The notion that citizens should help prevent crime watching the streets as well as the homes and businesses of their neighbors on a voluntary basis extends all the way back in time to Colonial Philadelphia. In fact, the passage of the "Safe Streets" bill on July 1, 1700 marked the beginning of Town Watch in Philadelphia. Under the bill, the Council of Philadelphia appointed a watchman who patrolled the streets at night, ringing his bell to advise citizens and constables of disorders and dangers. An expanded version of the original Watch was instituted in 1705, and continued for forty-six years, until a paid police force was established.

In Tacony, a section of Northeast Philadelphia, a Town Watch was formed in 1982. It's purpose is the same as colonial days, to watch the streets and help prevent crime. Tacony Town Watch extends a warm welcome to those individuals who wish to become a part of its organization. Membership is offered to those people over the age of 18 who either reside or maintain an interest in the community. Members receive the finest training available and learn many things in regard to law enforcement. The number one rule that a Town Watcher learns is that he or she is not an officer of the law, but are the "eyes and ears" of the Police. Being a member of Town Watch has many rewards. The most important is acquiring a sense of pride knowing that you are giving to your community. For more than 200 years, Town Watch has proven to be an effective crime prevention tool. Its effectiveness can be maximized if Town Watchers learn through training the parameters of the role, proper Town Watch procedures, and the crime prevention context in which Town Watchers operate.