Neighborhood Watch

Contact us at (541) 440-4486


What is Neighborhood Watch?

Neighborhood Watch is a group of neighbors looking out for neighbors. It is getting to know each other and becoming familiar with your neighbor's habits and vehicles so that you will know when something is suspicious or out of the ordinary. In addition to recognizing potential suspicious activities, Neighborhood Watch participants report such activity by calling 911. After calling 911, also notify your Watch Chairperson.


When in doubt, always call 911. The 911 dispatch center is staffed with trained operators who will evaluate your call, rank its priority, and dispatch it to the appropriate officer.

Neighborhood Watch does NOT mean being a vigilante. Participants do not confront suspects or take any personal risks at all.

Benefits of having a Neighborhood Watch:

  • Improved livability.
  • A team concept of neighbors working together.
  • Knowing your neighbors and looking out for one another.
  • Improved home security.
  • A partnership with the Sheriff's office.
  • Information about available resources and services.

How to Organize a Neighborhood Watch:

Step One: Getting started

  • Download the Neighborhood Watch Packet.
  • Determine the area you want to organize. This should be the area you consider your "neighborhood". Groups can range in any size that you feel comfortable organizing.

Step Two: Contact the Sheriff's Office to schedule speakers

  • You can contact Andrea Zielinski, Community Outreach Coordinator, at 541-440-4486 to schedule a speaker.

Step Three: Invite your neighbors


Step Four: Prepare a neighborhood map

Step Five: The presentation

At the presentation you will:

  • Identify concerns and develop an action plan.
  • Learn how to report suspicious activity.
  • Recruit your Coordinator and Block Captains.
  • You will learn how to order Neighborhood Watch signs.

Step Six: Maintenance


Thank you for taking those first important steps to organize your neighborhood to help fight crime in your area. If the Sheriff's Office can be of any further assistance, please call us at 440-4486.

Prevention material available via speaker presentations, brochures and/or videotapes:

  • Burglary / Theft Prevention
  • Operation ID
  • Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)
  • Sexual/Personal Assault
  • Personal Safety
  • Child Abduction/Safety - Missing Children Link
  • Illegal Drugs / Drug Houses
  • Scams / Identity Theft - www.ftc.gov/idtheft

Related Links

Douglas County Speaker Bureau information

For further crime prevention information - www.ncpc.org

National Sheriff's Association National Neighborhood Watch - www.USAonwatch.org

Street Terms: Drugs and the Drug Trade - http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/streetterms/

Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Information - www.ftc.gov/idtheft


Does your neighborhood have a Neighborhood Watch Program?

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office believes that it is important to have open lines of communication with the communities we serve. Our Community Outreach Division seeks to establish and maintain this critical two-way dialogue. By filling out this survey, you will assist the Sheriff’s Office in working with your community to help develop a Neighborhood Watch Program that fits your specific needs. We appreciate your feedback.

Please fill out this short survey form!

If you have any questions please contact Andrea Zielinski, Community Outreach Coordinator, at (541) 440-4486.