BUREAU OF RANGER SERVICES

Massachusetts

Park Watch

• Develop partnerships between various agencies to provide a crime free environment within parks for all citizens to enjoy.

• Arrange a statewide network of local and state law enforcement officials to support community policing within parks.

• Educate park staff with crime prevention strategies and tips.

• Support community policing endeavors by enlisting the participation of park users and neighboring residents to create a natural civilian surveillance system.

• Display park watch signs to publicize park staff and park visitor participation.

• Emphasize park crime prevention messages by displaying signs and distributing educational brochures to park users.

What is Park Watch

Park Watch is a cooperative effort to encourage crime prevention practices by park staff, law enforcement and park visitors to ensure a safe and crime-free park environment.

Why is there a need for

Park Watch

An incident involving theft or vandalism within a historical, scenic, or recreational park, directly effects a person's level of enjoyment.  By implementing this innovative program crime will decrease.

The following are some of the most common crime issues involving state parks across the commonwealth:

Illegal Dumping

Theft

Alcohol and Drug Use

Vandalism

Domestic Violence

Tagging

After Hours Use

Boating and Motor Vehicle Violations

Who is involved?

The Massachusetts Neighbor Crime Watch Commission within the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Department of Conservation and Recreation began their work together in December of 1995.  The partnerships grew, and outreach efforts resulted involvement with the Massachusetts State police, Massachusetts Environmental Police as well as local police departments.

How does Park Watch Work?

Park watch is enlisting the eyes and ears of DCR's visitors to report illegal or suspicious activity, vandalism, hazardous conditions, illegal dumping, park maintenance needs or violations of DCR rules and regulations.

Park Watch encourages law enforcement agencies with concurrent jurisdiction to work together, participate in park watch events, share information, and support volunteer's efforts.

Participants in Park Watch include: Mountain Bike Groups, Hikers, Sportsmen, Campers, Scouts, Conservation Agents, DPW/Construction Workers, Friends Groups

How does Park Watch contribute to Environmental Protection?

The Park Watch Program will help protect our natural resources by making park visitors more conscientious of their surroundings and by increasing safety and security within the parks.  Although crime in state parks has not reached epidemic proportions, the incidents that do occur influence the visitor's decision whether to return for another visit.

Participants:

Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation

Massachusetts Environmental Police

Massachusetts State Police

Municipal Police Departments