Oakland is fortunate to have a number of Neighborhood Watch groups operating in different areas of town. These grassroots based organizations are of great value, not only to their respective neighborhoods but to our entire community. The Oakland Police Department views the Neighborhood Watch groups as effective partners in our effort to prevent crime from occurring.

Guidelines

The National Neighborhood Watch Institute’s handbook is one that is often used as a guideline and states to Watch members, “Always remember that your responsibility is to report crime. Do not take any risks to prevent a crime or try to make an arrest. The responsibility for apprehending criminals belongs to the police/sheriff.”

Purpose

Neighborhood Watch participants act as additional eyes and ears for law enforcement. They do not take the law into their own hands.

Further Information

If you would like to start a Watch or if you have any questions, please contact us at 407-656-9797, ext. 5.