Marquinn McDonald of Quantum Martial Arts and Fx Nozakhere started a neighborhood watch program in the Bronzeville neighborhood in Summer 2017. The program has grown in participation from the community. Since 2019, Custom Resources has been assisting to create identity and amplify participation with this effort now called Watch Guard. In 2019, Watch Guard partnered with other neighborhood watch programs to create the Community First Safe Passage Initiative to help curb car jackings and show a presence to act as a deterrent. Our goal at Custom Resources is to present this as a workable model, that can be used to help increase the peace in statistically violent neighborhoods.
Since its inception, Watchguard Chicago has become a 501(c)3 community-driven safety organization committed to rebuilding trust, reconnecting neighbors, and creating safer environments through service—not surveillance.
We believe real safety comes from people who know the community, show up consistently, and are equipped to respond with care, confidence, and accountability.
CREED
We believe every person is valuable and worthy of protection and compassion—no exceptions.
We believe safety should never come at the cost of dignity.
We believe our presence should bring calm, not fear.
We believe in stepping in, not standing by.
We believe in guiding our youth, not discarding them.
We believe in building communities where people look out for one another.
We are committed to protecting life, restoring connection, and serving with integrity—
because real safety begins with how we treat each other.
MISSION
To strengthen community safety by combining visible presence, youth engagement, and resident-led organization, creating neighborhoods where people feel protected, connected, and empowered.
SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY
1. Community Safety & Teen Takeover Intervention
We actively monitor high-risk gatherings and teen “takeovers” to prevent situations from escalating.
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Trained intervention teams on-site
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Conflict de-escalation in real time
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Safe dispersal strategies
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Engagement with youth to redirect behavior
Our focus is not enforcement—it’s intervention before harm happens.
2. Youth Engagement & Positive Redirection
We meet young people where they are and build real relationships.
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Street-level outreach and engagement
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Mentorship connections
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Resource navigation (jobs, programs, opportunities)
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Presence at community hotspots
We believe youth need guidance, not just supervision.
3. Self-Protection & Safety Training
We equip residents with tools to protect themselves and others without escalating conflict.
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Situational awareness
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Verbal de-escalation techniques
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Personal safety strategies
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Community-based response tactics
Our goal is to build confidence—not fear.
4. Block Club Formation & Neighborhood Watch
We help residents organize and take ownership of their blocks.
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Block club startup support
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Leadership development
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Communication systems (group alerts, coordination tools)
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Neighborhood watch training rooted in fairness and equity
Strong neighborhoods are built by connected neighbors.
5. Community Presence & Event Safety
We provide trusted, visible presence at community events and in everyday spaces.
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Community patrols focused on engagement
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Event safety coordination
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Rapid response to emerging tensions
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Collaboration with local stakeholders
Safety improves when the community can see and trust who’s protecting it.
