Neighbourhood Watch

Neighbourhood Watch is a community-based crime prevention program that brings residents together to create safer, more connected communities. Neighbourhood Watch participants work together to stay informed about local safety concerns and deter crime through building positive community relationships.

By participating in Neighbourhood Watch, you can help create a safer environment for everyone through working together, being alert to suspicious activities, and looking out for one another.

The City of St. John's Department of Community Services, in collaboration with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC), manages and operates our Neighbourhood Watch program. The program aims to enhance public safety while fostering a stronger sense of community engagement and cooperation.

Neighbourhood Watch is a safe program that does not…

require you to patrol your neighbourhood
ask you to take on the role of the police or chase suspected criminals
encourage vigilante behaviour
involve being nosy or invasive or having your neighbours know all of your business

Neighbourhood Watch FAQ

Where are Neighbourhood Watches located?

A Neighbourhood Watch can be anywhere there are people who want to reduce and prevent crime. A street, a cul-de-sac, a block of apartments - there is room for all kinds of communities, big or small, in the program. You can help to start one in your neighbourhood, or if there is one already active, you can join anytime.

How can I learn more about Neighbourhood Watch in my area?

Contact the City's Healthy Neighbourhoods and Inclusion staff by email or by calling 709-726-0180. They will connect you with an existing Neighbourhood Watch or come to your neighbourhood with our Royal Newfoundland Constabulary partners to host an information session. Virtual sessions are also an option.

What volunteer opportunities are available with Neighbourhood Watch?

There are great opportunities to help your neighbourhood become safer. You can volunteer as an Area Coordinator, Block Captain, or Neighbourhood Watch Member.

Area Coordinator
An Area Coordinator takes a leadership role in their community

Block Captains of a neighbourhood report to the Area Coordinator with any major concerns, major crime reports, and general questions.
Liaisons with the Neighbourhood Watch office for meeting needs, questions, extra materials, etc.
Time commitment is typically less than a couple of hours a month once the Neighbourhood Watch has been established.

Block Captain

A Block Captain connects with their Area Coordinator for information and materials

Responsible for a small “block” of homes in the bigger Neighbourhood Watch
Relays information from the Area Coordinator to NW members in their "block" of houses
Keeps up-to-date information on NW Members in their “block”, and invites new neighbours to join the Neighbourhood Watch

Neighbourhood Watch Member

Neighbourhood Watch Members are the main body of the Watch

They are alert to neighbourhood activity and will call the police when necessary and alert their Block Captain.

Who should I contact to report a crime or suspicious activity?

Important community numbers:

Emergency: 911

Local Police: 709-729-8000

Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-8477

Let's connect and protect!

Healthy Neighbourhoods
City of St. John's
P.O. Box 908
St. John's, NL A1B 5M2, Map this Location
Call: 709-726-0180
Email: neighbourhoodservices@stjohns.ca