What is the "NW-COP" program?

The acronym stands for
"Neighborhood Watch/Citizens On Patrol."

About the NW-COP:

What's the Difference between "Neighborhood Watch" and "Citizens On Patrol"?
Both are nationally recognized strategies for making neighborhoods safer. "Neighborhood Watch" is for those who want to participate from their homes.
"Citizens On Patrol" ("C.O.P.") is for those who want to participate by vehicle. C.O.P. also requires a brief training session and a committment to follow Citizens On Patrol procedures. Both programs stress safety of participants; are well supported by local government and police; require little time and are easily fitted into the schedule of any busy person.

What Does NW-COP Do?

· Monitor our community for suspicious activity.
· Identify persistant crime troublespots.
· Employ the principle that there is strength in numbers by uniting to fight crime.
· Support our police.
· Facilitate communication between neighbors.

What Does NW-COP Not Do?

· We do not approach or confront criminals or suspects.
· We never are dispatched to crime scenes or incidents.·  We are not law enforcement.

Who Joins NW-COP?

Responsible residents who want to ensure a neighborhood that is safe and secure for all. If you would like to volunteer for NW-COP click here.

Who Runs NW-COP?

We all do. Currently there are over 40 homes participating. Weekly C.O.P. patrols have been going on now for a couple of months, new C.O.P. patrollers are scheduled for training, and more block watch organizational meetings will be occurring this summer.

What Can We As A Neighborhood Do to Reduce Crime?

There are both short-term and long-term solutions to crime. Short-term solutions include:
· Add more C.O.P. patrols.
· Meet and talk with local police through organizations like the Police Community   Relations Council.
· Support and interface with local schools, PTAs and other groups that support kids.
· Network with other neighborhood watch groups for support.
Long-term solutions include:
· Utilize organizations such as the National Crime Prevention Council, which provide   educational and other resources to neighborhoods for fighting crime.
· Encourage responsible landlords and landlord-tenant relationships.
· Encourage more home ownership in the neighborhood.
· Network with other groups to develop programs such as job skills training, after school   programs and sports.
· Network with local businesses, especially those within Westgate 

Downloads:
NW-COP Statement of Purpose (PDF)
NW-COP Interview Form (PDF)