“It’s easy to get good players.  It’s gettin’ ’em to play together that’s the hard part”.

- CASEY STENGEL

ROLE OF THE R.C.M.P. And NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH MEMBERSHIP

Neighbourhood Watch R.C.M.P. Liaison Officer:

St. Albert Police Liaison Officer, Constable Chris Carroll, attends area meetings and fills the role of an adviser and information resource. The Police Liaison Officer provides an overview of the current crime trends and items of interest within the Neighbourhood Watch area and police sub-district, and assists in the development of workable strategies to overcome any crime problems.

The effectiveness of Police Liaison Officers relies almost entirely on how area committees involve them. The more you involve your Police Liaison Officer the more information will be gained. Again, the liaison member is available at any time, not just at Area meetings. Develop a rapport with the police member and keep in close contact with them and you will have a valuable resource.

Area Leader:

·        maintains contact with the Police Liaison Officer and acts as a liaison between the Liaison Officer and the Block Captains/members within a defined area

·       identifies block boundaries within an area and recruits, encourages and assists Block Captains

·        maintains telephone fan-out within an area

·         communicates membership changes to the Area Leaders

·         recruits throughout the year

Block Captain:

·       maintains contact with the Area Leader and acts as a liaison between the Area Leader and members within a defined area

·       Welcomes new members and encourages them to participate in the St. Albert Neighbourhood Watch Program.

·         communicates membership changes to the Area Leaders

·         Is willing to promote the St. Albert Neighbourhood Watch Program to other members of the community.

·         Assists block members in arranging for residential surveillance while a member is away.

Member:

All positions in the organization are first and foremost members of The St. Albert Neighbourhood Watch Program. Members are citizens who are aware of crime problems and are willing to be the eyes and ears of their community, willing to observe and communicate problems to each other and the police.

The Member is willing to:

·        learn how to identify crime or suspicious activities and how to report them to the police

·        follow through on suggested security measures within their homes and property at community meetings.

·         follow recommended guidelines when asked by neighbour to look after their residence while on vacation

·         communicate membership changes (names, address, and telephone number) to the Block Captains and Area Leaders.