YOUR GUIDE TO STARTING A NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED BY SAN FRANCISCO SAFE. SAFE IS A COMMUNITY CRIME PREVENTION ORGANIZATION SPONSORED IN COOPERATION WITH THE SAN FRANCISCO POLICE DEPARTMENT. 850 BRYANT STREET, ROOM 135 SAN FRANCISCO CA 94103
PHONE: 415.553.1984
WW W . S F S A F E . O RG

FAX: 415.553.1967

2013 SAFE

Printed: 10/2/2013

Welcome to Organizing with SAFE!

We appreciate you taking the first step in getting your block(s) organized as a SAFE Neighborhood Watch Group. Here is a guide to get you started. Your Public Safety Coordinator will be there as your group forms to coordinate planning, facilitate initial meetings and answer any questions. SAFE has a long standing relationship with many city departments and organizations and can help you find the resources you need to improve the quality of life where you live. People decide to start this process for a variety of reasons and motivations. Here are just a few: A desire to make connections and get to know neighbors A need to be more informed and aware of what is happening in the neighborhood A desire to work directly with the Police Department and other city departments to effectively problem solve and address issues A curiosity about how to access resources available in San Francisco that can support individuals and neighborhoods An interest in playing an active role in the improvement of the area in which we live A need to be prepared and able to respond effectively in an emergency situation whether it is crime related or a natural disaster such as an earthquake Whatever motivates you, SAFE is your resource and guide as you begin to organize your block. We have the tools and strategies to address most issues and enjoy the process of learning with you how to best approach a new challenge. Please use this guide as needed throughout the process.

Requirements for Neighborhood Watch Groups _____________________________

In order to be considered an officially formed group and be eligible for Neighborhood Watch Signs, we ask the group work together to accomplish 4 key functions. 1. Create a Block Map SAFE asks you to collect information from your neighbors in order to develop a block map and to update the map as new neighbors move into the neighborhood. 2. Create a Phone Tree The phone tree serves several functions. It is a tool for connecting and responding to neighbors in real time as there is a crime in progress and it is a tool for reaching out to neighbors for a social event like a block party or holiday potluck. 3. Designate a Block Captain and Co-Captain(s) Leadership is helpful in motivating and moving the group forward in order to achieve results. It is also essential that members share responsibilities and tasks. One Co-Captain must be designated as the Emergency Preparedness point person. More is discussed later in this guide. 4. Create an Emergency Preparedness Plan SAFE wants to ensure that each member of our Neighborhood Watch groups is personally prepared for an emergency and that some general plan for the block(s) has been communicated to all.

_________________________________
Please follow the information and samples in this guide to accomplish the above. As with everything in Neighborhood Watch organizing the initiative is shared. We encourage individuals to form committees and work together in smaller groups to accomplish tasks efficiently. Once a group has had the minimum formative meetings (4-5) with their Public Safety Coordinator and have the 4 above requirements in place they can apply for a sign. Groups who are feeling confident to run their groups on their own are encouraged to meet at least quarterly and to participate in our City-Wide Block Captains and Leaders meetings by sending a representative from your block. SAFE works hard to connect neighborhood leaders throughout the city to share ideas, challenges and to work together to create a safer community. We are excited that you are joining this wider effort!

San Francisco SAFE, Inc.

850 Bryant St Room 135, San Francisco CA 94103 Phone: (415) 553-1984 Fax: (415) 553-1967 www.sfsafe.org

SAFE (Safety Awareness for Everyone) Overview

Mission Statement San Francisco SAFE engages, educates and empowers San Franciscans to build safer neighborhoods through crime prevention education and public safety services that result in stronger, more vibrant and resilient communities.

SAFE aims to improve the quality of life in San Franciscos neighborhoods by bringing neighbors, merchants and city resources together to problem-solve, build capacity and create safer physical and social environments. We do this by facilitating neighborhood watch groups, providing safety presentations for all age groups, security strategies for businesses, providing outreach and resources to people in all ten police districts and acting as liaison between communities and the San Francisco Police Department. We believe that everyone should have access to crime and violence prevention services and information, and we are dedicated to innovative programming and flexibility to meet the citys changing needs. San Francisco SAFE is a community crime prevention organization that works in cooperation with the San Francisco Police Department to help San Franciscans protect themselves from becoming victims. SAFE has been in existence since 1976, and became a nonprofit corporation in 1980. Neighborhood Watch is a major focus of SAFE's activities. Our staff empowers neighbors to learn how to protect themselves, their families and their property. We urge people to become involved with crime prevention and reduction by encouraging them to keep an eye out for one another and to report suspicious activities to the police. Since SAFEs inception over 5,000 Neighborhood Watch groups have been formed.

