The Future of Neighbourhood Watch
Here in Hervey Bay at least one Neighbourhood Watch group is closing down due to lacke of community support but at the same time the State Government is talking up the programme.
The Police Minister tabled an evaluation by the Queensland Police Service of the of the Neighbourhood Watch programme and said that she was looking forward to a new future for the programme. As part of that new future a community evaluation of the programme was also underway.
“For 20 years the Neighbourhood Watch program has given Queenslanders an opportunity to play their part in improving personal safety, household security, and reducing crime and the fear of crime in their own communities,” Ms Spence said.
“This review process is about ensuring that all 638 Neighbourhood Watch areas across Queensland keep pace with our changing society, and remain relevant and contemporary.
“Our police have a long and proud association with Neighbourhood Watch.
“We want this evaluation process - by both the police and the public - to maximise the effectiveness of the program so that we continue to develop good community-policing partnerships which lead to greater information sharing and better crime reduction and resolving.”
Ms Spence said the police evaluation had made some recommendations to ensure Neighbourhood Watch keeps step with the community, including:
• Ensuring new Neighbourhood Watch areas are supported by a strong program;
• Regular review of the program in local areas;
• Identifying and engaging areas that may benefit from the Neighbourhood Watch program, such as areas with high crime rates;
• Investigating new ways to share information - such as an online program;
• Looking at ways to increase police participation.
“This community evaluation is ensuring all of us are being given a chance to add our thoughts on the future for Neighbourhood Watch,” Ms Spence said.
“I announced the community review of the program last August, and this will be completed later this year.
“This will tap into neighbourhood watch groups and the public on how they see the program should move forward to remain contemporary and relevant.
“It will be considered in conjunction with the police evaluation to ensure Neighbourhood Watch remains an effective crime prevention partnership.”
