Dated: 25 July 2023
POLICY TITLE: Neighbourhood Watch
AUTHOR: Superintendent, Southern Area Command
CONTACT DETAILS: 101
EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT: Complete
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AIM OF POLICY: To provide a clear statement of support for Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) and its part in problem solving and crime prevention.
BENEFIT OF POLICY: Encourage partnership working to reduce crime and disorder. Providing a structure for the flow of information between the police and NHW and improve liaison between the police and community.
REASON FOR POLICY: To support NHW schemes and build trust and confidence within communities.
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Northumbria Police is committed to preventing crime and disorder, providing reassurance to the community and improving the quality of life in the Force area. Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) has an important part to play in supporting those goals.
The use of a problem solving approach is a core element towards achieving the above aims.
Neighbourhood Watch has the potential to be an effective measure, supporting problem solving and the National Intelligence model.
Benefits of NHW are:
- Reduce / prevent local crime and disorder
- Reduce fear of crime
- Address issues relating to anti-social behaviour
- Create safer neighbourhoods
- Build community spirit and cohesion
- Reassure members of the public
- Enhance partnership working with other community groups
- Assist in the detection and apprehension of criminals through members providing information to the police
- Improve quality of life and the local environment.
On a local level, Neighbourhood Watch groups are run within communities by Local Volunteer Coordinators who are responsible for the scheme and ensuring that appropriate information and intelligence is passed to the Police.
The co-ordination of Neighbourhood Watch schemes and the release of personal data to those outside the organisation will undoubtedly engage Article 8 Human Rights Act 1998. In that regard Northumbria Police acknowledges its duty to support the rights of individuals to respect their private and family life. Any personal or non-personal data released must be in accordance with GDPR (General Data Protection Regulations).
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SOURCE DOCUMENT: Home Office
GROUPS AFFECTED: Public, Police Officers and Staff.
ACCESS AND DISCLOSURE RESTRICTIONS: None
