Neighborhood Watch

One of the ways you can help build a strong and healthy community is by starting and/or leading a Neighborhood Watch program in your neighborhood. Since its inception in 1972, thousands of communities have established Neighborhood Watch programs, which help to decrease crime and encourage neighbors to stay engaged with one another.

The Idaho Falls Police Department (IFPD) is a strong supporter of the Neighborhood Watch program and encourages citizens to be involved in their local program (or begin one). However, Neighborhood Watch programs are led by neighborhoods themselves, not by the Idaho Falls Police Department. We are happy to coordinate with local groups who may want an IFPD officer to attend one of the Neighborhood Watch group's regular meetings to answer questions.

Crime Prevention

Neighborhood Watch is a program which enables citizens to be proactive in preventing crime in their community. The IFPD assists by providing tools, education and support. 

There are many benefits to starting a Neighborhood Watch Program:
  • Reduces crime
  • Provides a greater sense of security
  • Builds community pride and unity
  • Helps to connect neighbors 
  • Provides law enforcement agencies with volunteer support year round
  • Empowers citizens to become the extra 'eyes and ears' of law enforcement
  • Contributes to a better quality of life

Starting a Neighborhood Watch Program

Starting a Neighborhood Watch Program is easy. Every resident, young or old, single or married, renter or home owner, can get involved and make a difference.

Here are some steps to start a Neighborhood Watch:
  • Contact your neighbors. Find out who is interested in being active participant.
  • Discuss community concerns with neighbors and develop an action plan.
  • Register your group and obtain resources online from National Neighborhood Watch including signs and other resources.
  • Hold regular meetings, provide resources to the group about relevant topics, such as tips, basic information about observation and how and when to reporting suspicious activity.
  • Set up your neighborhood on Nextdoor. (See below.)

Join Nextdoor

Join the online community of Nextdoor. Nextdoor is the private social network for you, your neighbors and your community. It's a great way for you and your neighbors to talk online and make all of your lives better in the real world. And it's free. 

Note: While the IFPD is able to post information, such as important news, services, programs, free events, and emergency notifications to Nextdoor websites within the city, the IFPD does not have access to residents’ contact information or Nextdoor content.

Thousands of neighborhoods are already using Nextdoor to build happier, safer places to call home. People are using Nextdoor to:

  • Quickly get the word out about a break-in
  • Organize a Neighborhood Watch Group
  • Track down a trustworthy babysitter
  • Find out who does the best paint job in town
  • Ask for help keeping an eye out for a lost dog
  • Find a new home for an outgrown bike
  • Finally call that nice man down the street by his first name
    Nextdoor's mission is to provide a trusted platform where neighbors work together to build stronger, safer, happier communities, all over the world.
    (The above information about Nextdoor was taken from Nextdoor.com.)
  • Find your neighborhood here! 
  • Join online (or download the smartphone app using the App Store or Google Play).

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