nity problems. Groups active in drug prevention, child protection, recycling, neighborhood cleanup, politics, religion, homeless advocacy, and commercial revitalization should be encouraged to participate in each other's activities. In addition, relationships should be established with local media to publicize community efforts and special events.
The diversity of contemporary communities presents a challenge for Neighborhood Watch programs. All elements of the community must be involved regardless of family composition, age, or housing tenure. Business owners as well as neighborhood residents must become a part of the process. Differences in ethnic background must be downplayed in favor of identifying shared ethical values. The extra effort expended to make a Neighborhood Watch program inclusionary pays off in long term dividends.
The ultimate test of a Neighborhood Watch program is the positive results it reaps. Neighborhood Watch leaders should conduct periodic evaluations of the efficacy of their programs. Items to be evaluated include changes in the proportion of homes that are members of Neighborhood Watch, an increase or decrease in crime rates, residents' perception of fear of crime, neighborhood aesthetic improvement, and changes in the relations between the community and local law enforcement. These items should be evaluated one month before the program starts and six months after the inception of the program.
Because of its effectiveness, Neighborhood Watch has grown in popularity across the United States. Over 20,000 organized groups have been established involving about 18 million volunteers. In national surveys, 80 percent of respondents who did not participate in watch programs in their neighborhoods expressed the desire to become involved. Since over 90 percent of police arrests are made by citizen-initiated calls, it is not surprising that over 72 percent of residents living in areas with Neighbo...