Neighborhood Watch

Who can participate:
Anyone living in the unincorporated areas of Yolo County.

Getting started:

1. Talk to your neighbors and agree to form a Neighborhood Watch group.
2. Schedule your first meeting.
3. Choose a Block Captain and Co-Captain.
4. Purchase official NW signs through the National Neighborhood Watch Institute.

Before your first meeting, review information on this website and the National Neighborhood Watch Institute’s website, and share it with your neighbors.

If you have questions, contact:
Crystal Gonzalez
Crime Prevention / Community Outreach Technician
crystal.gonzalez@yolocounty.gov

How to schedule a meeting:

• Contact your neighbors to gauge interest and choose a convenient time (typically weekday evenings between 5–7 PM).
• Select a meeting location—hosting at a neighborhood home works best.
• Coordinate with the Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention/Community Outreach Tech to confirm the date and request materials.
• Distribute meeting flyers and send reminders to ensure strong attendance.

Typical meeting details:

• Attendance: 10–20 neighbors
• Duration: About 1½ hours
• Topics include:
  • Local crime trends and why crimes occur
  • How Neighborhood Watch works
  • Home and personal safety tips
  • How to recognize and report suspicious activity
  • What to expect from the Sheriff’s Office
  • Building stronger neighbor connections

During the meeting, your group can:

• Complete a neighborhood roster (names, addresses, phone numbers)
• Select your Block Captain and Co-Captain
• Decide on sign locations and order needed signs

Meeting flyer:
Create a flyer with the meeting date, time, location, host contact information, and topic: Neighborhood Watch.
👉 Download a Sample Neighborhood Watch Flyer

National Night Out is an annual celebration of neighborhood unity and crime prevention held on the first Tuesday in August.
Neighborhood Watch groups across the country host potlucks, barbecues, or block parties to strengthen community ties.

Each year, the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office visits dozens of local Neighborhood Watch events to show support and connect with residents.

We encourage every Neighborhood Watch group to participate