A Neighborhood Watch is Not a Neighborhood Justice System

George Zimmerman has pulled the nation's focus to questions about what a neighborhood watch truly is. With changes in gun law, crime on the rise and citizens feeling more empowered about taking action, we need to address this issue and make it clear to everyone that a neighborhood watch is just that; a watch. When we allow citizens to feel they can make these decisions on their own, we will begin to revert back to more lawless days.

It is completely understandable that any American wants to protect their home and family. It is obviously understandable that to do that, it is important to monitor what is happening within your neighborhood and increase awareness. By staying aware and communicating with your neighbors, you create a net of people who want to protect each other, through protection of their own. The real problem with a neighborhood watch is when people interpret it too mean neighborhood police.

If you try to handle any situation that happens in your neighborhood, that would normally require a call to the police, you should not be trying to resolve the problem. There are trained professionals who are paid to ensure the safety of citizens. If the situation is an immediate concern, such as imminent harm, that you did not put yourself in the way of, then of course you should be a good samaritan and help. Outside of trying to help someone in harm's way, neighborhood watch members need to be more active on the phone and less justified in taking action.