What Is Business Watch?

Bartow Police Department's Business Watch is modeled after Neighborhood Watch, however Business Watch takes the “neighbors looking out for neighbors” concept to the commercial level, creating a partnership between business and law enforcement, and in our case, the Bartow Chamber of Commerce. The Business Watch philosophy is straightforward—Take control of what happens in your business community and lessen your chances of becoming a victim.

Bartow Police Department has formed a partnership with the Bartow Chamber of Commerce in order to target the specific needs of the Bartow Business community. By actively working with the Chamber of Commerce, and the business community, the Bartow Police Department will be more effective in reducing crime through networking and the sharing of information.

The Business Watch Group involves implementing crime prevention measures through education and regularly meeting with business owners. Business programs may include the following programs: 

• Crime Prevention Workshops offered on a bi-monthly basis, and topics will vary according to the needs of the businesses and programs will adapt according to current crime trends, 
• Promote communication and understanding between law enforcement and business.
• Teach merchants to crime-proof their own properties, watch over neighboring businesses, and document and report suspicious activity.
• A Confidential Camera Registration Program, FREE for businesses.
• Develop a Business Watch Police Academy utilizing the Citizens Police Academy model but implementing topics specific to the business community
• Offer Security Surveys to businesses.
• Alarm Registration
• Offer employee training and education such as Violence in the Workplace, Active Shooter or Personal Safety.

 Business Police Academy begins on January 17, 2023

The first Business Police Academy will start on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 and run five sessions, concluding on March 7, 2023. The sessions will be held from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. 

The classes will include interactive “hands-on” activities to better illustrate some of the challenges law enforcement officers face daily, and to provide you with a behind-the-scenes look at the day-to-day operations of your police agency. Topics and activities will include defensive tactics and taser demonstration, radar/laser activity, Crime Scene Investigations, Shoot-Don’t Shoot Simulator, and specialty units such as K-9 and narcotics investigations.

An application process is necessary, and a criminal background check will be performed on each applicant. Please complete the attached BPA Application and FDLE Authority for Release of Information Form CJSTC-58, which must be notarized.

Class size is limited, so it is imperative that you complete your application and return it as soon as possible. The first sixteen (16) qualified applicants will be selected to attend the 2023 Business Police Academy.

To apply, complete the 2023 Business Police Academy Application and return to Bartow Police Department as soon as possible. You may email the application to CST Coordinator Lyn Bryan or drop the completed application off at 450 N. Broadway Ave.