The first week in November was National Crime Prevention Week and Saskatchewan RCMP are taking the opportunity to inform about the different Crime Prevention Programs that are available in this province.
Crime prevention is more effective when the members of our communities are willing and able to recognize a suspicious or potential crime situation in their area and immediately contact the police, says Cpl. S.L. Shannon Mansbridge of the Prince Albert RCMP.
"The information provided will allow for positive action to be taken that may reduce or remove the risk of crime in their area. The RCMP can provide guidance and support to communities wishing to initiate a Crime Prevention Program in their community."
When community members work with police in any of the following safety programs, it enhances community security and improves the services available in your community adds Mansbridge.
"There are many benefits to a community owned, police supported Crime Prevention Program."
General objectives of most crime watch programs are:
Neighbours getting to know each other;
Removing the fear of not knowing your neighbours;
Organize people for crime prevention objectives;
Increase awareness of existing crime;
Become observant for suspicious activity;
Report crime and suspected crime;
Encourage cooperation with law enforcement agencies;
Mark property and serial numbers;
To reduce incidents of crime;
Be safer and feel safer in your neighbourhood.
Some of the Crime Prevention Programs that currently exist in Saskatchewan are:
Neighourhood Watch - also known as Crime Watch and Neighbourhood Crime Watch.
"This program involves neighbours in a community working together as an organized group of citizens devoted to crime and vandalism prevention within a neighourhood. It involves getting to know your neighbours and be willing to look out for one another's interests. A Neighbourhood Watch Program may be organized as its own group or may be a function of a neighbourhood association or other community group."
Rural Crime Watch - (Range Patrol Program) - involves Rural residents working in cooperation with their local RCMP to reduce or prevent crime in rural areas.
"The main focus of this program is on farmstead security, property identification and general rural crime awareness. When suspicious activity has occurred or is in progress, they will contact the police and advise of the incident in order that the police may follow up.
Citizens On Patrol Program (COPP) is comprised of ordinary citizens who supplement police patrols to help reduce crime in their community. "This is achieved by making patrols to watch for any unusual and/or criminal activity and then reporting such incidents to the police for any necessary follow up. The RCMP will provide ongoing support and training for members and all members must successfully meet all security and confidentiality requirements.
Block Parent Program- The distinctive red and white Block Parent sign in the window of a home, tells children, seniors and others that help is at hand if they are lost, frightened, or in distress. In addition to their safety network, Block Parents offer community education programs to increase the personal safety of children, teens and seniors.
"Crime Watch Programs are not vigilante organizations and members are not permitted to intervene," adds Mansbridge. "No action should be taken that might jeopardize the safety of the program member or the public. When criminal activity is suspected or in progress, members are to contact the police responsible for that community."
Crimestoppers and Student Crimestoppers: not a police program but a community program that successfully combines the efforts of the public, the media and the police to solve crimes in our communities. "By offering cash rewards and ensuring complete anonymity, Saskat-chewan Crime Stoppers was able to remove two of the biggest obstacles that keep the public from getting involved, fear and apathy.
"The impact of crime prevention by police alone is minimal when compared with the power of community members working with police and with each other. Citizens and police recognize that neither one can eradicate crime working separately and that prevention of crime is a responsibility that must be shared equally by police and private citizens."
For more information on these and other crime prevention programs contact your local Detachment of the RCMP.
