Business Watch

What is Business Watch?

Business Watch is modeled after Neighborhood Watch and takes the concept of ‘neighbors looking out for neighbors to the commercial level.  The program creates a partnership between businesses, law enforcement, and other organizations that represent business interests.  By taking control of what happens in your business community, you lessen your chances of becoming a victim.

There are some fundamental steps that successful groups adhere to:

• Promote communication and understanding between law enforcement and business.
• Encourage and enhance cooperation among merchants.
• Teach merchants to crime-proof their properties, watch over neighboring businesses, and document and report suspicious activity.
• Develop a phone tree and/or email distribution list to quickly disseminate information about area crime.
• Develop signals to activate in adjacent businesses when someone needs help.

Program Benefits

When you start a Business Watch program on your street or block you take an important step toward a safer environment for yourself, your employees, and your customers…and your community as a whole.  Business Watch offers the benefit of:

• Networking with other area businesses.
• Fostering a good working rapport with area law enforcement.
• Offer employee education and training.
• Garner publicity and community goodwill for your establishment.

For more information please contact:

Catherine L  Davis |V21012
Volunteers in Police Services Program
Neighborhood Watch Liaison
District 1
Denver Police Department
p: 720.527.9726
catherine.davis@denvergov.org