REGINA - The Regina Police Service (RPS) has unveiled two new community watch initiatives designed to enhance community safety.
Launched as "Community ON: Neighbourhood Watch Reimagined," this initiative will include two programs, the first being Neighbourhood Watch Link.
In partnership with the Arcola East Community Association (AECA), the RPS will be providing Ward 4 residents with regular crime trends in the area, along with crime tips.
RPS Chief Farooq Sheikh clarified this data could be information about an increase in residential burglaries, for example.
With this information, businesses or households can be on alert for crimes in their area.
For this program, the RPS has allocated two officers to the area.
Sheikh said these officers will attend local community meets, build on partnerships, and work alongside the district staff sergeants and inspectors in the area.
The second part of this program is encouraging residents to "say something" if they "see something."
The RPS plans to put signage around the neighbourhood, encouraging residents to call the police.
Additionally, residents can put a neighbourhood watch signage or sticker on their windows, which is available at the AECA office or RPS.
The program is expected to expand across the city later this fall.
As part of today’s announcement, the RPS also launched Safe Neighbourhood Camera Registry (SNCR).
Last year, Sheikh hinted at the RPS setting up a neighbourhood watch scheme. The way it works is that anyone with a camera can register it on the RPS’s website.
If the police are investigating a certain area, they will contact the camera’s owner and ask if they are willing to give the police footage. The RPS kept stressing giving away footage is voluntary, and they will have multiple different methods to receive it.
RPS deputy chief Trent Stevely emphasized the efficiency this program will bring, as the RPS has been in touch with the Prince Albert Police Service to understand their own SNCR program.
"It's really improved their officer efficiency," he said. "They can really narrow down who they need to reach out to and collect that information."
One concern reporters mentioned is the privacy of residents who register for the program.
Stevely said "there's only going to be a select few employees that will have access to the camera registry information and to utilize it."
He added the RPS has partnered with a software company that will house the footage.
Even if someone doesn’t register for the program, Stevely said the RPS will always encourage residents to come forward if they believe they’ve seen something.
For more information about Friday's announcement, visit the RPS's website.
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