How to set up StreetWatch

Hi Izzy,

The process when starting a new StreetWatch group.

First the coordinator and co - coordinator apply to join StreetWatch (link and details below) and once the checks are complete you receive your training email. Once the training is complete, this takes approx. 40 minutes the coordinators meet with the force coordinator, Sam O’Dell, via teams. Sam will explain how everything works, answer any questions you have, you will agree the area your group will cover and the name of your group.

The PCSO will then contact you to arrange to meet both of you at the same time to check ID, issue your jacket and go for the first walk. You will both have your first two walks with the PCSO allocated to your group, after this you are free to go out without anyone from West Midlands Police as long as you have a minimum of two StreetWatch members on the patrol, remember to post the walk in advance of it taking place and update it straight after the walk has been done. If you need any help please contact Sam - sam.odell@westmidlands.police.uk

New members can join the group after you have completed your first walk, just explain how they sign up and help them if needed. Once the proposed member has completed the training and the PCSO has checked the ID and issued their jacket you will be alerted via email that you have a new member and their details will be available in the member list on the portal. Please make contact with them, arrange to take them out for their first walk, show them the ropes and how the group runs. It’s really important to stress to them that they have to complete at least two hours of patrol each month and that all members are encouraged to use the portal to suggest walks so it isn’t all left to you as the coordinators to plan every walk. Even if you are happy to plan every walk this doesn’t work if you want the group to last in the long term as if you leave or need to take time out the group won’t be used to sorting out their own hours, please encourage members to sort their own patrols. Members planning their own patrols will also enable there to be more patrols at different times of the day, this will make the group more effective.

The coordinator responsibilities are –

To collect jackets from members leaving, or have the jacket dropped at their home ready for the PCSO SPOC (single point of contact) to collect from them on the monthly patrol.

Contact members who have not patrolled in a four-week period

Refer any members who have not patrolled for eight weeks to the PCSO SPOC.

Refer any members who have not patrolled for 12 weeks to PCSO SPOC and Sam O’Dell.

Responsible for arranging the joint monthly patrol with the PCSO SPOC for the group. 

Welcome all new members to the group, show them the ropes, take them for their first walk and remind them of the commitment to patrol for at least two hours every month.

Ensure that members understand the correct process for reporting crime / anti-social behaviour. 

Encourage members to plan lots of walks at different times of day so there’s lots of coverage in the area. Try not to have two big walks every month where every member attends and the walk lasts an hour, more walks with fewer members is the best way to have an impact in your area and recruit more members.

If you stop getting contact or support from your SPOC please let me know, it might be that they are off or have left

Our commitment to you is that your allocated PCSO will check the portal every week so we are aware of what you’re doing and we will leave feedback and thanks monthly as well as trying to attend one walk a month with the group. 

StreetWatch is about bringing the community together and empowering local residents, sometimes we won’t be able to come out with you every month. The group belongs to the members, we can’t run the group or find new members, this is up to the group.

HOW TO JOIN – please save this and share with people wanting to join your group

Hello,

Thank you for your interest in StreetWatch.

Please use this link to create an account on our WM Now system - https://www.wmnow.co.uk/

Please ensure when you get to -

Who Can See Your Information

That you tick 

Otherwise I won’t receive your application. Continue to fill in your desired password and click “SAVE”

Then look at the top of the screen where it says StreetWatch, click that and press the blue button to join.

This will bring up all the information about StreetWatch then click to consent to the checks and complete your full details, this will be the application to join.

I will get back to you once the checks have been done.

If you require any further help or have any questions please let me know.

Regards Sam