Citation

Garofalo J, McLeod M. Crime Delinq. 1989; 35(3): 326-344.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1989, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0011128789035003002

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Neighborhood Watch is one of the most popular community crime prevention programs in the United States. This article focuses on the typical Neighborhood Watch model--the model that has been accepted and implemented in hundreds of communities across the nation. Drawing on information from a national study of the "state of the art" in Neighborhood Watch, which was conducted in the mid-1980s, this article describes the basic characteristics of Neighborhood Watch programs. Then the possibilities of Neighborhood Watch achieving substantial reductions in crime and a rebirth of community spirit in American neighborhoods are discussed critically. Finally, some more limited, but often overlooked, benefits of Neighborhood Watch are noted.