Members of the WCA Board of Directors have been exploring the idea of potentially sponsoring or sanctioning some form of community-wide block watch program or system. Two Board members have been gathering information from various sources as a means of understanding potential benefits and costs. This included learning how various programs were established and how they are currently managed. They spoke with block watch co-founders and administrators to hear about lessons learned and suggestions they have for others thinking about setting up block watch programs.
Their first consultation was with the Northern Hills Community Association Sanctioned “Building Safer Communities Block Watch” program co-founder and lead administrator. Their second evaluation involved a test drive of the Canada wide “Neighbourhood Protect” website-based program. Interviews also took place with the administrator of the Lake Bonavista Block Watch Facebook Group administrator and our Calgary City Police Service Community Resource Officer.
A report with findings and recommendations will be submitted to the WCA Board of Directors prior to the May 7 meeting. Please plan on attending this meeting if you have an interest in learning more and potentially becoming a Local Block Captain.
The key themes emerging from the evaluation work done so far include:
• Community wide “block watch” programs work best when underpinned by small neighbourhood groups (usually 40 to 150 homes within close proximity) who are in regular communication regarding topics of interest and benefit to the local community (e.g. Neighbour Day BBQs, Adopt-a-Park programs, lost and found pets, wild animal alerts, etc.).
• The CPS supports the establishment of block watch groups so long as they include training regarding how residents should (and should not) respond to and report crimes.
• Life is better and safer when you are in the know and are in regular communication with your neighbours on various topics of benefit to the neighbourhood.
If you have any questions or would like to get involved in this initiative, please reach out to Sue or Erin at the WCA office.
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