Broadening the Appeal of Neighborhood Watch

Often, the simplest ideas shine brightest. So it is with a unique video produced by the Los Angeles Police Department’s West Valley Division that seeks to get more Latino residents involved in their neighborhoods. The Spanish language video debuted on local cable television stations last week and explains Neighborhood Watch programs to recent immigrants who are often afraid to call police.

So simple--and so surprising that no one had done it earlier. Under the direction of Sgt. Danny Mastro, the half-hour video uses a talk-show format to discuss how Neighborhood Watch works and explains how residents can establish a program of their own. Despite their growing numbers in the San Fernando and surrounding valleys, immigrant Latinos are less likely to participate in Neighborhood Watch programs than white residents or native-born Latinos. Other cities with large immigrant populations--whether Latino or Asian or Armenian--report similar problems in getting new residents involved in policing their neighborhoods.

Part of the problem: Many immigrants fled countries where police officers are often no better than the criminals. Some immigrants are afraid to call police to report a crime. Then there are language barriers: No good Spanish translation even exists for “Neighborhood Watch.” A few showings of the LAPD’s video won’t allay fears overnight, but it’s a good start and one that jibes neatly with the goals of community-based policing.

As a community changes, so must its policing. Other communities such as Glendale understand this and, like Los Angeles, are reaching out to recent immigrants in their native languages. Teaching immigrants not to fear men and women with badges is the first step toward bringing them into the culture and society of their adopted home. Neighborhood Watch programs help keep crime down, yes, but they also demand that neighbors of different backgrounds and beliefs cooperate toward a common goal. Exposing immigrants to that kind of environment quickly speeds their transition into the mainstream as they learn both the rights and responsibilities of citizenship at the most basic level--the neighborhood.