Taking Control of Your Community

The Neighborhood Watch program can trace its roots back to the days of colonial settlements, when night watchmen patrolled the streets. The modern version of Neighborhood Watch was developed in response to requests from sheriffs and police chiefs who were looking for a crime prevention program that would involve citizens and address an increasing number of burglaries.

Launched in 1972, Neighborhood Watch counts on citizens to organize themselves and work with law enforcement to keep a trained eye and ear on their communities, while demonstrating their presence at all times of day and night.

The program took off quickly. In just 10 years, National Security Agency data showed that 12% of the population was involved in a Neighborhood Watch program.

Neighborhood Watch works because it reduces opportunities for crime to occur, and it does not rely on altering or changing the criminal’s behavior or motivation.

Start/join a Neighborhood Watch in Your Area

If you are interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch in your neighborhood, please call the Aberdeen Police Department at 605-626-7000. Currently, there no active Neighborhood Watch program areas in Aberdeen.