Volunteer Opportunities with Block Watch
If you are interested in starting a Block Watch program in your area, or if you would like to join an existing Block Watch group, there are two roles you can consider:
Block Lead
Block Leads are community leaders and have a genuine interest in preventing crime in their neighbourhood and/or complex. As a Block Lead, you will be leading a team of Participants.
The primary function of the Block Lead is to recruit members to join your Block Watch team and set up communication between the neighbours in your area. You will also serve as a crucial link between your community and the Block Watch Office. A Block Lead should be comfortable using the internet and email as you will be the main contact for ensuring safety tips and crime trends are communicated to your members, as well as advising the Block Watch Office of incidents in your neighbourhood which have been reported to police. You will also need to encourage your neighbours to get together at least once a year to ensure everyone stays connected, and to meet new people who have moved into your area.
Participants
Participants are residents in your neighbourhood or complex who agree to be a part of your group. A participant’s key role is to be aware of their surroundings, be familiar with what suspicious activity looks like and to report incidents to police. Once they have made a police report, a Participant can then forward information about the crime reported to their Block Lead for distribution amongst the group.
No matter which role you are interested in, at no point are you expected to patrol your neighbourhood or confront suspects.
What does Block Watch Provide your Block Watch team/group?Â
What does your Block Watch Office Provide?
- Training for Block Leads on how to get started, how to maintain a list of participants, privacy considerations, guidance in planning block parties and methods of reporting incidents of crime.
- General home security tips.
- Tips to prevent theft from or of vehicles.
- Training to all Block Leads and participants on how to recognize and report crime and suspicious activity to the police.
- Notifications about special events and information sessions on various topics.
- Block Watch window decals.
- Block Watch street signs.
- Resources to recruit members to your group.
- Newsletters to keep you informed of current crime trends, home security tips, crime prevention information, and crime stats.
- Continued Police partnership.
- A greater sense of safety among residents.
In addition, your local office may be able to provide:
- The use of an engraving pen to mark your valuables.
- A Constable, Auxiliary Constable, Crime Prevention Staff Member or Volunteer to attend your first meeting and/or Block Watch events.
How to get started
Contact your local Police Department or local Crime Prevention Organization to see if there is an established Block Watch program in your area.
(See list of Society Members under Community Contacts.)
For information on how to start a Block Watch, check out this video!