VicPD Block Watch Program
The VicPD Block Watch program is an inclusive, community-based approach to safe, vibrant neighbourhoods. Residents and businesses partner with VicPD and their neighbours to start a Block Watch group, which can be set up in residential and business areas, apartments, condominiums and townhome complexes. VicPD Block Watch connects people, builds relationships and creates a strong sense of community. Being part of VicPD Block Watch involves being alert to your surroundings and looking out for each other. When you see something suspicious or witness criminal activity you are asked to safely observe and report what you see to police, and share the information with your Block Watch group.
There will be opportunities to attend VicPD Block Watch presentations. Below are some examples of the information and crime prevention techniques you will learn from participating in the VicPD Block Watch program.
- How to be a Good Witness
- What is Suspicious Behaviour or Activity
- When to Call 9-1-1 vs Non-Emergency
- Home Security
- Business Security
There are three roles that form a VicPD Block Watch group; Captain, Participants, and the VicPD Block Watch Coordinator. The Captain is ultimately responsible for the active status and maintenance of the group. Participants are the people in a neighbourhood or complex who agree to be a part of a VicPD Block Watch group. The VicPD Block Watch Coordinator will provide your group with guidance, information, advice, crime prevention tips and support.
14
Neighbourhoods
182
Blocks
3800
Members
Role of a Block Watch Captain
Under the leadership of a VicPD Block Captain, participants look out for each other and build a communication network to share what’s going on in their neighbourhood. The Captain is ultimately responsible for the active status and maintenance of the group. The Captain’s primary function is to set up communication between neighbours. A Captain should be comfortable using Email and the Internet. Serving as a Captain is not time-consuming and you do not have to be home at all times to volunteer as the Captain. Captains also don’t have to perform all of their duties alone. In fact, you are encouraged to engage with your neighbours and ask them to get involved.
Here are some examples of your responsibilities as a VicPD Block Watch Captain:
- Complete a VicPD Police Information Check
- Attend a Captain training session
- Build your team. Recruit and encourage neighbours to join the VicPD Block Watch program.
- Attend VicPD Block Watch presentations.
- Deliver VicPD Block Watch resources to participating neighbours.
- Liaise between the VicPD Block Watch Coordinator and participants.
- Take a proactive approach to crime prevention.
- Watch out for each other and each other’s property.
- Report suspicious and criminal activity to police.
- Encourage annual get-togethers with neighbours.
- Canvass neighbours for a replacement Captain if you resign.
Role of a Block Watch Participant
Participants are the people in a neighbourhood or complex who agree to be a part of a VicPD Block Watch group. The primary function of being a participant involves being alert to your surroundings and looking out for each other. When you see something suspicious or witness criminal activity you are asked to safely observe and report what you see to police, and share the information with your Block Watch group.
Here are some examples of how you can work together as a VicPD Block Watch participant:
- Have a shared interest in building community safety with your neighbours.
- Attend VicPD Block Watch presentations.
- Secure your home and personal property.
- Get to know your neighbours.
- Take a proactive approach to crime prevention.
- Watch out for each other and each other’s property.
- Report suspicious and criminal activity to police.
- Offer to assist your VicPD Block Watch Captain.
- Volunteer to start a neighbourhood project, event, or activity
