The House Watch Program was developed to assist Jackson County residents when they leave their home on vacation, work or unexpectedly and are concerned about the safe keeping of their property. The program was first implemented in the early 1980's by the Crime Prevention Unit. But as the requests grew and police service requests increased, we were unable to service all the requests for property inspections. The program was suspended for approximately a year and limited to extreme cases where there were documented instances of prior burglaries or home invasions. In March 1997 the Department in cooperation with Century Cellunet created the City Watch Program. The program uses Citizen Police Academy graduates to help patrol homes when residents are on vacation or away for extended periods. The police trained volunteers, outfitted with proper identification, cellular phones, and highly visible wind breakers, operate Jackson County Sheriff's Department vehicles conduct regular security checks and report suspicious activities to 911.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
Before residents depart on vacation, they contact the Jackson County Sheriff's Department and obtain a Vacation/ Security Check form to complete. Citizen Patrol Deputies will check only the exterior of the residence and report possible illegal entry or suspicious activities.

We have provided the House Watch form, click here ( 82 KB) Download the form, fill it out then send to your printer. Once completed either mail or drop off the form to the Jackson County Sheriff's Department at 212 W. Wesley Street Jackson, Michigan 49201.

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