Neighbors on Watch (NOW)

The Ridgefield Neighbors on Watch (NOW) program, as a volunteer arm of the City of Ridgefield Police Department, helps build positive relationships between local law enforcement, communities, and residents by contributing to public safety.

About

NOW volunteers visit neighborhoods and other areas primarily on foot to serve as a visible deterrent to crime. They are tasked with noting any safety concerns and calling in any suspicious activity in real-time. Volunteers also provide extra hands to help with community events. The program helps build positive relationships between local law enforcement, communities, and residents.

Objectives

  • To foster cooperation between citizens and police officers
  • To assist the police department through observation
  • To help reduce crime and improve quality of life in our neighborhoods
  • To create a high visibility, public presence in the neighborhoods
  • To educate citizens on crime prevention
  • To unite residents for a dedicated reason
  • To increase crime awareness among the citizens of the neighborhoods
  • To provide a safe, secure environment for all neighborhood residents
  • To make a difference in your community
  • To help make law enforcement more effective and productive

Requirements for Participation

City of Ridgefield residents who are interested in making their neighborhoods safer are encouraged to apply. NOW holds volunteer training academies once a year, typically in the fall. Requirements for participation include:

  • Be over 18 years old
  • Live in the Ridgefield city limits
  • Successfully pass a thorough background investigation including fingerprints
  • Complete the initial training course of approximately 20 hours
  • Commit to volunteering a minimum of 8 hours per year at events

Informational Meeting

Tuesday, February 17, 2026
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
TMI Building, 101 Mill Street, Ridgefield
2nd Floor Conference Room

Upcoming Training Academy

Class Option 1: March 3, 17, 24
Class Option 2: April 6, 13, 20
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | TMI Building

You can join the interest list to receive more information.

Email the NOW Volunteer Coordinator, Janette Pipkin, with questions or to be added to the NOW email list.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or would like to get involved, please contact the Ridgefield Police Department at 360-887-3556 or email the NOW Volunteer Coordinator.