SAFE's program components include:

Neighborhood and Business Watch Residential Security surveys and presentations Business Security surveys and presentations Personal Safety presentations Child Safety presentations Older Adult Safety presentations Liaison with San Francisco Police Department Vehicle and Pedestrian Safety Merchant Safety and Loss Prevention Quarterly Neighborhood Watch Block Captain & Leaders trainings Workplace Violence Prevention trainings Community policing activities Community Advisory Boards Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Crime prevention in public housing Emergency Preparedness Trainings with NERT Crisis management Community Organizing Resources and referrals Special projects and community events Collaboration with area service providers

We encourage you to: Be Informed! Get to know the people in your neighborhood. Neighbors who know each other are more likely to look out for each other. Get involved in activities that improve your neighborhood. If you are aware of issues in your neighborhood, find or start a committee to address them.

Be Involved! Be Active!

SAFE Neighborhood Watch At-A-Glance

This is a broad overview of the Neighborhood Watch Process the majority of our groups use, and can be used as a guide when working with your Public Safety Coordinator to develop the specific plan for your group.

Benefits of Organizing a Neighborhood Watch

Increase awareness of crime and public safety issues that impact you, your family, and your neighbors. Meet your neighbors and establish a communications network. Work collectively to address crime and public safety concerns. Learn how to access resources that will support your crime prevention efforts. Reduce the risk of crime and victimization on your block.

Step One

Recruit two or three neighbors to form a Planning Committee.

Step Two

Contact SAFE (415.553-1984) to assist with the organizing process and problem-solving.

Step Three

Planning Committee meets with a SAFE representative to: Discuss SAFEs role. Identify public safety issues and concerns. Plan meeting agenda. Schedule first Neighborhood Watch meeting. Create meeting notification system. 5

Neighborhood Watch Meeting Process At-A-Glance

This is a broad overview of the Neighborhood Watch Process the majority of our groups use, and can be used as a guide when working with your Public Safety Coordinator to develop the specific plan for your group.

1st Neighborhood Watch Meeting

Meet your neighbors. Discuss and identify neighborhood crime and public safety concerns and prioritize them. Start the process of addressing issues and problem-solving. Learn how to create a customized telephone and email communication network with your neighbors. Learn to observe and report suspicious activity and crime. Set the next meeting date, agenda items and meeting notification system.

2nd Neighborhood Watch Meeting

Continue discussion on crime and public safety issues and any updates for problemsolving. Set goals and or desired outcomes. Learn best practices and strategies for personal safety and home security. Set the next meeting date, agenda items and meeting notification system.

3rd Neighborhood Watch Meeting

Meet a police representative from the district station or other resources. Follow up discussion about issues and or crime prevention tools, strategies and resources for problem-solving. Announce any problem-outcomes. Set the next meeting date, agenda items and meeting notification system.

4th Neighborhood Watch Meetings

Continue discussion on status of old and new issues. Announce any outcomes. Discuss and consider emergency preparedness for the block and personal training. Define leadership roles and set future meeting (s). 6

