Community Watch Groups | City of Arlington, TX

What are Community Watch groups?

Community Watch groups were developed to promote the participation of citizens and prevent crime by early discovery. The citizens voluntarily register to become additional eyes for the police department and report crime and suspicious behavior.

Citizens learn to anticipate, recognize and evaluate the crime risks in their neighborhoods, and how they are taken to remove or reduce these risks. A community Watch organization is a proven program to reduce crime. But as with any self -help activity, your success depends on you and your neighbors.

Active groups of active community watches routinely meet with police staff to discuss observations and events in their community. Your patrol staff is there to help you solve police problems to offer you the best possible quality of life in your neighborhood.

How do I start a community watch group?

First talk to your neighbors about the need for such a group based on personal knowledge of crime or suspicious activities in your region.

Then create a time and a place where your neighbors can fulfill and discuss topics of mutual interest. (The meeting can be held somewhere outside of your neighborhood.)

1. Send an online application form (see link below), in which the information about your community Watch group and plans for your first meeting are listed.
2. Next, invite the police authority employees to present information on the recognition and prevention of crime.
3. Choose coordinators and blocking captains that are responsible for organizing meetings and the handover of information to the members.
4. Recruit others. Participation is crucial for the success of the group. At least 50% visitor numbers over a period of one year with at least two meetings are required to qualify for the publication of observation signs of the community.

Are you ready to plan your first community -watch meeting?

Contact us

Contact your local crime prevention officer to obtain further information:

Eastern district
Officer Dennis Valle
(817) 459-5817

Northern district
Officer Cody Adams
(817) 459-5589

West District
Officer Doug Glotfelty
(817) 459-6072

South district
Officer Tim Hayden
(817) 459-6468