HOUSE WATCH PROGRAM

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention and Community Engagement Division would like to announce the creation of a House Watch Program available to all residents of Polk County.  

What is the House Watch Program? The Polk County Sheriff’s Office’s House Watch Program is a free service to residents of Polk County who will be travelling away from home overnight or for an extended period of time. Residents can sign up for the program by calling the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at (828)-894-3001 during business hours Monday through friday 8 am to 5 pm or coming by the front office and requesting to sign up for the House Watch Program. 

When signing up for the House Watch Program you will be requested to fill

out a form with basic contact and property information. When the Sheriff’s Office receives your request, a Deputy will be dispatched to your home within 24 hours and will meet with you to go over your request, travel dates, and any specific needs relating to the house watch. 

Please download the Check Request form at the bottom of the page and have it completed for the Deputy.  The house watch will begin at the requested date and continue through your return date. Pending staffing and call volume, Deputies will conduct a patrol of your home during each shift while you are away, and document the checks. Should any issues be discovered you and/or your emergency contact will immediately be contacted by Sheriff’s Office personnel at the number(s) provided.

What if I Forget to Sign Up Before I Leave Town?

If a resident forgets to sign up for the House Watch program prior to leaving town they can still call the Polk County Sheriff’s Office during business hours and request a normal documented extra patrol around the residence, but the checks will not be able to be as thorough as those offered under the House Watch Program. 

Additional Home Safety Tips When Travelling:

 Give your home the appearance of still being occupied by:

o Use a timer on lights, a radio, and even televisions.

o Arrange for lawn care and maintenance during your travels.

o Have a trusted neighbor pick up mail and newspapers or have them held

at the Post Office until your return.

 Always lock your home and vehicle doors.

 Leave a key with a trusted neighbor, friend, or relative. 

 Never hide a key on your property- Criminals are good at finding them.

 If you choose to have a neighbor watch your home while you are away make sure they have a way to contact you in case of an emergency.

While not all crime is preventable, we can dramatically reduce your chances of becoming a victim of crime by taking simple steps such as signing up for the House Watch Program. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office House Watch Program does not provided 24/7 coverage of your home, but increases the visibility of law enforcement in the area, alerts neighbors and passerby’s that the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is continuously checking the home on a regular basis, and ensures that if your home was to be affected while you are out of town, the issue will be discovered and addressed quickly and thoroughly. When you travel out of town overnight please take steps to

protect your home and property while you are away. We hope that you will allow our Deputies to aid you in that process with our House Watch Program.

Further information can be requested by email at crimeprevention@polknc.org.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention and Community Engagement Division would like to announce the creation of our Home and Business Security Assessment Program. 

What is the Home and Business Security Assessments Program? 

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office’s Home and Business Security Assessments Program is a free service to residents and business owners in Polk County. Residents and business owners can sign up for the program by calling the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at (828)-894-3001 during business hours Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm, coming by the front office and requesting to sign up for the Security Assessment Program, or emailing crimeprevention@polknc.org.

When the Sheriff’s Office receives your request, a Deputy will be dispatched to your home within 24 hours and will meet with you to conduct a site survey. The Deputy or Deputies who respond to complete the survey will have specialized training in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), and will be able to identify vulnerable areas and make recommendations to enhance the safety and security of your home or business.

While not all crime is preventable, we can help you dramatically reduce your chances of becoming a victim of crime by taking simple steps such as signing up for the Home and Business Security Assessment Program.

Further information can be requested by email at  crimeprevention@polknc.org.