Join the NWP
New Members and Prospective members may sign up to volunteer for patrols by contacting the Community Coordinator . Every month there will be a 30 minute training session for new volunteers. New volunteers will also be assigned to an experienced patrol volunteer for their first patrol watch.
In general, a Neighborhood Watch patrol is a non-confrontational, observation and reporting service provided to the neighborhood. Leave policing and law enforcement to the trained professionals at the Oxnard Police Department. The group never serves as an extension of City Code Enforcement.
If suspected criminal activity is observed while on patrol, report it immediately using a cellular telephone (805-385-8307). Be sure to identify yourself as a member of the RiverPark Neighborhood Watch. Withdraw to a location where you can continue to observe the suspected crime location and record notes until the police arrive. There are more specific suggestions provided in the Patrol Guidance section of this website.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do patrols take up a lot of time?
2. When can I do my patrols?
3. How often am I assigned patrols?
4. Do I do patrols alone?
5. Are patrols dangerous?
6. Does it cost money to be a part of the NWP?
7. I don't have time to do patrols, is there another way I can help with the NWP?
8. Has the NWP been effective in our community?
9. Does our NWP collaborate with other NWP in Oxnard?
10. How do I join?
Something to Think About
1. Do patrols take up a lot of time?
Patrols are easy and don't take up a lot of time. Patrols last 30 - 45 minutes depending on the area being covered. You are only required to do 2 patrols over a two week period for at least 30 minutes each. That's only 1 hour of your time in 2 weeks!
Back to Top
2. When can I do my patrols?
You may already be out walking your dog and/or going for a jog. All you would have to do is make note of anything suspicious, any graffiti around the neighborhood, and/or park trash cans being filled to its capacity and then report it to the Watch Coordinator so the coordinator can have it taken care of as soon as possible.
Back to Top
3. How often am I assigned patrols?
Depending on the number of volunteers, you may only be assigned 1 patrol (2 weeks) over a 2 - 3 month period.
Back to Top
4. Do I do patrols alone?
No, you do not do patrols alone. Most patrols are assigned in pairs and can be made up of existing members of the organization or with spouses. We do not encourage you to do patrols alone.
Back to Top
5. Are patrols dangerous?
No, patrols are not dangerous. However, there is always the potential that it may be if you witness a crime in progress. Please remember to do your patrols in pairs and take a cell phone with you at all times in case of an emergency.
Back to Top
6. Does it cost money to be a part of the NWP?
No, there is no charge for being a part of the organization nor do we anticipate charges in the future.
Back to Top
7. I don't have time to do patrols, is there another way I can help with the NWP?
Yes! You can always keep an eye out for suspcious activities, graffiti, trash, etc. and report it to the Watch Coordinator. You can also donate flashlights, paper, old digital cameras, clip boards, black electric tape, etc. These are items frequently used during our patrols. Finally, the most important thing you can do to help is to tell all of your friends and neighbors about our program to see if they want to get involved.
Back to Top
8. Has the NWP been effective in our community?
Yes! Graffiti is usually reported to the Community Coordinator and Watch Coordinator within 24-48 hours. After the report is made, clean up occurs within 24 hours. We have been able to keep graffiti to a minimum. We have also helped the Oxnard Police Department identify some of the individuals responsible for the graffiti. Trash at parks has also been dealt with in a timely manner which has kept our parks clean.
Back to Top
9. Does our NWP collaborate with other NWP in Oxnard?
Yes, we are in contact with the El Rio West Neighborhood Council representative (located near the Trellis Neighborhood and Vineyard Park) about the graffiti problem at RiverPark. Check our website in the near future for an update.
10. How do I join?
Contact the Community Coordinator. Then sign up for an upcoming patrol training which lasts approximately 30 minutes. After you've completed the training, you'll be assigned a "mentor" to show you how to do a patrol. If an Oxnard Police Officer is available, we can schedule a ride-along which will offer you a different perspective on patrols.
Back to Top
Something to Think About
A Word from our Oxnard Police Department Beat Coordinator, Officer Rangel: "When somebody asks why should we have a NW, it's because you're cultivating a partnership between community, police, schools, and in this case,...the builders to maintain a high level quality of life. Remember, with time the population is going to grow. With growth comes crime, traffic, and other issues related to quality of life."
Back to Top
The RiverPark Neighborhood Watch Program is supported by:
