Making a difference

Local public employees in other communities have stopped break-and-enters, rescued children from drowning, prevented violent attacks and stopped vandalism and arson.

Plus, it is impossible to guess how many crimes were prevented because CUPE workers were there, watching.

Keeping track of all the times workers report suspicious activity is an important part of the program. For one thing, police ask you to keep the information so that if they need to follow up, you have a record of your observations. It is also of key importance in showing the value of the program. A binder full of reports is a compelling argument for the difference City Watch is making.

You can use a tally sheet to record the number and the kinds of incidents reported through City Watch. You can report back to your local government the raw 'numbers' of the program each year.

Another idea is to have a posted sheet of paper in the coffee room or on the work-site where members record all City Watch events. This kind of information will help people understand the diversity of City Watch activities and how much it is helping in the community. It means that tasks that didn't require a police report, like helping an elderly man in distress, are recorded and shared, too. In Powell River, CUPE workers have taken City Watch a step further:

On Halloween night, Powell River CUPE Local 798 use city vehicles and their volunteer time to patrol the streets. CUPE, local police and city officials realize that Halloween is a night when some kids are out looking to make mischief. Local public employees out in city vehicles put a presence in the community that helps to make sure the fun doesn't end up destroying property or hurting anyone.

Final Step:

6) Getting the message out