Purpose of Business Watch:

Business Watch is a program designed to increase commercial viability and residential livability by reducing crime and the fear of crime and promoting positive communication and relationships within an area. The program partners with businesses to maintain a safe and crimefree atmosphere by using communication and crime prevention tools.

The Business Watch program treats businesses in a specific geographic area as a small city or neighborhood. As in any neighborhood, residential or commercial, it is important for “neighbors” to know each other, have mechanisms for sharing information, and understand basic crime prevention and reporting techniques. This is accomplished by creating communication networks and improving observation and crime reporting skills.

If you and a neighboring business would like to form a business watch start by contacting your neighborhood crime prevention coordinator with the Office of Neighborhood Involvement:

Jenni Bernheisel
Crime Prevention Coordinator
The Office of Neighborhood Involvement
Phone 503-823-2781
Fax 503-823-3159
Jenni.Bernheisel@ci.portland.or.us