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:
- Hold regular Neighbourhood Crimewatch meetings, 3 to 4 times a year (more if necessary).
- Assist in welcoming new neighbours to the area and introduce them to the programme.
- Encourage neighbourhood participation in the Crimewatch programme.
- Serve as liaison between the Crimewatch members and the Community Police.
- Distribute information from the Police Service, Zone Leader or Steering Committee to the citizens.
- Attend Crimewatch seminars or workshops which may be conducted from time to time.
- 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:
- How to identify a criminal or suspicious activity.
- 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.