Stevenage Dog Watch is led by Hertfordshire Police, who resource the group’s activity. The group is supported by a Sergeant from the Stevenage Safer Neighbourhood Team, a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO), the Neighbourhood Watch Community Coordinator for Stevenage and the volunteer group coordinator who joined in September 2009. The Dog Watch coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day management of the group, acting as the main point of contact for members, organising the activities and liaising with the police. The coordinator also attends the Stevenage NHW Forum.
An e-mail group has been established through which the PCSO sends out bulletins of local crimes, with any other urgent crime or other matters circulated via e-mail and automated telephone systems. E-mail is also used to disseminate information about the group more generally, including forthcoming activities. All members receive a welcome pack which contains a list of useful telephone numbers and contacts, as well as the Dog Watch contact card which can be kept in a pocket or wallet. The Dog Watch website also acts as a source of information, with incident reports, updates on the group and contact details.
Although Dog Watch has only been going for a year, it has gone from strength to strength and there are currently 405 members. Although the group is targeted at dog walkers, anyone can join as the emphasis is on encouraging people to be observant and pass on information to the police and/or the Council. Dog walkers especially are out walking at all times of the day and often in areas that are not so well used by other residents.
Source: http://www.ourwatch.org.uk/resource_centre/case_studies/a_different_kind_of_community_in_stevenage/
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