Walking, Watching, Writing, Winning

The idea behind this initiative is to provide a link between the many members of the community involved in a variety of programs.  It is very simple in commitment, both physical and financial.  Most important it promotes good health, for the individual and the community.

The basic concept of Walkwatchers consists of four components: Walking, Watching, Writing, Winning!  It is important that we keep to these components and keep it simple!

WALKING
People go walking or jogging in their neighbourhoods every day, at all different times.  The very fact that there are people out and about in the streets is in itself the foundation for a successful crime prevention program.  There is no need for organized patrols, with set times and routes.  Just go out, any time, anywhere, anyone!  Whatever suits the individual is fine.  We would encourage the individual to wear the walkwatcher pouch.  This pouch contains a pad and pencil.  This identifying pouch encourages interaction with others participating as well as officers that are on patrol.  These pouches can be picked up at the Belleville Police Service.

WATCHING
 With people on the move throughout the neighbourhood, we encourage them to be aware of their surroundings.  Walk with authority.  This is your neighbourhood, your ?turf?.  Know who your neighbours are.  Take a good look at your surroundings, and the things that just do not fit.  Look at things that interest you, make it an adventure no matter where you walk, and use your imagination.

WRITING
Carry the pad and pencil with you whenever you go walking.  Write down whatever you feel is important or unusual.  License numbers of vehicles, descriptions of persons, times of incidents, are all examples of what to put in your notebook.  It is not necessary to turn in your notebook or report everything you write down.  There is no commitment to file reports.  If you witness an obvious crime or serious incident, report it right away.  It will be the responsibility of the Police Service to ensure that details of important incidents be given out to the media.  This will enable people to check and see if they have relative information.

WINNING
Anyone who participates is a winner!  If you went out everyday, walked around, wrote down your observations, spoke to volunteers, and after a long time and after all these efforts, never solved a crime or caught a criminal?did you win??Absolutely!  You?re healthier, more aware, have made new contacts, maybe even new friends.  Overall, we all win.

Walkwatchers is a Community Policing initiative generously supported by Nortel.  It is a simple and healthy compliment to many established programs such as Crimestoppers, Block Parents and Neighbourhood Watch.  Walkwatchers welcomes all members of the community and can be done by anyone, anytime, anywhere.  

For further information on how you can participate in Walkwatchers contact your local Community Policing Officer at  (613) 966-0882 ext. 2227.

Exercise Your Body, Exercise Your Mind, Exercise Your Right To A Safe & Crime Free Neighbourhood!