Community Outreach

Neighborhood Watch is a community policing partnership program that rapidly expanded nationwide in the 1970s to combat significant increases in residential crime. Neighborhood Watch depends on citizen involvement to discourage crime and reduce the fear of crime, by taking an active role in immediately reporting to police any unusual activities or suspicious behavior.

Keeping Our Community Safe

LCPD Community Liaison Officer oversees the Neighborhood Watch program for Las Cruces. He can help answer questions and speak at Neighborhood Watch group meetings. LCPD believes that strong Neighborhood Watch programs are beneficial in keeping our community safe.

Getting a Group Started

• Speak to the neighbors in your area to discuss interest and plan a Neighborhood Watch “Start-Up” meeting.
• Contact the Community Liaison Officer, Charli Velasco, by email or call 575-741-5895 to schedule the meeting.
• Once the meeting has been scheduled, use your neighbors to promote and stimulate interest in the event.

Requirements

A group must have a Neighborhood Watch “Start-Up” Meeting with the Community Liaison Officer. At the end of the start-up meeting, a Neighborhood watch activation will be completed and signed by the primary and secondary Block Captains. Groups must have a minimum of one meeting per year including the community liaison officer (although more than one meeting a year is recommended). Maintain an open line of communication with the community liaison officer when necessary.

Costs

There are no required costs to start a neighborhood watch group. Once a group is established, the city will install and maintain street-side Neighborhood Watch signage as long as the group stays active. The signs are subject to removal if a group becomes inactive. Additional signage and products are available. Neighborhood Watch products such as the following can be purchased by residents or groups interested in starting or enhancing a Neighborhood Watch program:

• Decals
• Handbooks
• Signs
• Starter Kits
• Stickers

Products can be found on the National Neighborhood Watch Institute Website.

Benefits

There are many benefits to participating in a Neighborhood Watch program. Beyond preventing crime and reducing fear, Neighborhood Watch builds pride, forges bonds among block residents, improves citizen/police relations, and can address other block issues and concerns like child safety, youth development, senior citizen welfare and the overall quality of life.

Education

Participants receive an excellent, on-going education from police on many topics including:

• Basic crime prevention measures to safeguard you, your home, and your valuables
• Being vigilant, cooperative surveillance, and recognizing suspicious activity
• Direct telephone contacts to police agencies
• Experts to speak, instruct, or train at your block get together
• Frequent patrol checks on temporarily vacated homes
• How to deal with suspected drug activity
• How to handle city ordinance “nuisance” violations
• How to have graffiti removed or cleaned

Setting up a Neighborhood Watch Program

Residents of Las cruces, those who reside within city limits, may contact the Las Cruces Police Department for assistance in setting up a Neighborhood Watch program.  Community Liaison Officer Charli Velasco will assist in providing information that is helpful in establishing a successful Neighborhood Watch program.

Risk

Also, please remember:  You are not being asked to take personal risks.  You’re participating in a Neighborhood Watch program to serve as extra “eyes and ears” for the police and each other and to promptly report information on crimes and suspicious activities in your neighborhood.

A live monthly meeting that is intended to promote understanding, collaboration, and informed dialogue on important topics with Las Cruces residents. The Community Outreach Team presents on various topics, sharing information, resources, education, prevention, and awareness. Bridging the Badge can be viewed at CLC-TV.

Special Olympics Torch Run

Las Cruces Police officers join other area law enforcement agencies in raising funds for Special Olympics in the annual Torch Run. Officers from area law enforcement agencies annually begin the run in Sunland Park, NM, and head north to Las Cruces where they rally with Special Olympics athletes. The Torch Run then continues heading north to Albuquerque where the Special Olympics Games have held annually each May.

LCPD runners sell Law Enforcement Torch Run T-shirts, pins, and wrist bands. All proceeds are given to Special Olympics where they help pay for travel and other expenses.

National Night Out

LCPD annually participates in the National Night Out campaign where officers and administrators are available to meet and chat with citizens. Numerous civic groups and organizations, businesses and other law enforcement agencies also participate to collectively show their pride in the community. LCPD and other law enforcement agencies are available to discuss their crime and drug prevention programs.

Leadership Summer Camp

The free camp – presented by LCPD School Resource Officers – includes two 1-week sessions. The camp aims to build confidence and self-esteem within students while emphasizing the importance of teamwork. Campers will build a rapport with police officers and learn some of the responsibility’s officers face on a daily basis.

Coffee with a Cop

This event is hosted a few times a year at different coffee shop locations across Las Cruces. It gives Las Cruces residents an opportunity to stop by for a free cup of coffee, meet with LCPD officers and share any concerns they may have about safety in Las Cruces. Check out our upcoming events and social media platforms for information on upcoming locations.

LCPD Town Hall

The meeting will serve as an opportunity for residents to connect with LCPD officials, gain insights into current initiatives, ask questions, and contribute to the ongoing efforts in promoting safety within the community. The townhall will be live streamed on the City’s YouTube channel.

DEA Takeback

The prescription drug take-back event is open to anyone who wants to properly dispose of prescription drugs. Residents are encouraged to drop off expired, unused, or unwanted prescription drugs – in pill or patch form. Vape- related items, with batteries removed, will also be accepted. However, liquid or needles will not be accepted.

Bataan Memorial Death March

A team of LCPD officers and civilians band together to show support by participating in the annual Bataan Memorial Death March in the month of March. The Bataan Memorial Death March traverses the high desert terrain of White Sands Missile Range and Las Cruces in a challenging trek honoring the heroic service members who defended the Philippine Islands during World War II.

Window Vin Etching

VIN etching is a countermeasure to motor vehicle theft. Etching the vehicle’s VIN onto multiple areas of a vehicle reduces the value of a stolen vehicle and increases the likelihood that a stolen vehicle can be identified and recovered. This free etching of vehicle identification numbers to automobile windows is provided a few times a year.

Kickball

To celebrate Las Cruces city 5th graders moving onto Middle School, LCPD selects two elementary schools each year and host an end of year event. The youth and staff battle LCPD in an exciting game of kickball.

Toys for Tots

In partnership with the Toys for Tots program, LCPD facilitates opportunities for the community to provide generous donations that contribute to the spirit of giving for children in Dona Ana County.

Annual Events in Partnership with LCPD

Battle of the Badges

This boxing event organized by the Las Cruces Professional Fighters Union #2362, in collaboration with other agencies where competitors go head-to-head fighting for the title. The proceeds from event benefit several local charities in Las Cruces.

Electric Light Parade

The city of Las Cruces hosts a free, family-favorite event the night before July 4, the parade includes floats and cars draped in lights lining Las Cruces’ Street. https://www.visitlascruces.com/events/annual-events-festivals/ 

Winter Holiday Tree Lighting

Each year Visit Las Cruces host the annual Las Cruces Tree Lighting on Plaza de Las Cruce. This event includes live music, giveaways, refreshments, family activities, a visit from Santa and much more. LCPD attends each year connecting with the community encouraging holiday spirit. https://www.visitlascruces.com/events/annual-events-festivals

¡mira! Las Cruces

LCPD is a proud supporter of the yearly event hosted by Visit Las Cruces. ¡mira! Las Cruces is a free, family-friendly event highlighting the art and culture, cuisine, music, and outdoor recreation that make the city and its surrounding communities one of a kind.  https://www.visitlascruces.com/events/annual-events-festivals/