The Role of the Coordinator
The Coordinator is the heart of any Neighbourhood Watch (NW) Scheme. However, the smooth running and effectiveness of the Scheme relies upon every member working together as a team. The Coordinator is the link between the Watch and the NW Office and police. Crime information, applicable to your Watch or local area, is provided to you - via the `Kent Community Messaging System' - by the NW Support Team working from the NW Office. It is the responsibility of the Coordinator to ensure any such crime information, or warnings, is passed on to all Watch members. How you do this is left to each individual Coordinator and Watch. You can telephone each member, slip notes through doors, or have a `cascade' arrangement whereby nominated `Street Coordinators' are informed who in turn pass on the information to a set group of houses, and so on...
The Deputy (and Street Coordinator)
IWith larger schemes, the Coordinator should have a Deputy to assist them and to deputise whenever they are away on holiday. For larger Watches (covering a very long road, a number of roads or a new small estate) Street Coordinators are useful. The Street Coordinator would be responsible for passing on any information to residents in their immediate area. Typically, this could be around (say) 20 houses, Thus, members of your Watch could be alerted to law-breakers or Bogus Officials working in your area in a very short space of time.
Running your Watch
We have no intention of telling you how to run your Watch!
How you run your Watch is left entirely up to you and your Watch Members - it is there for all to take part in and, as it becomes established, to enjoy the benefits. The minimum expected of you is that you pass on any crime messages, warnings or advice, to.,all of your Watch members and in turn that you all keep a look-out for each other. Any suspicious activity or persons in the area, notify the police by 999, immediately. However, it is worth mentioning that many Watches have set up social occasions, day-trips, first aid training, lists of Watch DIY'ers who can help out in an emergency. The list of activities is endless...
Your Watch Scheme (automatically) becomes a member of the Medway Neighbourhood Watch Association (MNWA) which is affiliated to, and thereby represented on, both the Kent and National Associations of NhW. The MNWA runs an annual Conference (which has long been recognised as the leading NW Conference in the south east, with noted speakers taking part), as well as the AGM and occasional Seminars (on various subjects, such as: The Crime and Disorder Act, Drugs, etc.).
Finally, the NW Support Team (01634 792131) is available during working hours (there is an answer phone if no one is available at the time, and for out of hours) to offer advice and guidance when required. They are all experienced Coordinators themselves and are willing to provide you with further information.
MEDWAY NEIGHBOURHOOD
WATCH ASSOCIATION
A Registered Charity Working Together
For a Safer Medway
WATCH ASSOCIATION
A Registered Charity Working Together
For a Safer Medway