Neighborhood Watch

Neighborhood Watch Program

The History of Neighborhood Watch

The Neighborhood Watch, as practiced in most areas, is based on a model developed in 1972 by the National Sheriff’s Association. The program was developed in response to requests from sheriff and police chiefs for a plan to implement that would stem the dramatically increasing rate of burglary in the United States.

The program concept evolved from the experiences of localities across the country that have encouraged citizens to help law enforcement fight crime by being more observant of suspicious or criminal activity and then reporting that activity to the appropriate authorities.

Since its inception, the Bellefontaine Neighbors Neighborhood Watch Program has enlisted numerous members that work with the police department to improve their quality of life. Residents understand that with the thousands of people who live in the city, and transients too numerous to count, the police department cannot fight crime alone. This program is designed for residents and police to come together in a cooperative proactive effort to prevent crime in our city. The program survives on the interest of the community.

Meeting Information

The Neighborhood Watch Program holds a citywide meeting scheduled for the first Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm. The meeting is held in the city council chambers at city hall at 9641 Bellefontaine Road. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss crime statistics and address and rectify problems that residents may be having. During these sessions, all who attend are reminded of their crime reporting training. This training consists of identifying crime, describing people and automobiles, and calling the correct numbers to report a crime. It is important for anyone that is reporting a crime, to report it in a timely manner.

REMEMBER: If you are in need of non-emergency police assistance, please call the dispatcher at (314) 889-2341. For emergencies, please dial 911.

What Is "National Night Out"

The Neighborhood Watch Program participants annually in a national event called ‘National Night Out’. The Division of Crime Prevention and the Bellefontaine Neighbors Police Department, in conjunction with area residents, come together and organize neighborhood block parties.

National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for anticrime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community partnerships and send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Mature Driver Safety Program

The Mature Driver Safety Program, formally know as "55 Alive", targets individuals who are 50 years of age or older. The program is sponsored and presented by an A.A.R.P. representative who has completed hundreds of these classes with the outcome being better, more alert drivers.

The goal of the program is to break some of the bad habits mature drivers fall into. Many automobile insurance companies will give discounted rates to those individuals who successfully complete the program. Check with your insurance company for more information on reduced rates. A.A.R.P. will provide the attendees a certificate of completion.

This is an eight-hour program and attendance on both days is required. Classes are held at the Bellefontaine Neighbors Recreational Center located next to City Hall at 9669 Bellefontaine Road. residency is not required, a fee of $10.00 per person is due and payable to A.A.R.P at the beginning of the first class. To register for this class, please contact Officer Peggy Vassallo at 867-0080 for any additional information or to register for this class. Registration is mandatory.