Working with our communities to make a safer society.

WHAT IS "COMMUNITY POLICING"?

“Community Policing” involves the police working with the community to help prevent crime and address social order problems….it means we ALL have a role to play in the safety and security of OUR communities !

Through problem solving, we can identify our issues and find solutions to improve the quality of life for our families.

Throughout the world today, communities are becoming involved with their police partners…and that means ALL of the community: residents, businesses, schools, churches and even visitors.

The truth is, any of us can be the victim of a crime. We always think it will be the other person until it happens to us….and there are things we can do if we just get involved!

WHAT ARE OUR COMMUNITY PROBLEMS?

Community Policing begins with the police and community identifying their problems. This may include:

Safety Issues

• Vandalism and break-ins
• Drug dealing and drug use
• Youth Gangs and violence
• Children's safety

Nuisance Activity

• Noisy people and vehicles
• Barking dogs or pets on the loose
• Loitering on the street

Neighbourhood Appearance

• Graffiti
• Abandoned vehicles
• Litter and garbage dumping
• Overgrown vacant lots
• Unkept buildings

Traffic Problems

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Improper parking

WHAT CAN WE DO ABOUT OUR PROBLEMS?

Finding answers to our problems requires us to first understand what the real problems are. Often what we think of as a problem is only a symptom of a greater problem. Problem solving will help us work through a process to identify what is a symptom and what is a cause. Only then can we look at solutions to those problems.

Solutions can include:

• through information, bringing awareness to the community on the real causes and issues in our community
• identifying ways our residents can protect themselves better
• ensuring victims can get help and support
• implementing crime prevention programs to strengthen our community
• organizing community events to help provide other options for those in trouble with the law

POLICING HELPS EVERYONE

Our Youth

• through communicating with them
• by listening to their problems and involving them in the solution

Our Elderly

• by listening and helping to address their needs
• by making them aware of safety and security issues

Our Business Community

• by involving them in the solution to community problems
• through awareness of crime, safety and security issues

Our People in Need

• by addressing their needs and issues
• by involving them in the solution

HOW DO WE WORK TOGETHER?

• BY GETTING INVOLVED IN A COMMUNITY PROGRAMME

Find out what programmes are happening in your community and get involved. Some examples could be:

• Neighbourhood or Farm Watch
• Youth programmes or sporting events
• Graffiti eradication
• Parenting programmes
• Domestic violence programmes

• BY GETTING TO KNOW AND SUPPORTING YOUR LOCAL POLICE OFFICERS

Find out who polices your community and make contact with them. Find out what you can do to help in your community.

Encourage your neighbours to do the same and continue to help build trust between them.

• THROUGH COMMUNITY COMMITTEES AND WORKING GROUPS

In some communities, local officers in your community will be meeting with advisory bodies and other groups who are already in place in the community.

• BY TEACHING RESIDENTS ABOUT HOW TO PREVENT CRIME

Together with the police, your community can help local residents to:

• Protect their home and property
• Respond to an emergency
• Know what to do when a crime happens
• Become a less likely target to a criminal
• Understand their role in solving a crime or social order problem

BUT HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?

As a member of your community you can get involved today! Simply contact you local police station and provide your name as a volunteer or inquire as to the next meeting between the police and the community.

By offering to meet and discuss the problems in your community, you can help to bring some fresh ideas that may resolve some of the many issues we all struggle with.

We all know that it takes more than just the police to make a difference. Victims need assistance to cope and adjust back to normal life after a traumatic event. As well, we need to know how to avoid becoming a victim. The police can provide valuable information, and citizens can do a lot to make sure that everyone in their community receives that information!