The current system of neighborhood watches began developing as a response to the rape and murder of Kitty Genovese in Queens, New York.  People became outraged that many witnesses did nothing to save Genovese or to apprehend her killer. Some locals formed groups to watch over their neighborhoods and to look out for any suspicious activity in their areas.

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A group of Lincoln Hills residents met in May, 2000, to discuss and initiate plans to establish Neighborhood Watch – a highly effective mutual assistance program developed by citizens in cooperation with law enforcement to reduce crime and increase security in their community.  At subsequent meetings, Lt. Paul Shelgren of the Lincoln Police Department, as well as other representatives from local public safety agencies provided useful information.  Lt. Shelgren continues to serve as liaison to the group.

During the summer of 2000, a committee of nine volunteers began to organize watch teams based on mail box locations and to meet individually with residents to gather information and to encourage them to participate and to choose a Mail Box Captain.  Village Coordinators were selected to serve on a Neighborhood Watch steering committee and to appoint a general program coordinator.  By the end of July 2000, 123 teams had been formed, and the process continues as the community increases in size.

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As of Fall 2010, there are 77 Villages (including A, B, C, D and E designations), approximately 93 Village Coordinators and more than 753 Mail Box Captains.  

Updated November 2010