Neighbors on Watch (NOW)

About

Neighbors on Watch (NOW) is a community volunteer program to empower and train local citizens to help extend the efforts of the Ridgefield Police14 Neighbors on Watch volunteers with Police Chief Cathy Doriot Department by being the eyes and ears for safety in their communities. The volunteers patrol neighborhoods and other areas primarily on foot to serve as a visible deterrent to crime. They are tasked with noting any safety concerns and calling in any suspicious activity in real-time. Volunteers also provide extra hands to help with community and parade events. The program helps build positive relationships between local law enforcement, communities, and residents.

Objectives

  • To foster cooperation between citizens and police officers
  • To assist the police department through observation
  • To help reduce crime and improve quality of life in our neighborhoods
  • To create a high visibility, public presence in the neighborhoods
  • To educate citizens on crime prevention
  • To unite residents for a dedicated reason
  • To increase crime awareness among the citizens of the neighborhoods
  • To provide a safe, secure environment for all neighborhood residents
  • To make a difference in your community
  • To help make law enforcement more effectiPolice Volunteer Surveying a Parking Lotve and productive

Requirements for Participation

City of Ridgefield residents who are interested in making their neighborhoods safer are encouraged to apply. NOW currently holds volunteer training academies twice a year, typically spring and fall. Requirements for participation include:

  • Be over 18 years old
  • Live in the Ridgefield city limits
  • Successfully pass a thorough background investigation including fingerprints
  • Complete the initial training course of approximately 20 hours
  • Commit to volunteering a minimum of 8 hours per year at events
  • Be willing to patrol city neighborhoods

Upcoming Training Academy

The next informational meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023 from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the Clark-Cowlitz Fire Station #21, 911 N 65th Avenue, Ridgefield.

The initial training for this class will be done in 3 sessions: Tuesday, October 10th, 17th and 24th, from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm in Ridgefield.

Email the NOW Volunteer Coordinator, Janette Pipkin, with questions or to be added to the NOW email list.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or would like to get involved, please contact the Ridgefield Police Department at 360-887-3556 or email the NOW Volunteer Coordinator.