Neighborhood Watch

The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office takes the safety of its communities very serious, but as you know, we cannot be everywhere all the time. This is why we depend on our community members to do their part to help keep their neighborhoods safe.

What is Neighborhood Watch?

Neighborhood Watch is one of the oldest and most effective crime prevention programs in the country, bringing citizens together with law enforcement to deter crime and make communities safer.

Sponsored by the National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA), Neighborhood Watch 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. Neighborhood Watch works because it reduces opportunities for crime to occur; it doesn’t rely on altering or changing the criminal’s behavior or motivation.

Neighborhood Watch Resources

Following are links to learn more about Neighborhood Watch or to register a Watch:

• National Neighborhood Watch - National Neighborhood Watch—A division of the National Sheriffs' Association
• Start a New Watch - Learn about starting a new watch in your neighborhood.
• Register a Watch - Create a new Neighborhood Watch Group.

For More Information

If you are interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch Program in your area, please contact:

Sgt. Richard Meraz
SOLV Volunteer Coordinator
Tel: (928) 819-2212
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:00 AM-5:00 PM