Foundations of Neighborhood Watch

In 1972 a response to crime rates increasing at alarming rates across the United States the National Sheriff’s Association organized the National Neighborhood Watch Program. This program was designed to enlist the participation of citizens with law enforcement to help reduce and prevent crime.

Across the country all Neighborhood Watches programs share one foundational idea: bringing community members together to establish control of their neighborhood promoting an increased quality of life and reducing the crime rate in that area. It takes more work than using “Neighborhood Watch” street signs to deter any would be criminals. To be an effective means of crime control requires neighborhood cohesiveness. Involving community members in watch programs decreases opportunities for criminals to commit crimes rather than attempting to change their behavior. In other words Neighborhood watch is a program that enlists the active participation of residents in cooperation with the Collinsville Police Department and other resources within the City of Collinsville to reduce crime, solve problems and improve the quality of life in your area.

Collinsville Neighborhood Watch Initiative

The Collinsville Police Department Neighborhood Watch Program is coordinated by John Proffitt. John came to Collinsville as the Crime Free Multi-Housing Coordinator after serving nearly 31 years with the Fairview Heights Police Dept. retiring as Captain. He has experience as a Neighborhood Watch Coordinator and was instrumental in implementing the Neighborhood Expert Officer program; he has a vested interest in the residents and their community. John looks forward to serving in his new role as the Crime Free Multi-Housing Coordinator in preventing and reducing crime in the rental property community.

Everyone has an interest in protecting their home, but to do so, one has to look beyond your own property & family by including your neighbors, their homes and that of your neighborhood.  The Neighborhood Watch (NHW) Program is a coordinated effort by you and your neighbors in looking out for each other and reporting suspicious activity to the police. This partnership with the Collinsville Police Department is essential in preventing and reducing crime in your area. NHW programs have a proven track record of being successful in making safer communities!

Should you and your neighbors determine the need for a Neighborhood Watch Program in your area, please reach out to John at (618) 344-2131, extension 5122 or by e-mail:  jproffitt@collinsvilleil.org.