Neighborhood Watch Information
Question: What is a Block Captain? What are their duties, and what
training is required?
Answer: It's someone who lives in our neighborhood and is willing to
expend a little effort to keep the group going. Duties require little
formal training--about one hour/month to keep track of group members,
keep in contact with Host Homes, make sure new neighbors are welcomed,
and coordinates alerting the neighborhood about safety/crime issues.
Host Homes: Although we have set this page up for the Block Captains, you will find a lot of information that is useful to you and your home team. Please feel free to use any of the resources here to assist you in your duties.
We appreciate your time and commitment to the Neighborhood Watch program and hope that the following information assists you in your role as Block Captain. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have questions or need additional resources to help make your Neighborhood Watch program successful.
Block Captain Role and Responsibilities
Resources:
Resident Roster: This form is for your block’s use only
and is optional. Please feel free to adapt it to meet your needs. Please
remember that not everyone on your block may be comfortable sharing
their information. Please respect people’s privacy if they don’t
want to be listed on your form. Once completed, some Block Captains
like to make copies for each resident listed or you may choose to just
keep the master copy yourself.
New Resident Welcome Flyer: This form is to be handed out to new residents as they move onto your block. This informs them that they have moved to a Neighborhood Watch block and lets them know you are their Block Captain.
Block Alert Flyer: This form is to be handed out to residents of your block if there is crime/safety issues. This is a quick way to get necessary information out to the hands of your block.
Host Home Brochure: We encourage every Block Captain to break their area into smaller Home Teams. These are groups of 8 to 10 houses that hang out together. The Host Home is a baby volunteer opportunity for those people who want to help you out, but don’t have a lot of time. You can also review: Home Team Brochure
Block Captain Brochure: If you meet someone who is interested
in becoming a Block Captain, please pass this brochure along to them.
Thank you!
General Neighborhood Watch Handouts:
Austin Police Department Resource Guide
NACN (North Austin Coalition of Neighborhoods) Resource Manual - available November 2006
Winnipeg Police Crime Prevention Handbook
Other Resources:
Suspicious Activity: Questions on reporting suspicious activities.
Incident Report Log: Incident Report Log for your block
Security Measures: Notes from a meeting we had with our APD District Representative
Securing Your Home: Be pro-active! Read on ways you can make your home safer.
Burgulary Prevention Checklist: Another great resource for ensuring your family is safe.
Home Inventory Sheet: Create a list of your valuables
Insurance Cost Reduction Guide: How to save money of your insurance
Insurance Cost Reduction Guide: How to save money of your insurance
Home Survey for Insurance Reduction: How to save money of your insurance
Neighborhood Watch Website Links:
Austin Police Department
National Association of Town Watch
Nation Sheriffs' Association
Youth Crime Watch of America
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