Vecinos Vigilantes: Neighbors Working Together for Safety
Like many neighborhoods in the United States, Canada, and beyond, Amapas is not free from crime. In 2020, the Amapas Neighborhood Association (ANA) brought back an idea seen in other communities – connecting neighbors and local authorities to improve safety and strengthen community bonds. Partnering with the Department of Prevention from our local police, we launched the “Vecinos Vigilantes” (Neighborhood Watch) program.
This program uses WhatsApp to quickly connect residents with helpful authorities who can respond to issues. It is open to all ANA members, and businesses or Full Building Members can display large Vecinos Vigilantes signs to show their involvement.
Two Types of Groups
The Association runs two kinds of WhatsApp groups to meet different needs.
Emergency Groups These connect directly to the police and other emergency authorities. All messages in this group must be in Spanish to ensure clear communication. This group is only for urgent emergencies that require immediate attention from authorities. Keep in mind, this group does NOT replace calling 9-1-1.
Community Groups These focus on local improvements, such as noise concerns, lost pets, service recommendations, or community events. Each group covers a specific area: South Amapas (light blue on the map), Lower Amapas (yellow), and Upper Amapas (green).
Building Trust and Community Spirit
This initiative has created a stronger sense of community in Amapas. Neighbors watch out for one another, share information, and work together to keep the area safe. WhatsApp has been a valuable tool, allowing quick alerts about potential hazards and direct communication with police chiefs and commanders.
The program builds trust between residents and authorities, while also giving members a voice in safety matters. Vecinos Vigilantes has become one of our neighborhood’s strongest resources, protecting residents from risks and crime while fostering an engaged, caring community.
How to Join
Membership in any Vecinos Vigilantes group requires two things: agreeing to the Terms of Service and holding an active ANA membership (individual, Full Building, or business).
To join, contact our office with your ANA membership details, the group(s) you wish to join, and your active WhatsApp number.
Your participation matters. By joining, you help create a safer, more connected neighborhood where everyone feels valued and protected. Together, we can continue making Amapas a place we are all proud to call home.
