood to encourage them to adopt the use of security devices, marking property, enacting security surveys and encouraging security officer to conduct talks in schools

Policing and other surveillance

This is one of the main activities involved in neighborhood watch. It involves the actual watching of residential areas, increasing patrols by the police or the community members. The patrol can be increased in areas that have been reported to have high cases of crime. Also, CCTV camera can be employed to provide continuous surveillance even in the absence of vigilantes or police patrols. Surveillance can also be increased when known criminal are around in the neighborhood such released criminals and those on parole (Petersilia, 2001). It is normally difficult from criminal to settle, and surveillance can help contain them.

Environmental Design improvementModifying the environment to deter criminal is a very successful approach to reducing crime. Modification of the landscape includes lighting up streets, setting up perimeter fence or walls, cleaning up neighborhoods, and enacting road closures or street changes (Murphy et al, 2008). Creating supervised parking lots is also important.

Security Devices

This approach involves encouraging community member to use security devices. Fist resident should improve their locks on windows and doors, implementing electronic access control, installing burglar alarms, installing in cars steering-column locks and chaining good on retail.

Success in dealing with the problem Neighborhood watch is successful in deterring criminal activities in neighborhoods. These methods have various success rates at deterring different crime within the neighborhood. In most cases, this method is deterrence in nature. The success and shortcoming of these programs are best shown by the SWOT analysis bellow:

Strengths Opportunities

It improves trust in the community

It is low cost

It can be integrated into another program or function as a standalone program

Improves security

Deters other voices in addition to burglary

It improves community member participation in community activities thus encouraging community development (Pawar,2012, 643).

Foster collective response to crime and other problems.

Create employment opportunities which reduce poverty and crime (Pawar, 2012, 643). There is potential for incorporation of advance technology in surveillance such as GIS,

It creates learning opportunities for advance security programs in the community

It can provide youths with a training platform for advance security programs

Opportunities to influence security policies

Provides great opportunities to gather intelligence on criminal activities and potential to stop crime before they occur

Provide a platform for capacity building for other development programs (Pawar, 2012, 644).

Weaknesses Threats

Use of unskilled volunteers

Still has to depend on traditional security system such as policing institutions

Inability to maintain workforce since most employees are volunteers

Limited resources to pay skilled labour Violence and gang among the youth

Shortage of volunteers from community members

The reluctance of some homes to take part in the program

Drug abuse among the youths

Technology has also improved neighborhood surveillance. A perfect example is the use of CCTV surveillance in Vancouver in Canada as shown bellow.

CCTV surveillance in Vancouver in CanadaReportedly, the city of Vancouver in Canada if facing several crimes, not to mention, there is excess drug trafficking, reported theft cases and victimization of the innocent citizens. The Vancouver police department, corporations and Business Improved Association innovative CCTV and public video surveillance as a tool of mitigating the vicious crimes (Bernan, 2008). After though consideration of the legal consequences of using CCTV, Individual privacy rights, advantage and disadvantages, the police department found that it wise and prudent to use the device to reduce the crime. A point to note is the fact that before implementation of any program or project which affects the public, then program analysis is imperative. According to the Vancouver police department, CCTV and public video surveillance is the technology to reduce the prevalent crimes in the city.

The CCTV is applied to areas which are prone to crime, the device then displays all the activities which taking place in the selected areas. In the case of Vancouver city, the CCTV and public video surveillance were installed in the Downtown Eastside. Reportedly, excess application of the device in Downtown Eastside caused citizen dissatisfaction. Most members of the public were unhappy with the excess use of the device, most of the public felt the excess use intend to evade their private life. On the contrary, the excess use of the device ensures all crime incidences are captured.

CCTV has reduced crime rates. For instance, in North America and Europe the device has significantly reduced. However, there are substantial difficulties faced with the device. To start with, it involved persuading the public to accept the use of the device to reduce crimes. In a straightforward language, public confidence and trust is a matter of importance before installation of the device (Dechillo et al, 1994).

CCTV and the public video surveillance have brought several advantages in the Downtown Eastside. To start with, public safety and confidence have been upheld. Reportedly, the public has confidently declared that their precious life is safe. The device has enabled the police department at Vancouver to identify the crimes and consequently dealing with the victims involved. Through this the town has been made free of theft and other crimes. Similarly, the public has gained confident in the use of the device and assist the police department with any necessary support.

The device has significantly reduced the court cases. Traditionally, it takes for innocent citizens to earn justice through the court system. Reportedly, the use of CCTV and public surveillance have managed the police department of Vancouver to provide evidence or exhibit which displays how the crime was committed and who were involved in the crime. As such shorten the court process since there is presently clear evidence.The device has alerted the police earlier before the actual crime takes place. As a matter of fact, such preventions have saved the city from terrible crimes which would have greatly cost the city.

On the other the use of CCTV and public video surveillance has a number of demerits. To start with, the device evades the private life of innocent citizens. That is, the private life of citizens has been exposed. It is for this reason that a majority of citizens avoids public places that the device has been installed. Secondly, for the device to work effectively then a lot has to be done. To start with, the device must be in a position to operate 24 hours. Secondly, the police must be in a position to monitor the device all the time, thirdly, other police officers must be on the street to receive constant communication (Goold, 2004). Thirdly, the device is not capable of monitoring all the areas of crime, only the targeted areas can be monitored. Lastly, the cost of installation of the device is very high. Worth noting is the fact that researchers have used the mentioned disadvantages to criticize the device. Notably, the strength of the device is its capability to reduce crime rates while its weakness is the fact that it infringes individual private life.

Conclusion and Recommendation

ConclusionFrom the above discussion, we can confidently conclude that before implementation of the CCTV and public video surveillance, the police department must educate and sensitize the public on the positive implication of the device. Apparently, the device is designed to prevent crimes, reduce victimization and detect crimes, for these reasons, the device has significantly reduced crime rates in the Downtown Eastside. From the discussion, it was identified that the citizens were not comfortable with the excess use of the device. The civil rights have raised a great concern about the fact that the device is capable of evading the private right of innocent individuals. The police department at Vancouver weighed the benefits and consequences of the device and realized that the device has more benefits hence should be used. A point to note is the fact that the device led to assist the police to avert crime rates, secondly, the device provided evidence in a law court, thirdly, the device is capable of alerting the police on the crimes which is about to take place. Fourthly, the device has renewed the public safety and confidence. On the other hand, the device is capable of evading the privacy life, in addition, the device cannot monitor all the areas and lastly, the device is expensive to install require extensive monitoring.

RecommendationsTo start with, for the police to win the public confidence then the police department must carry out the extensive education to sensitize the public on the benefits of the device. Similarly, the police must guarantee the public that their private life is fully protected. As such, lead to the public confidence which is needed for the success of the device.

Police department to achieve desired results then the device must be installed in the areas which are prone to crime, the device must be in a position to function for 24 hours. This must be followed by 24 hour monitoring of the device. Also, other police officers must be on the streets to receive communication from the police officers who monitor the device.

Police department must establish laws and regulations that will guarantee the private life of innocent citizens. The laws and rules will provide a guideline on how and when to use the device. The establishment of conduct of practise will ensure the public trust is established.

Government of Canada should appoint an internal review officer to critically audit the use CCTV and the public video surveillance. The auditor should also audit all the surveillance cameras. This will win the public confidence and trust.

Police department should ensure there is complete public involvement in the implementation of the device. For instance the police department should involve the public in the design and the management of the system. This ensures public confidence is gained.

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