The BHNA Block Watch began in July 2011 and has grown to more than 50 households and represents 26 out of 31 neighborhood blocks. If you would like to learn more about Block Watch, e-mail our Block Watch coordinator or contact Rebekah Ziesemer, Olympia Police Department, Community Programs, at (360) 753-8578.
The goal of Block Watch is to reduce crime by educating the community, increasing reporting, and improving communication among neighbors and between neighborhood groups and the police.
If you see something that concerns you in the neighborhood, feel free to reach out directly to a police officer. Until a new neighborhood liaison officer is assigned to the east side of Olympia in 2022, e-mail Sergeant Paul Frailey. If there is an emergency, call 9-1-1.
If what concerns you involves a neighbor’s home or property, in addition to reaching out to a police officer, try to notify the neighbor. It is good practice to exchange emergency contact information with your immediate neighbors so that you can notify each other of suspicious activity.
Common crimes in our neighborhood include vehicle prowl and theft, burglary, and vandalism. For information about specific locations and types of crimes, Olympia Police Department sends out a weekly update and an interactive map. E-mail Rebekah Ziesemer to receive the weekly update.
BHNA Block Watch maintains a phone tree for serious emergencies that may impact the whole neighborhood, such as fire, earthquake, or active shooter. The phone tree will be activated when the City of Olympia notifies the BHNA Block Watch coordinator of an emergency. The BHNA Block Watch coordinator immediately will contact the neighbors listed on the top of the phone tree, who then will notify the next people on the list. In this way, news of the emergency spreads swiftly through the neighborhood so neighbors can take action to protect themselves.
All neighbors are invited to participate in Block Watch and the phone tree. Please e-mail the Block Watch coordinator to join.
Block Watch Brochure from the City of Olympia
Crime Free Addendum of sample language for lease agreements; consult with an attorney for legal accuracy
Home Security Checklist of crime prevention tips