What is Neighborhood Watch?

Very few people are in the position to protect their homes and property 100% of the time.  Vacations trips, business trips, shopping trips, or even a night out will leave our homes unattended and vulnerable to burglary.

Neighborhood Watch is a program of mutual assistance among neighbors aimed at reducing crime in our communities at the grass roots level.  Get to know your neighbors, introduce them to the concept of Neighborhood Watch.  Get involved.  A neighborhood where people are alert to the potential of crime and are willing to lookout for one another’s interests is a neighborhood where crimes are least likely to occur.

Neighborhood Watch is an invitation to you to be a good neighbor.  If a neighbor is away and you notice an obvious oversight in his home security that might attract a burglar, correct the situation.  Close that open garage; pick up the mail or paper; keep the yard in good condition; and be alert for suspicious people around the property.  Good neighbors working together through Neighborhood Watch can prevent crimes in their area the most effective way – before it starts.

Neighborhood Watch is a crime prevention program which enlists the active participation of citizens in cooperation with law enforcement to reduce crime in their communities. The city of Hermiston currently has over 50 groups that participate in Neighborhood Watch.  Every year we are finding more and more individuals contacting the police department and asking for more information on how to get involved with their neighborhoods.  In 2008, these efforts were rewarded nationally when the citizens of Hermiston and the Hermiston Police Department were recognized by the National Sheriff's Association for their efforts in Neighborhood Watch with a National Award given to only one municipality in the entire nation and its neighbors.   In June 2008, Hermiston Police Chief Dan Coulombe and Lieutenant Jason Edmiston traveled to the National Ceremony in Indianapolis to accept the award on the city and agency's behalf.   The greatest reward, however, was knowing that  the citizens of our community are uniting to fight crime to make their neighborhoods safe.  But there is always room for more....Hermiston is growing, allowing for more opportunities to stretch our Neighborhoood Watch Neighborhoods.  If you don't belong to a group in your area or want more information on how to start a group, contact your local police department now to get started.

Why Should You Participate?

 >>Because crime and the distrust and isolation it creates hurts each of us, our neighbors, and our children.

>>Because areas with active Neighborhood Watches have reported dramatic reductions in crime and the fear of crime.

>>Because by cooperating with each other and the police, people can help fight crime in their community in the most effective way – before it begins!

>>Because your community effort needs you to make it work.  Please join.

The security of the community and its citizens depends upon the people themselves.  You and your neighbors are the ones who really know what is going on in your community.  No police department can effectively protect life and property without the support and cooperation of the citizens it serves.  They need your eyes and ears.  Every citizen should be a Neighborhood Watch member . . . a concerned, public spirited person who watches their neighborhood and reports criminal activity to their local law enforcement agency.

Community Activities in February:

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions.  Officer Erica V. Sandoval, Hermiston Police Department, e-mail: esandova@hermiston.or.us Phone: (541) 667-5112. Thanks so much!