Neighborhood Watch Program

We have one of the most active neighborhood watch programs in the county!


Neighborhood Watch block captains are kept constantly updated on crime trends and safety information through community alerts, and are responsible for ensuring their neighbors are receiving the information as well. Block captains also organize neighborhood meetings or discussions to talk about neighborhood safety issues.

A Board of Directors made up of concerned residents oversees the program with support from the Neighborhood Policing Unit.

SMPD's patrol lieutenants are assigned regional areas within San Mateo, and are points-of-contact for neighborhood issues.
Police officer giving high five to community member.
Neighborhood watch table at event.
Police officer with community group.
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Start a Neighborhood Watch on Your Block


Get familiar with your neighbors and help keep your block safe as a team! The Neighborhood Watch program is total resident participation and involvement in a police community cooperative battle against burglaries or other neighborhood crimes. Its primary purpose is personal and property protection for you and your neighbors.

As an extension of the eyes and ears for your police department, your involvement will directly affect the crime rate in your neighborhood. View the Neighborhood Watch Fact Sheet.

If you have any questions about Neighborhood Watch in San Mateo, please contact our Neighborhood Watch Coordinator at 650-522-7791 or email Neighborhood Watch at neighborhoodwatch@cityofsanmateo.org. 

Areas of Responsibility
San Mateo Police Department patrol lieutenants are assigned policing areas within the city, and are points-of-contact for neighborhood issues.

Area 1

Area 2

Area 3
West of US 101 from
Peninsula Avenue to Hwy. 92
(excluding the Downtown Area).		 West of US 101 from
Hwy. 92 to the Belmont border.
 East of US 101
and the Downtown Area.
Sgt. Hagan (2)
 Lt. Art Sanchez standing in front of flag.
Lt. Matt Earnshaw standing in front of tree.
Lt. Shannon Hagan
Phone: (650) 522-7683
Email:shagan@cityofsanmateo.org
Includes N. Central & Central SM		 Lt. Art Sanchez
Phone: (650) 522-7686
Email:sancheza@cityofsanmateo.org
Includes Baywood & The Village		 Lt. Matt Earnshaw
Phone: (650) 522-7627
Email:earnsha@cityofsanmateo.org
Includes Downtown SM & Central Park

Neighborhood Watch Informational Materials & Resources

National Crime Prevention Council


San Mateo Nextdoor