Over the past 10 years, our focus on safety has reduced the crime rate in Desert Ridge by over 60%. Our Off-Duty Officer Patrol Programs has been a tremendous success and made our community one of the safest anywhere. So much so, that the City of Phoenix Police Department uses Desert Ridge as a model of what communities can do to reduce crime.
While we’ve done a remarkable job thus far, we still have crime in our community. In Desert Ridge, we have extremely low levels of violent crime and more than 80% of the crimes committed are against properties. These crimes include larceny, theft, home burglary and vandalism. Crime statistics show that one of the best tools to fight these types of crimes is an effective Community Block Watch Program.
What is Block Watch?
Block Watch is a simple program of neighbors watching out for each other. It is designed to enlist the active participation of citizens in cooperation with the police to reduce crime and improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods.
It is becoming acquainted with your neighbors.
It is working together to identify and solve problems in your community.
It is helping the police by being aware of and reporting any unusual activities as they occur. You know best what is “normal” activity in your neighborhood.
It is the implementation of crime prevention techniques to enhance home security.
It is putting neighbors back into neighborhoods.
It is not apprehending someone. Leave that to the police.
How Does Block Watch Work?
Block Watch works when you and your neighbors use simple techniques to deter, delay and detect crime, and improve the quality of life for the neighborhood.
Being aware of criminal activity can help in keeping your neighborhood safe. Promptly reporting all criminal or suspicious activity to 9-1-1 or Crime Stop at 602-262-6151 helps the police assist you in promoting a safe and healthy neighborhood.
How Do I Get Started?
Since the police are unable to cover every neighborhood at all times, you can help by forming a neighborhood Block Watch. You and your neighbors can stay safe by looking out for one another.
Start organizing your neighbors by scheduling a Block Watch meeting. Contact your Phoenix police precinct to schedule a presentation. At your meeting, your Community Action Officer (CAO) will explain how you can create an alert neighborhood by using simple crime prevention methods.
Get Going!
Canvas your neighborhood for interest. Concentrate on your street now and include adjacent streets later.
Ask about convenient times to schedule your initial Block Watch meeting.
Block Watch does not require frequent meetings.
It does not ask that anyone take personal risk to prevent crime.
Block Watch leaves the responsibility of apprehending criminals where it belongs, with the police department.
Over the next year, we will have meetings dedicated to educating our community more on Block Watch and assist our members in developing this tool to fight crime.
Again, we thank you for all your support and I hope to see you at a Block Watch organizational meeting in your neighborhood soon!
Doug Dickson
President
Desert Ridge Community Association
