Community involvement is a key in any crime prevention program.  Many programs have been tried, all of which sought the active support of the community in fighting crime, such as Operation Identification, Block Parent, and Crime Prevention through Environmental Design surveys.

The Neighborhood Watch Program is designed to be operated by residents, aimed at getting people to take simple steps necessary to discourage crime in their neighborhood.  Through this program, residents learn how to make their homes, possessions and families less likely to be victimized by crime and aid in making your neighborhood and Fontana a safer place to live.

The responsibility for apprehending criminals is still the prime responsibility of the Police Department.  No individual is asked to be a hero.

How can Neighborhood Watch help a neighbor?

The key is to know your neighbors.  You will need to know your neighbors working hours and habits, which neighbors have dogs, how many children are in each family, the kind of car they own, etc.  When you know these things, it becomes easier to spot suspicious people or to identify cars or trucks that are not normally in the neighborhood. 

That is what Neighborhood Watch hopes to do.  To provide a way for neighbors to help neighbors in keeping an eye on each other's property and possessions.  If everyone participates, a Neighborhood Watch program can work to reduce crime and make your neighborhood a safer place.

Step 1: Contact the Neighborhood Watch coordinator at (909) 350-7710 or by e-mail at asmith@fontana.org. to get more information.

Step 2: Set up a date, time and place to have the meeting with the coordination of the Neighborhood Watch coordinator.

Step 3: You will be sent flyers to pass out  to your neighborhood advertising the meeting.

Step 4: Have the meeting.  At the first meeting you will be educated on how the program works and what you as a citizen need to do to participate.  An officer will be invited to come to discuss any police related issues you may have including the crime in your area.  Neighborhood Watch decals are passed out to be put in your windows and Neighborhood Watch signs are installed on your streets.