Quarterly Public Safety

Neighborhood Watch is a community oriented program in which neighbors come together to resolve problems in their neighborhood by forming community relationships and working closely with their local law enforcement agency. The Lyon County Sheriff's Office serves as the facilitator of Fernley Neighborhood Watch, and program success requires a sustained community effort, in which residents help prevent crime in their neighborhoods by working as a team of good witnesses. "Observe and report" are the fundamentals of the Neighborhood Watch Program nationwide.

The meeting is held on the 4th Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. at City Hall (595 Silver Lace Boulevard). (Meeting dates and times may be subject to change due to holiday scheduling - please check the City's Calendar on the website for posted dates and times). This is an opportunity for Fernley Neighborhood Watch groups to come together and assist one another with resolving neighborhood issues, there are important speakers who attend the meetings, and it is a meeting where citizens interested in starting a new Neighborhood Watch group can obtain information and get started. Additionally, the Lyon County Sheriff Officer in conjunction with the City of Fernley organize and facilitate the meeting in order to provide resources and problem solving.

Neighborhood Watch Chain of Command

 Neighborhood Watch is one of the most effective ways to build a safe and healthy neighborhood. Through the Neighborhood Watch program you will learn how to prevent and reduce crime, address home and personal security, and build a sense of community in your neighborhood.

A Little History: In 1972, the National Sheriffs Association created a model program for today's Neighborhood watch program. At that time, police chiefs were searching for ways to address the increasing burglary rate across the country. It was recognized that in communities where residents observed, recognized and reported suspicious and criminal activities to their law enforcement agencies, the burglary rate dropped and other crimes were reduced. Today, Neighborhood Watch is the largest single organized crime prevention project in the nation.

Since its inception, the Neighborhood Watch Program has been a major factor in reducing crime in neighborhoods utilizing the program. Neighborhood Watch encourages neighbors to know each other and watch out for each other. A good neighbor is a highly effective crime prevention tool. Watch groups create a sense of community and pride by becoming unified in their desire to have a safe and healthy neighborhood.


Benefits of Neighborhood Watch 

1. Reduces fear of crime.

2. Deters criminal activity.

3. Stimulates neighborhood awareness by people watching out for each other.

4. Reduces the risk of becoming a crime victim.

5. Trains residents on securing their homes and property, recognizing and reporting suspicious and criminal activity, and communicating with neighbors.

6. Residents receive information by the Lyon County Sheriff's Office on criminal activity in or near their neighborhood so residents can take precautions, and be the eyes and ears for law enforcement.

7. Offers a variety of training opportunities.

8. Offers updated crime prevention literature and information.

9. Encourages block parties, visiting with neighbors, and having fun in your neighborhood.

Neighborhood Watch does not promote vigilantism. Members of Neighborhood Watch groups are never asked to put themselves in harm’s way to prevent crime. They should only observe and report suspicious activities to the Sheriff's Office. This leaves the responsibility for confronting and apprehending criminals where it belongs-with your Lyon County Sheriff's Office.

How Can I Start a Neighborhood Watch?

First, click on the link for the “Neighborhood Watch Manual" for information on the basics of putting your Neighborhood Watch group together. The links and numbers that follow are more tools to help create a successful Neighborhood Watch group in your area.

Then talk to the neighbors on your street, block, or cul-de-sac. You should decide on a date(s) when your group will hold its first meeting. Neighborhood Watch meetings are usually held on weeknights at around 6:30 p.m., as a rule. Then contact the Lyon County Sheriff's Neighborhood Watch Officer to schedule your meeting with an officer. Please plan to schedule your meeting four to six weeks in advance.

The typical first meeting of a Neighborhood Watch group will include discussion of Neighborhood Watch and Home Security. To qualify for the installation of a Neighborhood Watch sign on your block or street, at least half (50%) of the households must attend the meeting and complete the recommended home security measures. A "Street List," which includes at least the names and addresses of each member, should be made and distributed to each member. This should be kept in a safe place near the telephone to aid in reporting suspicious activities to police. To maintain status as an active Neighborhood Watch group, the group must have a meeting at least once a year. Of course, Neighborhood Watch groups are encouraged to get together as often as they wish for block parties, BBQs, neighborhood cleanups, etc.

KEEPING IT TOGETHER
Now that you have your group formed, how do you keep the members interested and involved? One of the best aspects of an active Neighborhood Watch group is the opportunity it affords neighbors to get to know each other. Effective Neighborhood Watch groups hold block parties, BBQs, or other social and holiday events in addition to their annual meetings. These activities give neighbors a chance to meet and get to know each other. These events can be used to include new residents and introduce them to the neighbors. These activities help develop a sense of community among neighbors. Neighbors are much more likely to notice and report something amiss at the home of someone they know as opposed to someone they don't.

Effective Neighborhood Watch groups maintain their Street Lists and assure that all members have one available. These lists, which list members’ names and addresses, are invaluable when reporting activity to law enforcement. Members of effective groups also stay in touch with each other and share information on criminal activity in the neighborhood so everyone is aware of what is going on. The members also work together to solve neighborhood problems which might arise such as speeding vehicles, lack of lighting, etc. Involving your group in these activities will help keep the interest and activity level high. Experience has shown that the greater the involvement and interest of the neighborhood residents the more effective the group will be in achieving its primary goal, which is making the neighborhood a safer, more attractive place to live.

Donors & Corporate Supporters

Fernley Neighborhood Watch is proud to thank the wonderful partners we have developed through the program. The individuals, organizations, and corporations listed here support the efforts of the Neighborhood Watch program in our community.

Our Supporters include:

  • Fernley City Council
  • Lyon County Sheriff's Office
Lyon County Badge