How To Start a Neighborhood Watch Group

Each week, South Cobb Patch will feature tips to help you prevent crime in South Cobb and make it a safe community.

This week, Cobb Police Officer Mike Bowman offers tips on how to start a neighborhood watch. Also, check out recent

Steps to Starting Your Own Neighborhood Watch Group:

1. Download the Citizens Awareness Program brochure from the following: http://police.cobbcountyga.gov/downloads/citizen_awareness.pdf

2. Get at least 50 percent of the homeowners or apartment residents in your subdivision, neighborhood or apartment community to sign the Neighborhood Watch Petition, which is included in the above mentioned brochure. (The petition needs to include the name, address and phone number for each petitioner.)

3. Fax the completed petition to 770-499-4196 to the attention of the Crime Prevention Unit OR mail the petition to 140 N. Marietta Parkway, Marietta, Georgia 30008, to the attention of the Crime Prevention Unit.

4. Call the Cobb Police Crime Prevention Unit office after faxing or mailing the petition and speak directly with Officer Mike Bowman (contact information is listed below) to schedule your startup meeting.  If no one answers the phone, please leave a message.

**Preferred meeting times are Tuesday or Thursday nights at 7 p.m.

You can contact Officer Mike Bowman of the Cobb County Police Department's Crime Prevention Unit at:

• 140 N. Marietta Parkway N.W., Marietta, Georgia 30060,

• by phone at 770-499-4134

• or email at Michael.Bowman@CobbCounty.org. (preferred method)