SAFE Neighborhood Watch Essentials

BLOCK CAPTAIN - Roles and Responsibilities
A BLOCK CAPTAIN serves as the point person for Neighborhood Watch organizing efforts. They are responsible for information, coordination and communication. They are also responsible for delegating any tasks or activities to other Neighborhood Watch group members. There may also be a Co-Captain for the Neighborhood Watch group. Information: Ensure that block information is current, organized and available (block maps and phone trees, etc.) Distribute information regarding updates and get it to neighbors each year. Welcome new neighbors and invite them to become a part of the Neighborhood Watch group and its efforts. Many groups now share information electronically in addition to the traditional means. Create a Yahoo or Google email group as an additional information-sharing tool. Coordination: Coordinate meetings and activities for your block. SAFE will assist in the first 45 formative meetings. Thereafter, it will up to the group to meet at least 4 times a year. Activities such as park clean-ups, NERT Trainings, block-parties, graffiti paint-outs, pot-lucks, kid parades, etc. help to keep the group cohesive and engaged. Communication: Coordinate communication within and between neighboring blocks and city representatives. Be the liaison to SAFE and city departments to communicate progress and the needs of the group. Many groups get volunteers to create a newsletter for their neighborhood. Block Captains or the Co-Captains will be responsible for attending quarterly SAFE Block Captain Meetings. BLOCK CO-CAPTAINS: A Co-Captain will assist the Block Captain with any duties. There must be at least one Co-Captain designated for Emergency Preparedness.

BLOCK MAP & COMMUNICATION TREE EXPLANATION

Neighborhood Watch groups are required to create a Block Map and Communication Tree, which make it easier to observe, respond to, and report an emergency, a suspicious or criminal activity, as well as serve as a communication tool for neighbors. A BLOCK MAP provides a way to explain accurately the configuration and composition of your block, to observe and report suspicious or criminal activities, or to use during an emergency. A coordinator is needed to collect questionnaires, design, organize and coordinate the block map. A COMMUNICATION TREE provides a system for rapid communication to relay crime information or to respond to an emergency. Participating members can provide emergency alerts for observation by informers and witnesses. Each member is responsible for calling one or two other members to pass the word throughout the block during emergencies. A coordinator is needed to collect questionnaires, design, organize and coordinate the communication tree.

Neighborhood Watch Groups and Emergency Preparedness _____________________________

In addition to serving a crime prevention role, Neighborhood Watch can also be used as the basis for bringing neighborhood residents together to focus on disaster preparedness and emergency response. SAFE and NERT (Neighborhood Emergency Response Team) recommend that every Neighborhood Watch becomes active in emergency preparedness by: Getting to Know your Neighbors Identify and include in your block map the skills and equipment each neighbor has that are useful in an effective disaster response. Identify neighbors who have special needs or will require special assistance. Learn how to effectively use your block communication tree and other communication mechanisms. Creating an Emergency Preparedness Plan Designate a Neighborhood Watch Emergency Preparedness Co-Captain. If needed, develop small work groups (first response, communication, and special needs teams). Make a plan to provide basic emergency relief services for your neighborhood. Develop a system for damage assessment, for example, red, yellow, green flags or cards in your neighbors windows (green All is well, yellow Responders needed if available, and red Responders needed immediately). Establish a Help Center to provide assistance to those in need. Include in your block map the locations of each natural gas meter. Include evacuation routes, meeting points, protocols, communication mechanisms, and organization strategies. Use the Map Your Block pamphlet to help you get started.

Getting Trained and Informed Sign up to receive email and text alerts during emergencies in San Francisco at www.alertsf.com. Learn how to prepare yourself and your family for an emergency. Visit www.72hours.org for information on how to make a plan, build a kit and get involved. Receive trainings from the American Red Cross (http://www.bayarearedcross.org.). Know how to turn off utilities. Invite NERT (Neighborhood Emergency Response Team) representatives to Neighborhood Watch meetings to learn more about NERT training. Send several interested residents to the NERT Training. Form a NERT team on your block. For more information on NERT go to www.sfgov.org/sfnert

If your Neighborhood Watch group is interested in applying for Neighborhood Watch Signs, an essential piece of that application is the submission of a disaster response plan. Please work with SAFE and other area resources to support you through this very important process.

Law Enforcement & Neighborhood Resource Phone Numbers

Use these numbers to report crimes or suspicious activity:

Emergencies involving immediate threat to life or property: 9-1-1 Police Assistance: Non-emergency: (415) 553-0123 File a police report on-line www.sf-police.org Text-A-TIP: Text 847411 (TIP411), type SFPD then type your tip

Use the following numbers only for station business:

STATION Chief of Police Bayview Central Ingleside Mission Northern Park Richmond Southern Taraval Tenderloin

