NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

Connecting Neighbors with Neighbors: Watchful Eyes, Safer Streets

Neighborhood Watch

What is a Neighborhood Watch program?

A typical Neighborhood Watch block extends from intersection to intersection, both sides of the street. It not only breaks down the barriers and brings neighbors together, but it has proven to reduce crime in an area.

The neighbors are invited to attend a presentation put on by the Salinas Police Outreach Team (SPOT). The presentation is on residential and vehicle security, personal safety, and an overview of what the Salinas Police Department offers its citizens.

Neighborhood Watch Members

How you can get started

No one person or law enforcement agency can be aware of every situation that occurs in a neighborhood at all times. That’s why neighbors are the best defense against crime! To help build strong neighborhood crime prevention networks, the Salinas Police Department sponsors Neighborhood Watch.

Crime and the opportunity for crime go hand-in-hand. Neighborhood Watch reduces the opportunity for crime in your neighborhood. By implementing basic crime prevention techniques, watching out for one another and reporting suspicious activity to police, neighbors create a unified front against crime. This increases the risk to criminals and decreases the likelihood that a criminal will be successful.

Be alert to suspicious activity and report it immediately by dialing 911. Inform the Watch Captain and nearby neighbors of the occurrence.
Attend neighborhood meetings.
Talk to your children about Neighborhood Watch.
Secure your home and personal property.
Make your home look occupied.
Use exterior lighting during the evening and light timers throughout the day.
Keep garage doors closed and remove personal items from vehicle.
Keep vehicles locked.
Have a neighbor pick up your newspaper when you are away and ask them to park in your driveway overnight.
Tell a neighbor and the block coordinator if you plan to be away so that special attention can be given to your home.

Organizing a Watch Group

Contact the Salinas Police Department to arrange a Neighborhood Watch meeting in your neighborhood. The Police Department encourages you to hold Watch meetings in your neighborhood. Meetings can be in a living room, garage, or on a deck or back lawn. The Police Department can help prepare and provide flyers for distribution to your neighbors, ensuring the event is well-organized and supported.

Additional Resource

We invite you to visit the City’s website to learn more about the Neighborhood Services program, which was developed to assist residents in strengthening the social fabric of their neighborhoods and aid the City Council in connecting with their neighborhoods.

Neighborhood Services – City of Salinas

Salinas Police Outreach Team

Empowering Salinas Neighborhoods

The Salinas Police Outreach Team (SPOT) is dedicated to fostering trust, communication, and collaboration between the Salinas Police Department and the community it serves. Through proactive engagement, SPOT provides valuable resources, educational presentations, and support for programs such as Neighborhood Watch, personal safety awareness, and community events. By prioritizing relationship-building and accessibility, SPOT ensures that residents feel empowered, informed, and connected to their local law enforcement. Learn more about how SPOT is making a difference in Salinas.