Turlock Police Department

Field Operations

Crime Prevention

Neighborhood Watch Program

About two years ago, the Turlock Police Volunteers (VIPS) volunteered to conduct Neighborhood Watch "Get Organized Trainings" for Turlock neighbors wishing to develop a Neighborhood Watch program. The efforts have been successful with the forming of about 20 new Neighborhood Watch groups. Neighborhood Watch has been a national program since the 1960’s and has demonstrated success as a simple and effective crime prevention program.

Following the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, Citizen Corps, a component of President Bush’s USA Freedom Corps initiative, was established to create opportunities for volunteers to help communities prepare for and respond to emergencies. Two elements of Citizen Corps are the national VIPS Program and Neighborhood Watch.

The VIPS provide a two hour presentation and all the materials needed for a neighborhood group to begin their program. The presentation helps citizens fine-tune the key elements for crime prevention; observation and communication.

Recently, the national Neighborhood Watch organization has developed a Business Watch program; adapting the same key elements for crime prevention in a downtown business area, shopping complex or industrial park. The Turlock Police Department, the VIPS Programs and the Downtown Property Owners Association are pleased that Turlock’s first Business Watch group has been established. Approximately 60 downtown businesses are working together to observe and communicate suspicious activity to each other, establish improved reporting to the Police Department and decrease crime in the downtown area.

To start a Neighborhood Watch or Business Watch in your area, please contact Crime Prevention Officer Taryn Weatherford at (209) 656-3153.