Last week, I dropped in on the Mellon’s Orchard Neighborhood Association (MONA) in East Liberty to get a first-hand look at what an active, organized block watch does. One strategy they employ is compiling a block map – literally, a map of their entire neighborhood with residents’ names and numbers listed on each building. This helps them to identify and track crime hotspots, and notify neighbors of incidents in their surroundings.

• Need a map showing all the buildings in your neighborhood to get started? Check the City’s website for help. Use the interactive grid to locate your neighborhood; download the lot map once you’ve found it.

Another strategy folks have employed is a phone tree. A phone tree, coordinated by a block captain, is an fast, efficient way to disseminate information throughout the neighborhood. Some folks even do an e-mail tree. Use it to spread news about a crime wave, or to alert neighbors when you’ve called 911.

• For a sample phone tree worksheet, click here. (Substitute an e-mail address for “Address” if it better suits your watch.)

Need some information concerning a particular issue you’re having? The U.S. Conference of Mayors has an excellent collection of real-life cases with information about what neighbors have done to respond to their neighborhoods’ crime. For more information, click below:

(more…)