Become A Block Watch Captain

The best defense against neighborhood crime is a good neighbor. Who else knows the comings and goings of people in a neighborhood better than an alert and perceptive neighbor, and who can spot suspicious persons more readily? The Victoria Police Department has an ongoing program to work with neighborhoods to formalize and develop those relationships called "Block Watch." Setting up your own group is a simple, straightforward process, and some might even say, fun

Call, or E-Mail the Block Watch Coordinator, Bev Stewart at (250) 995.7409 or, you can fill in and submit the form below. Ask her to help you schedule a neighborhood meeting. Because the officer involved and your neighbors need some lead time to prepare, have a date in mind at least 3 weeks out, typically, Monday through Thursday evenings. She can help you with appropriate information, logistics, invitations, and facilities.

Block Watch meetings typically involve discussion and presentation of the following:

• The Basics of Crime Prevention
• Crime statistics and trends in the neighborhood
• Specific things to look for
• How to report a crime
• Learning how best to communicate with each other

The officer assigned to the neighborhood will be there for residents to meet and ask any questions. Participants will also identify a "Block Captain," (usually the person who organized the event to begin with, if they are interested). Once chosen, Block Captains will facilitate exchange of telephone numbers, and any other required information to allow residents to communicate with each other.

Depending on the needs of the neighborhood, there can be follow-up meetings, as necessary, to further the police-community team effort. Block Captains may be called upon to help distribute information or organize meetings, as required.