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Strong communities built on trust and collaboration are the foundation of any safe and secure city. While policing is essential, the power of engaged residents shouldn't be underestimated. Neighbourhood patrols in St. Thomas demonstrate how communities can work alongside law enforcement to deter crime and build a city where everyone feels protected.
According to the St. Thomas Police Service, all divisions of the city's law enforcement department are under mounting pressure as they anticipate a "record-breaking year of incidents" necessitating police intervention. The number of events has increased by 11% in the last year. By September 14, 2022, 14,786 events had been reported; by the same date this year, 16,368 had been reported.
Neighbourhood patrols offer a proactive way to supplement police work. Here’s how they operate and how this community collaboration benefits everyone in St. Thomas.
What are Neighbourhood Patrols?
Neighbourhood patrols are organized groups of resident volunteers committed to enhancing their community's well-being. They patrol designated areas on foot or in vehicles, acting as watchful guardians. Patrol members focus intently on observation and deterrence. If they spot suspicious activity, potential safety hazards, or someone needing help, they immediately alert the police. Neighbourhood patrols are not intended to replace law enforcement or engage in direct conflict.
How Neighbourhood Patrols Work
The success of neighbourhood patrols hinges on organization, training, and strong police partnerships. Here's a closer look:
Defined Areas: Patrol groups concentrate on specific neighbourhoods, ensuring familiarity with the area's usual patterns of activity. This familiarity allows them to quickly identify anything out of the ordinary, such as unfamiliar vehicles parked on residential streets overnight, unusual noises late at night, or people acting suspiciously around homes or businesses.
Regular Schedules: Patrols adhere to predictable schedules, creating a deterrent presence. Criminals often target areas perceived as easy marks, with limited security or unpredictable routines. Regularly scheduled patrols disrupt this perception and make it difficult for criminals to predict when a neighbourhood might be vulnerable.
Deterrent Effect: The sight of engaged volunteers discourages those considering criminal activity. Would-be criminals are less likely to strike in a neighbourhood where residents are actively watching out for each other. The presence of patrols serves as a constant reminder that criminal activity is likely to be observed and reported.
Observation & Reporting: Patrol members receive training in spotting unusual activities and promptly reporting them to police. Effective patrols go beyond simply being present. Patrol members are trained to be observant, to recognize signs of potential criminal activity, and to document their observations clearly and concisely. These detailed records can help police identify crime hotspots, track patterns of criminal activity, and develop targeted crime prevention strategies. This allows them to provide valuable information to the police, who can then investigate suspicious activity and intervene if necessary.
Community Liaison: Patrols bridge the gap between residents and police, facilitating open communication and building trust. Patrol members serve as a vital link between the community and law enforcement. They can address residents' concerns, answer questions about safety procedures, and relay information about crime trends or community policing initiatives. This two-way communication fosters a sense of trust and cooperation between residents and police.
Benefits of Collaboration
Benefits abound when neighbourhood patrols and police work hand-in-hand. Let's explore why this partnership is so vital:
Boosted Surveillance: Patrols effectively extend the watchful eyes of the police across the city, acting as an extra layer of security, particularly in areas with lower police visibility. This expanded coverage discourages criminal activity and allows police to dedicate their resources to more complex investigations and emergencies.
Crime Deterrence: Increased vigilance makes neighbourhoods less appealing to potential criminals. The presence of patrols on the streets sends a clear message that criminal activity is less likely to go unnoticed. Studies by the Canadian Bureau of Justice Statistics have shown that neighbourhoods with active patrols experience a decrease in property crime and vandalism.
Enhanced Sense of Security: Residents feel reassured knowing their community is looking out for them. Neighbourhood patrols foster a sense of belonging and social cohesion. Residents are more likely to report suspicious activity when they feel connected to their neighbours and invested in the community's well-being.
Early Problem Identification: Patrols quickly spot emerging issues, enabling police to respond proactively. Patrol members are familiar with the sights and sounds of their neighbourhoods and can readily identify unusual activity or potential problems. This allows police to intervene before minor issues escalate into serious crime.
Community-Police Rapport: Collaboration builds strong bonds between residents and law enforcement. Regular interaction between patrol members and police officers fosters trust and understanding. Residents feel more comfortable approaching police with concerns, and officers gain valuable insights into community issues and priorities.
Empowered Residents: Patrols give people a way to actively contribute to their community's safety. Volunteering in a neighbourhood patrol allows residents to take ownership of their community's well-being and make a tangible difference in the lives of their neighbours.
Cost-Effective: Volunteer patrols offer a valuable crime-prevention resource without overburdening police budgets. Neighbourhood patrols extend the reach of law enforcement and free up police resources for higher-priority calls. This collaborative approach allows communities to maximize their safety resources.
Keys to Success
Well-run neighbourhood patrols rely on several crucial factors:
Clear Goals: Outline the patrol's objectives, whether focused on general crime prevention, property security, traffic safety, or neighbourhood watch for vulnerable residents. Regularly review and update goals to ensure alignment with community needs.
Police Partnership: Establish a close, supportive relationship with the St. Thomas Police Service. Meet regularly with law enforcement liaison officers to share information, discuss priorities, and ensure a coordinated approach.
Training: Ensure patrol members are proficient in observation, reporting, self-protection, and conflict de-escalation. Work with the police to develop training programs that address the specific needs of your community and patrol's goals.
Communication Protocols: Develop reliable channels for sharing reports and information with police. Establish clear procedures for reporting suspicious activity, emergencies, and communication breakdowns.
Recruitment & Retention: Build a network of dedicated volunteers and foster a sense of belonging within the patrol. Hold regular meetings, organize social events, and recognize volunteers' contributions to maintain morale and commitment.
Evaluation: Regularly assess the patrol's impact through surveys, data analysis, and meetings with residents and law enforcement. Adapt strategies as needed to address emerging issues and ensure the patrol's continued effectiveness.
Publicity: Raise awareness about the patrol's role and successes to encourage further community support. Distribute flyers, organize information sessions, and connect with local media outlets to spread the word about the patrol's positive contribution to neighbourhood safety.
Neighbourhood patrols, in collaboration with the police, provide St. Thomas with a powerful crime prevention tool. Residents can make a positive difference by remaining observant, reporting concerns, and embracing a shared sense of community responsibility. If you're interested in joining or starting a neighbourhood patrol, the St. Thomas Police Service is an excellent resource.
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