Block Watch is community crime prevention program.  The program encourages citizens to work together to prevent crime in communities and neighborhoods.  Block Watch can be started by anyone in the community.  This includes residents of single-family homes and multi-family complexes including apartments, condominiums and townhouses.

Be an active citizen and help reduce residential crime.  Become a Block Watch Member.

Requirements:

The Role of a Block Watch Member
Block Watch depends on your involvement for success.  Your responsibilities as a Block Watch member are to:

• attend an initial and a yearly meeting to implement the Block Watch Program for your block/neighborhood
• add your information to the Block Watch list and map
• look out for/help your neighbours
• report to police any suspicious occurrences, vehicles or people
• inform the Block Watch office, Block Captain or Co-Captain of any changes
• if desired, become the block's designated Block Watch Captain or Co-Captain

If you become a victim of crime, report it to the police, then contact your Block Watch Captain.

The Role of the Block Watch Captain and Co-Captain
A Block Watch Captain and Co-Captain share the duty of managing the Block Watch program in a neighborhood.  They act as the communication link between Block Watch participants and the Block Watch Office. 

Block Captain and Co-Captain duties are not time consuming.  They jointly share the activities of:

• contacting new neighbors who move in the area, to see if they are interested in registering with the Block Watch Program
• updating the Block Watch map with current names and phone numbers, when necessary
• receiving and distributing newsletters received from the Block Watch Office
• fostering communication amongst Block Watch participants, especially when important or new information needs to be communicated.
• loaning out the engraver so participants can mark their property
• reporting to police any suspicious occurrences, vehicles or people
• advising the Block Watch Office of any residential break and enters or attempted break and enters, which occur on the block
• holding annual block/neighborhood meetings

Starting a Block Watch in Your Neighborhood
If you would you like to start a Block Watch Program in your neighborhood, follow the easy steps outlined below, visit the Block Watch Office at the Coquitlam/Port Coquitlam RCMP Detachment or contact the office at 604.945.1579 or 604.945.1576 for information. 

Setting Up a Block Watch Program in Your Neighbourhood or Complex

• You will need to fill out a Block Watch application form. (Click here to download the application form in .pdf format.)
• Block Watch groups require a Captain and at least one Co-Captain.
• For townhouse or apartment complexes there needs to be one Area Coordinator and one Captain and one Co-Captain for every ten units before a Block Watch can be organized.
• Return the application form to the Coquitlam/Port Coquitlam RCMP Detachment or a community police station to begin the security screening process.
• Only those volunteering as Captain or Co-Captain need to fill out an application and require a security clearance.
• Once your application receives security clearance, please schedule a meeting with the Block Watch Office.  You will be required to contact your other neighbours and register them with the Block Watch Program, and invite them to attend a Block Watch meeting.
• After the initial meeting, your Block Watch group becomes officially recognized and everyone is ready to begin!

Contact: