A Community Policing Project in Taiwan: The Developments, Challenges, and Prospects of Neighborhood Watch

Abstract

Neighborhood Watch is a community crime prevention program organized mainly by local residents to maintain order and deter crime. Neighborhood Watch is an important element of community policing in Taiwan. Relying on previous research, this study illustrates the implementation process of Neighborhood Watch in Taiwan. Starting in the 1970s, Neighborhood Watch in Taiwan evolved through several stages, shifting from a focus on moral alignment to community building and crime prevention. The central pillar of Neighborhood Watch is civilian patrol groups commonly organized by either the government at all levels as part of their civilian defense scheme or neighborhood patrol squads staffed by local volunteers. The organization and resources associated with Neighborhood Watch elucidate the government's intention to integrate the program into community policing as an effective tool for building community safety and strengthening crime prevention. It is reasonable to predict that the Taiwan government and police are likely to continue their support for the operation of Neighborhood Watch as part of collective efforts to build healthy and safe communities.