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1. What is Neighborhood Watch?

The Cleveland Heights Neighborhood Watch Program is a new collaboration that reinforces the work of the Police Department, Community Relations and Cleveland Heights residents - organized by residents with the assistance of the City. The program encourages neighbors to “look out for each other,” which is best achieved by becoming acquainted at regularly scheduled Neighborhood Watch meetings and events.

2. Why have a Neighborhood Watch Program?

We have a Neighborhood Watch Program for the following reasons:

• Basic crime prevention - Learn and practice crime safety measures that eliminate opportunities for criminals. Work for a better and safer neighborhood through protecting and honoring the rights of others.
• Build a stronger community – Get to know your neighbors.

3. How do you start a Neighborhood Watch on your street?

Start by calling the Police Community Response Team at 216-291-4225 or Community Relations at 216-291-2323. Choose a mutually agreeable date for an initial meeting. Invite all of the neighbors on your block to the meeting. Community Relations will be happy to print up flyers (at no cost) for you to distribute. Meetings can be held at City Hall.

4. What can be expected at the first meeting?

A member of the Police Community Response Team and a Community Relations Assistant will attend the meeting and give a program overview.

5. How do we then proceed?

The Neighborhood Watch/street meetings better educate you and your neighbors about subjects that may be of concern to the group. It works very much like a street association. In addition to regular meetings with specific topics, Neighborhood Watch streets are encouraged to have social events too, such as block parties, holiday get-togethers, street-wide garage sales, etc.

6. What should a typical Neighborhood Watch meeting include?

A typical meeting agenda could include:

• Information Sharing
• Define and discuss suspicious activity
• Review when you call 911 and when you call the non-emergency number.

7. What topics might be covered?

Meeting topics could include:

• ATM Precautions
• Auto safety
• Bicycle safety
• Child Safety
• Fire Prevention
• Fraud and con games
• Holiday Precautions
• Home Security
• Latchkey Kids
• Observation Skills
• Safety tips
• Self-defense

Take an informal survey among your group and decide which topics are most important and set priorities for which subjects will be discussed. Try involving as many neighbors as possible. Be sure to send out meeting notices – either flyers, phone (start a phone tree) or by email, once you collect email addresses. Some neighborhoods have their own websites, which neighbors can access for the latest information and updates.