ADDRESS 850 Bryant St Room 525, 94103 201 Williams St., 94124 766 Vallejo St., 94133 1 Sgt. John V. Young Lane, 94124 630 Valencia St., 94110 1125 Fillmore St., 94115 1899 Waller St., 94117 461 6th Ave., 94118 850 Bryant St., 94103 2345 24th Ave., 94116 301 Eddy St., 94102

PHONE 553-1551 671-2300 315-2400 404-4000 558-5400 614-3400 242-3000 666-8000 553-1373 759-3100 345-7300

Other Law Enforcement phone numbers

Alarm Ordinance Anonymous Witness Arson Task Force District Attorney's Office Child Abduction Investigators Consumer Fraud Gang Task Force General Work Hate Crimes Homicide Juvenile (3401 - 17th St.) Narcotics/To report drug dealing Night Investigations Police Commission San Francisco County Sheriff's Department San Francisco SAFE, Inc. Vice Crimes 553-1347 575-4444 920-2944 553-1752 551-9553 553-1030 553-1814 553-1401 553-1141 553-1133 553-1145 558-5500 553-1426 553-9210 553-1667 554-7225 553-1984 553-1426

Accessing City Services

3-1-1 is an easy-to-remember telephone number that connects customers with highly-trained Customer Service Representatives ready to help you with all non-emergency City and County of San Francisco government matters. They are available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. They offer assistance in over 145 languages. Just dial 3-1-1 or call 415-701-2311 if calling from outside the 415 area code.

Emergency Preparedness Resources

www.72hours.org

San Francisco Department of Emergency Management Call: (415) 558-3800 www.sfdem.org Neighborhood Emergency Response Team Call: (415) 970-2022 American Red Cross Bay Area Call: (415) 427-8000 AlertSF: 24/7 text-based emergency info to your wireless device

www.sf-fire.org

www.bayarea-redcross.org

www.AlertSF.com

Emergency Alert System: Tune your radio to KCBS 740AM, KGO 810AM

10

HOW TO USE THIS COMMUNICATION TREE

This list can be used in case of emergencies such as crimes, earthquake, re, etc., to call neighbors for help or to make sure they are okay. When you want to report problems, news, or neighborhood meetings, please contact the Block Captain. If you cant reach the Block Captain, contact the top resident on your side. If they cant be reached contact the top resident on the other side.

11

12

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH BLOCK MAP (H- 885) 200 Block Cat Ave. - Smith 1600 Block Farm Rd. - Dillon 300 Block Sheep Rd. - Blair

13

N
Jemenize Sanford

1 3 6

1 3 0

1 2 4

JORDYN STREET 208 Holliday 220 C 222 A 209 Smith 221 223 Lopez 225 227 229 Chan 235 Gallagher 237 239 1 6 5 4 1 6 4 8 F 1 6 4 2 A 1 6 3 6 R 1 6 3 0 M 1 6 2 4 RD. 1 6 1 8 233

Sunny Park

Shelton 224 T 226 DiAngelo 228 A 230 V Nguyen 232 E 236 238

Duffy
1 1 8

1 6 5 3

1 6 4 7

1 6 4 1

1 6 3 5

1 6 2 9

Dillon
1 6 2 3 S H E E P 301 Marsh 307 313 Blair 319

SAFE 2012

WONDERLAND

14

ADDRESS

NAME

HOME NUMBER/ WORK NUMBER 555-1234 555-5678 X 89 Red Ford Ranger/ 1SGF376

CAR & LICENSE

CALL IN EMERGENCIES ONLY

SKILLS

1207

John Sir

Block Coordinator/ Speaks Russian

1210
Etc.

Mary & Allen Thompson

555-6543 555-0987

95 Purple Cavalier97 Green Montero

Knows CPR & First Aid, husband speaks Spanish

1211
Etc. Etc.

1217

1226

1231

1232

1254

1267

15

Notes:

16

Block Map and Communication Tree Questionnaire

It is agreed that this information will be used only for Block Map and Communication Tree purposes.
Name(s) Address Daytime phone Evening phone Cell phone Emergency contact Out-of-state emergency contact E-mail Children/Household Members Pet(s) Car(s) / Make & Model License Plate(s) Special Medical Information (please state if you have special needs or require special assistance in an emergency) Skills and equipment that are useful in an emergency response: (i.e., first aid, CPR, carpentry, generator, chain saw, etc.) NERT Trained?

17