Community policing creates safer neighbourhoods
Keeping our neighbourhoods safe is not only a concern that we as citizens have, but it is also a major concern for the Codiac RCMP.
Mike Gaudet, supervisor for the Community Policing sector, explains that keeping neighbourhoods safe is more than just the job of patrolling officers.
"We are committed to keeping neighbourhoods safe, but there is only so much we can do on our own," he says.
Mike explains that people within their own neighbourhoods know what is normal and what is not, and so it is important to keep citizens involved in their neighbourhood safety.
"This is why we have the Neighbourhood Watch Program," he says. "It keeps people in the community in direct contact with us so we can better patrol, enforce, and protect our neighbourhoods."
The Neighbourhood Watch Program is a program that allows concerned members of neighbourhoods to work together with one another and the RCMP to keep their home, and their neighbour's home, safer.
There are approximately 16 Neighbourhood Watch groups in the Codiac region and Mike explains that is has been beneficial for everyone involved.
"We have seen first hand how partnering directly with members of neighbourhoods can help lead to lower theft levels and provide leads in investigations," he explains.
It is easy for you to get involved. In order to start the program in your area you need a group of at least ten members from your neighbourhood who are interested in participating in the program.
From there you should contact Mike at 857-2454, and he will organize an information meeting for those who are interested.
Once you have established the Program in your neighbourhood, signs are put up in the neighborhood to display that it is an active participant in the Neighbourhood Watch Program.
With the neighbourhood coordinators and participants established, communication between RCMP officers, neighbours, and coordinators begin.
Although the results of the Program have been very effective, Mike encourages everyone to help, whether they are part of the Program or not.
"Not every neighbourhood will have enough willing participants to set up the program, but everyone can help," he points out. "If you notice suspicious activity in your neighbourhood you can call 857-2400 and report what you see. We can't be everywhere at once, and so partnering with you is key to our success."
The 857-2400 number is a 24-hour number for all police related calls that are not emergencies.
"A lot of people only get involved in the Program once there has been a problem," Mike adds. "The involvement has to be an on-going thing. Prevention is key. The neighbourhood has to be behind it, and it should start before the problem occurs."
Mike explains that communities taking ownership for their safety in partnership with the RCMP is key for safer neighborhoods.
If you are interested in the Neighbourhood Watch Program, or if you would like more information you can call, 857-2454.
More News
Search Articles
More CE Network Sites & Partners:
