The Block Watch process begins when the community contacts the New Westminster Police with a desire to implement the program in their neighbourhood.

Block Watch Criteria

• Volunteer(s) to act as Captain and Co-captain and co-ordinate the group.
• Block Watch meeting conducted by NWPS Block Watch Officer.
• There must be 75% involvement by residents/tenants to establish a recognized Block Watch.
• Block map/contact list must be completed and a copy provided to each participant and the NWPS Block Watch Coordinator.
• Set up a communication system so you can keep your participants informed of Block Watch news and alerts.

Once these criteria are met

• Block Watch decals & newsletters are then distributed
• Block Watch signs will then be erected on street/complex.

Follow these easy steps to start a Block Watch in your neighbourhood:

Step One

Initiate contact with the New Westminster Police stating your interest in starting the Block Watch Program in your neighbourhood

Packages will be provided with all the necessary information with respect to establishing an effective Block Watch.

Step Two

Coordinate a meeting date with NWPS Block Watch Coordinator to come and speak to your residents about the Block Watch Program.

Part of this meeting is explaining the program requirements and benefits of becoming partners with the police and taking ownership of the neighbourhood.

Step Three

Find volunteer(s) to act as Captain and/or Co-Captains to coordinate the Block Watch group.

Once the neighbourhood (or strata) has formerly agreed that they are going to form a registered Block Watch Program the administration component begins. Captains & Co-captains must undergo a Security clearance by the New Westminster Police Service, therefore, you will be required to fill out an application form and turn it in at he police station along with two pieces of government identification. Photos will be taken (by appointment) and issued to each Captain and Co-Captain to use for identification purposes. See below for Block Captain and Co-Captain responsibilities

Step Four

Canvas neighbourhood to find participants to be part of the Block Watch Program.

NWPS requires a 75% registration and participation rate in order for the Block Watch Program to be successful and recognized.

Step Five

Produce a block map and provide a copy for each participant and the Block Watch office. In addition, ensure all participants mark their appropriate property.

One of the most important components is the area map, or strata floor plan. This map includes a list of registered participants along with their contact information. At this point in the process, NWPS staff creates a Block Watch file, and assigns a correlation code to each individual Block Watch. NWPS staff ensures all information and records are complete to establish the official record, and then enter all participants and information into the Block Watch electronic database. Once the code has been assigned, NWPS staff contacts the Block Coordinators with the official registered block code, which can be used to receive a discount on home insurance.

Step Six

Sign placement

The final step in the process is the coordination of area Block Watch signs. NWPS contacts city engineering branch and directs placement of the signs in the Block Watch area. In addition, Block Watch decals and newsletter are also distributed the group.

Additional Information

Your Block Watch group will be contacted once each year to renew the area map/participant list, and arrange for an annual safety meeting or block party.
Additionally, NWPS produces a newsletter twice each year. This newsletter is filed with crime prevention tips and education, and is placed on our website and is made available for Block Coordinators to pick up. NWPS staff will contact each Block Coordinator when newsletters are available.

Block Captain & Co-Captain Responsibilities

• Captains & Co-captains must undergo a Security clearance by the New Westminster Police Service, therefore, you will be required to fill out an application form and turn it in at he police station along with two pieces of government identification.
• Photos will be taken (by appointment) and issued to each Captain and Co-Captain to use for identification purposes.
• Coordinate a meeting date with NWPS Block Watch Coordinator to come and speak to your residents about the Block Watch Program.
• Canvas neighbours to ensure their attendance at an organizational Block Watch meeting.
• After meeting, produce a block map and provide a copy for each participant and the Block Watch office.
• Ensure all participants mark their appropriate property.
• Hand out window decals when block map and property marking is complete.
• In form your participants of their assigned Block Watch number. This number can be given to the home insurance company for a discount.
• Distribute Community Beat newsletters to all participants.
• Organize the annual safety social/block party between residents and the Police.
• Set up a communication system so you can keep your participants informed of Block Watch news and alerts. This can be in any form: newsletter, notice board, email, intranet or a telephone list.
• Captains will also advise and meetings when it may be necessary to review security issues.
• Reporting to police any suspicious occurrences, vehicles or people
• Advising the Block Watch Office of any residential break and enters or attempted break and enters, which occur on the break

Additional Information

• New neighbours should be informed of the Block Watch Program and asked to join.
• Update the Block Watch Map annually and any changes to your map should be sent to the Block Office as soon as you are aware of them.
• Captains and Co-Captains must renew their position every two years.