The Neighbourhood Crime Watch Programme

Without a doubt, one of the most pressing and visible areas of concern in our country today, is the scourge of criminal activity. The NCW is intended for anyone who would like to feel safer in their home and in their community.

It encourages neighbours to get to know one another, to watch out for one another, and to call the police when something just doesn’t seem right. The programme relies on the willingness of people to get involved, stay informed about problems in the community and work together to find solutions.

NCW is a programme that was initiated locally over 20 years ago, under the purview of the then Crime and Delays in Judicial Hearings Committee (which became the present Crime and Justice Committee). The objectives of the programme include the establishment of an effective mechanism to facilitate and maintain Crime Watch group formation and community development; implementation of an ongoing general education and awareness programme aimed at highlighting the importance of NCW groups; providing general tips on improving personal and community safety and; facilitating partnerships between the various stakeholders including communities, communitybased organisations, the police and business.

The concept of the NCW was developed in the United States and has been in existence for well over three decades. Statistics have shown that wherever a strong and vibrant neighbourhood watch exists, there is a drastic reduction in criminal activity.

A Crime Watch group must not be construed as a vigilante group, however, but one that allows the community to become the eyes and ears of the police, assisting them to be more effective in preventing and detecting crime.

While the programme seeks the involvement of the entire community, roles and responsibilities are clearly defined to ensure a smooth transfer of information to the police. Training for watch groups is also provided to improve on observation, accurate information-gathering and timely reporting. Community ties become stronger through the programme as a result of Neighbourhood Crime Watch meetings, school visits and social functions. Signage sponsored by corporate investors is erected in participating communities, notifying everyone that a Neighbourhood Crime Watch is active in the area.

Any community group interested in starting a Neighbourhood Crime Watch can contact the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce for more information. A member of the TT Chamber’s Crime and Justice Committee will be more than willing to visit at a mutually convenient date and time to talk about the programme and how to set it up. Interested parties can contact Halima Khan on 637 6966, extension 1227.