The Block Captains/Co-ordinators

The Block Captain has one of the most important functions in the Crimewatch programme, which is to supervise the Watch activities of citizens who join the Neighbourhood Crimewatch in their communities. The Block Captain can be responsible for a street, or designated territory and he or she is expected to:

1. Hold regular Neighbourhood Crimewatch meetings, 3 to 4 times a year (more if necessary).
2. Assist in welcoming new neighbours to the area and introduce them to the programme.
3. Encourage neighbourhood participation in the Crimewatch programme.
4. Serve as liaison between the Crimewatch members and the Community Police.
5. Distribute information from the Police Service, Zone Leader or Steering Committee to the citizens.
6. Attend Crimewatch seminars or workshops which may be conducted from time to time.
7. Inform members of Neighbourhood Crimewatch techniques, such as how to observe suspicious activity, what to observe and similar crime prevention techniques.

Crimewatch Squad Members

REPORTING

Watch Members will be instructed on:

1. How to identify a criminal or suspicious activity.
2. The procedure to follow when reporting this activity to the police.

After they contact the police they should contact their Block Captains who record the information in their weekly report to the Community Police.

If a squad member notes suspicious activity but it does not warrant a call to the police, they should pass the information on to their Block Captain. He or she will record the information in their weekly report to the Police Co-ordinator, and in the event of an actual crime this report may serve as a starting point for the police to conduct an investigation.

HOME SECURITY

Squad members will receive instructions on home security and will be encouraged to follow through on the necessary security procedures.

VACATIONS

When a squad member goes on vacation they should inform their Block Captain or Assistant Block Captain, to ensure that special attention is given to their home, while they are away.

DISCUSSIONS

The Block meetings provide an opportunity for the squad members to discuss particular concerns, as well as the types of crimes being committed in their community.

Police Community Relations can be described as a proper working relationship between the Police Service and the community it serves. It is not simply a public relations programme to enhance the image of the police but it is instead a genuine role on the part of the police officer to:

• Interact with the community and create a shared goal of understanding each other’s problems.
• Increase harmony and cooperation between the police and the community in the fight against crime.
• Promote an understanding of the police role in the community.
• Provide leadership and support.

Once the programme has started it is the primary objective of the members to run and maintain their interest in it. It is important to note that the need for a Neighbourhood Crimewatch does not diminish when there appears to be little crime in the area. Invite the police unit that is responsible for your area to neighbourhood visits and make them part of your neighbourhood activities. Vigilance would assist the police in protecting your neighbourhood but other methods such as newsletters, meetings and social gatherings can be utilised by the community to sustain interest in the Neighbourhood Crimewatch programme.

“Call The Police!”

It is wise to have the police number(s) readily accessible in case of emergencies. When reporting a crime or suspect to the police you should follow these steps:

• Identify yourself by your name and address then relay the information.

* Example: I am Gillian Sookoo of 16 Rose Street, a member of the Valsayn Crimewatch programme. A suspicious person is prowling around my neighbour’s house at 14 Rose Street.

• Give the exact location of the crime or activity.
• Remain in contact with the Police Dispatcher until all necessary information has been obtained.
• Do not personally confront the situation. Await the arrival of the police.

When reporting an incident to the police you may be asked to repeat the address. This is to ensure that the address is correctly understood. At the time, as you relay the information, a car may be dispatched to the scene. Any additional information will help the police to determine the type of emergency equipment required for the situation.

NOTE: ALL INFORMATION WILL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL.

If the crime is in progress, e.g. the burglar is still in your house, your call will be answered immediately. If the crime has already been committed, e.g. you have come home and found that your home has been burglarised, a slower response should be expected.

CRIMES IN PROGRESS RECEIVE FIRST PRIORITY! All other calls are answered after that.

• Homicide Serious Injury
• Assault Purse Snatching
• Police in Trouble Person with a Weapon
• Robbery Serious Vehicle Accident
• Gun Shots Suspicious Vehicle
• Burglary Suspicious Person
• Fire or Explosion
• NON-EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
• Traffic Conditions & Parking Dogs at Large
• Unnecessary Noise Road Defects
• Lost or Recovered Property Vandalism
• Narcotic Information General Information
• Sanitation Problems