Spitzer Recognizes Neighborhood Watch Programs

Attorney General Spitzer today announced that he has presented the Award of Excellence to 24 neighborhood watch and other community-based crime prevention organizations in New York State in recognition of their work in creating safer and healthier communities.

"The recipients of the Award of Excellence have made the decision that contributing to your neighborhood by planting gardens, sprucing up playgrounds, painting over graffiti, picking up litter, and conducting patrols effectuates change, builds community spirit, and improves quality of life," said Spitzer.

The award winners were honored during ceremonies at Spitzer’s Fifth Annual Neighborhood Watch Conference: Empowering and Enhancing Neighborhood Watch -- Promising Practices and Targeted Strategies.

Award recipients demonstrated a creative approach to deterring crime by using innovative strategies and proactive approaches. In addition to being the eyes and ears of law enforcement, these volunteers focus on youth involvement, after school activities, job-training, senior projects, code enforcement, beautification and economic development.

Award winners were from: Albany, Bronx, Broome, Chautauqua, Erie, Monroe, New York, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Queens, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Suffolk, and Warren counties.