CAMERA DUTIES
The need for continuous visibility and monitoring is crucial to any crime prevention program, and it is for this reason that the WBSNW embarked on an ambitious project of implementing a CCTV network throughout the neighbourhood.
Although the populating of these cameras is an ongoing process, we currently boast around 52 active cameras, however this camera network is worthless unless it is monitored. This is where we require dedicated volunteers, which is a valued alternative to active patrols, especially for those people who are older, or who have some ailment preventing them from patrolling.
Like our patrollers, our camera monitors are placed on a roster, which currently entail a commitment of around 1.5 hours of monitoring per month, which can be done from the comfort of your own home. We have even had members complete their camera duties whilst visiting relatives in the UK.
All that is required is either a computer or cell phone, a reliable internet connection, download the application, and then link the cameras. Community safety is everyone’s responsibility and all of us need to play a part.
WHAT WE DO WHEN CAMERA MONITORING
- First and foremost, one of the reasons we need to ensure that all members of WBSNW are active CCPO members, is that the CCPO act as our first responders.
- We act merely as eyes and ears of the various law enforcement agencies, by identifying and reporting suspicious activities to them.
- You must be able to accurately identify and report suspicious activities, crimes in progress or dangerous conditions to the necessary authorities
- All this information must be recorded in our patrol logbook with dates and times and incidents etc.
- When reporting, give detailed descriptions like time incident occurred, what direction or address, race, height, build, hair, facial hair, tattoos or scars etc, (not always possible on cameras). Vehicle Info – make and model, colour, (not always possible on cameras).
If you can monitor cameras or would like a demonstration first to see what it is like, then contact us and we can arrange a time.
All camera monitors need to be registered members of WBSNW and must have completed the necessary documentation as indicated under the registration page. Once signed up, we will assist you in the necessary downloads and implementation of the camera system to either your computer or cell phone.
