*** For emergencies, please call 911; non-emergency: (714) 754-5252.

A Neighborhood Watch Program, which was founded in 1972 by the National Sheriffs’ Association, is a group of residents living in the same area, who want to make their neighborhood safer by working together and in conjunction with local law enforcement to reduce crime and improve their quality of life. Neighborhood Watch groups have regular meetings to plan how they will accomplish their specific goals, and consist of a Block Captain and partners with assigned responsibilities.

Neighborhood Watch groups can provide residents with a greater sense of security, responsibility and personal control of their neighborhood to reduce crime while at the same time building positive relationships between neighbors. Knowing your neighbors makes it easier to recognize strangers, who may not have legitimate business in your neighborhood.

Please note: Neighborhood Watch groups are not a vigilante group and should not assume the role of law enforcement. They serve as the eyes and ears of the police by having neighbors be alert and observant, who report suspicious activity or crimes to the police.

Start a Neighborhood Watch group:

• Download and read the Neighborhood Watch Manual
  • Español
• Canvass your neighborhood, discuss the Neighborhood Watch program with your neighbors and invite them to join and attend the introductory kickoff meeting.
• Fill out online application and submit to CMPD
• Set possible flexible dates for your first neighborhood watch meeting and designate yourself the block captain for your neighborhood.
• Request a representative from the police department to attend the meeting. Please allow for a 2-week advance notice to accommodate the request.

Hold regular meetings to help residents get to know each other and to discuss current crimes occurring in the neighborhood, safety tips, preventive neighborhood activities to promote safety, and share contact information.

Thank you for your participation in keeping Costa Mesa communities safe.

Helpful Documents

• Neighborhood Watch Phone Tree
• Neighborhood Watch Meeting Agenda
• Sample Sign In Sheet
• Neighborhood Watch Observation Notes
• NSA Vacation Checklist
  • Español