Purpose
To educate neighborhoods on how they can join together in order to become a Concerned, Caring and Committed community. The program has proven effective in reestablishing pride, opening communications between families, providing safety for children, and keeping drugs and other crime out of the area.
Why is it important?
The greatest defense against the onslaught of drug abuse and other crimes is through a united network of individuals working together to care for their neighbors. Neighbors UNITED is based upon the “Neighborhood Watch” program, but is much more than a watchdog effort to catch criminals. Operation UNITE believes that bringing neighborhoods together for a common purpose will increase communication and awareness of those around them. This in turn will provide a mechanism to address needs -- particularly involving youth and the elderly or those who may have disabilities. Through activities and meetings, neighbors will become more vigilant of suspicious behavior and strangers. Those individuals wishing to commit crimes will think twice if they know that someone might be watching.
Who should be involved?
Everyone in the community should become involved in creating a Neighbors UNITED program. Operation UNITE is working with coalitions to identify “neighborhoods” – an area with a circle of influence such as a subdivisions, fire protection districts, churches, hollows, or former community centers. It is also important to have the involvement of law enforcement agencies, ambulance services, hospitals, health departments, school family resource and youth service centers, department of emergency management and abuse shelters.
What are the goals?
Goals of the Neighbors UNITED Committee include:
To return to the days of neighbors helping neighbors.
Conduct safety checks at the homes of elderly neighbors and assist in making repairs or improvements.
Hold a neighborhood block party.
Report all suspicious activity to your law enforcement agency and maintain a log of all observations. Never put yourself in any danger by attempting to intervene.
Publicize your program and meetings through local media outlets.
Everyone in the community should become involved in creating a Neighbors UNITED program. Operation UNITE is working with coalitions to identify “neighborhoods” – an area with a circle of influence such as a subdivisions, fire protection districts, churches, hollows, or former community centers. It is also important to have the involvement of law enforcement agencies, ambulance services, hospitals, health departments, school family resource and youth service centers, department of emergency management and abuse shelters.