Partners

Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice

National Sheriffs’ Association

Neighborhood Watch

Community Training

Course Objectives

• To provide information and training about the team building process

• To learn skills needed to be an effective team player

Major Topics

Introduction to Team Building• Teamwork concept• Keys to effective teamwork

Neighborhood Watch Team Process• Responsibilities• Benefits • Characteristics of Effective Teams

Teambuilding Activity

Teamwork:

Work done by a number of associates, usually each doing a clearly defined portion, but all supporting the efficiency

of the whole

Importance of Teamwork

Teamwork provides:• Manpower for completing task• Opportunity to support and encourage

others• Environment which promotes creativity

Evolution of a Team

Four Stages:

• The Calm

• The Storm

• Getting Organized

• Bonding

Stage 1: The Calm

• Polite

• Impersonal

• Watchful

• Guarded

 

Stage 2: The Storm

• Controlling Conflicts • Confronting People • Difficulties • Feeling Stuck

Stage 3: Getting Organized

• Developing Skills

• Establishing Procedures

• Giving Feedback

• Confronting Issues

Stage 4: Bonding

• Resourcefulness

• Flexibility

• Openness and Supportiveness

• Effectiveness

Activity - Discussion• Where are you now as a team? • Are you getting stuck in one stage? • What actions can you take to facilitate movement to the performing stage?

Keys to Effective Teamwork

• Each member is important and fills a niche

• As needs become greater, the greater the need for teamwork

• Keep the big picture in the forefront

Keys to EffectiveTeamwork

• In order to make an impact, members must work together to make things happen

• Bad attitudes can ruin your program

• Communication is vital

• Members must be able to count on each other when things get tough

The Neighborhood Watch Team

Importance of Assigning Roles

• Outlines clearly defined tasks and responsibilities

• Establishes authority and boundaries

The Neighborhood Watch Team

• Law Enforcement Liaison

• Neighborhood Area Watch Coordinator

• Block Captain

• Watch Member

Responsibilities of Law Enforcement Liaison

• Serves as link between law enforcement and citizens

• Offers training and information on topics of interest or concern to members

• Provides guidance, support and motivation to Neighborhood Watch groups

• Provides technical assistance

Responsibilities of Neighborhood Watch Area Coordinator

• Serves as liaison between members, law enforcement, civic groups and Block Captain

• Arranges neighborhood crime prevention training

• Obtains and distributes crime

prevention materials • Involves others in specific crime

prevention projects

Responsibilities of Neighborhood Watch Block Captain

• Serves as spokesperson for the group• Organizes meetings and maintains list of

participants• Designates work assignments and

distributes materials• Acts as liaison between group members

and law enforcement

Responsibilities of Watch Members

• To attend meetings• To report suspicious or criminal activity• To help recruit new members• To practice safety measures at home and

in community• To support Captain and

other leaders in their roles

Neighborhood Watch Activities Activities that build teamwork:• Keep an eye on neighbor’s home while

away on vacation• Communicate with neighbors• Practice safety and security measures

at home• Maintain a lived-in appearance at your home• Keep eyes open for suspicious individuals• Provide support to neighbors who may be

victims of crime

Effective Teamwork = Growth

How Neighborhood Watch Groups Grow:• Members work together to identify and meet goals• Members communicate on a regular basis• Members evaluate goals and activities and

prioritize concerns and problems• Members spend time together, building sense of

trust• Members look outside their neighborhood and

mobilize with others

Characteristics of Effective Watch Groups

• Informal, comfortable atmosphere• Discussion involves everyone and

stays on task • There can be disagreement• Consensus is predominant when

making decisions• Feedback is frequent and comfortable• Assignments are clear and accepted

Benefits of Neighborhood Watch Teamwork

Why should I be a member of the team?

• Deeper friendships with neighbors

• Shared responsibility for neighborhood

• Increased support and safety

• Improved communication and, ideally,

• Prevention of crime

Thank you!

Register Today

www.USAonwatch.org