Dog Walker Watch? The Crime Prevention Program You Didn’t Know You’re Already Part Of

Earlier this week, we shared how U.S. Attorney C. Todd Gilbert and members of the Western District of Virginia fanned out across nearly a dozen cities to take part in National Night Out, joining neighbors in Roanoke, Woodstock, Louisa, Pulaski, and beyond. Their presence underscored the Justice Department’s commitment to building trust, strengthening community bonds, and engaging directly with the people they serve.

But Gilbert and his team were far from alone.

From Vanderburgh County, Indiana, where the Prosecutor’s Office posted proudly about joining National Night Out in Evansville, to Alexandria, Virginia, where community hubs like Casa Chirilagua hosted safety demos and meet-and-greets, the message was the same: We’re stronger when we show up—for each other and for our neighborhoods.

According to Awareness Days, “Every August, National Night Out brings neighbours, community members, and law enforcement together for a night of unity—building trust, strengthening community bonds, and celebrating safety. It’s a shared moment to connect, collaborate, and reaffirm that communities thrive when we know each other.” Each year, approximately 38 million people across more than 16,000 communities take part in this powerful evening of connection and collaboration.

This year, that shared moment unfolded coast to coast on Tuesday, August 5, as residents turned on porch lights, locked their doors, and stepped outside to meet the people who help keep their communities safe—not just officers and first responders, but each other.

And while the cookouts and block parties are crowd-pleasers, one of the most impactful crime prevention programs highlighted during National Night Out is also one of the simplest: Dog Walker Watch.

Developed by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW)—the same group that launched National Night Out in 1984—Dog Walker Watch turns everyday routines into powerful tools for public safety. With over 88 million dog owners in the U.S. and more than 2,000 communities participating in the program, DWW empowers neighbors already walking their dogs to serve as extra eyes and ears for law enforcement.

The program’s focus is clear: people are not suspicious—behavior is. Through a one-hour training offered by local departments, participants learn to recognize red flags such as:

• Vehicles driving slowly or parked in unusual spots
• Strangers peering into windows or mailboxes
• Individuals knocking on doors with odd or inconsistent stories
• People carrying bulky household items at strange hours
• Inappropriate clothing for the weather (coats and gloves in summer)
• Loitering with no clear purpose

Importantly, you don’t need to own a dog to participate. The program is open to anyone who walks their neighborhood regularly and is willing to stay alert and report concerns. Some departments offer DWW-branded dog scarves, bowls, and handouts as part of the outreach effort.

As Awareness Days explains, National Night Out is about more than just crime prevention—it’s about breaking isolation, fostering inclusion, and reminding neighbors that safety is a collective effort. Whether it’s a sheriff chatting with kids at a bounce house in a small town or a federal prosecutor shaking hands at a local YMCA event, these moments matter. They build relationships that translate into safer, stronger communities.

This year’s turnout—featuring engagement from offices like Todd Gilbert’s in Virginia, local prosecutors in Indiana, and city officials in Alexandria—is a powerful signal that community policing is alive and well. And programs like Dog Walker Watch ensure the momentum continues long after the tents come down.

To learn more about bringing Dog Walker Watch to your neighborhood, visit: https://natw.org/dog-walker-watch

To explore training and certification programs for law enforcement and public safety professionals, visit: www.acpionline.com