Crime Watch

Community Partnership

Core Functions

The goals and objectives of Community Crime Watches have not changed over the years, but the tools and techniques used to achieve those objectives have evolved with technology and new concepts in crime prevention.

Suspicious activity reporting initiatives such as “See Something, Say Something” lead to more criminal contacts.
Increased communication between neighbors and neighborhoods helps keep people involved and informed.
Use of technology like Facebook Groups, Ring Neighbors App, Nextdoor App and text groups improve information sharing.
- Apps are checked daily by SJSO, but not monitored 24/7.
- Users can share Ring device footage with different defined geographic areas.
Residents are discouraged from contacting or confronting suspicious people or vehicles for their own safety.
- Residents are often baited into confrontations by people seeking social media exposure.
- “Constitutional” Activists will purposefully attempt to draw in residents, security or law enforcement.
- HOA/CDDs and representatives can be sued for confrontations on behalf of HOA/CDD or on HOA/ CDD property.

Signs

Community Partnership Crime Watch signs are available for purchase from the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.

Reporting

Reporting suspicious activity, people or vehicles at the earliest possible time is the key to crime prevention and intervention.

Calling or texting information to 911 or the non-emergency number 904-824-8304 will get help on the way
- Put 911 or 9048248304 after TO: where you would put the phone number
- Type the incident information in the body of the text.
- You will first receive an automated response so you know the text went through.
- A communications operator will then take over the conversation.
Be sure to let the operator know if any weapons are seen or threatened.
Make note of suspect/vehicle description, license plate, last known location and direction of travel.
Criminals will avoid neighborhoods where quick reporting and a quick law enforcement response are typical.