Neighbourhood Watch 2.0 To Launch In October
On 16th October 2013, the Ministry of Public Safety will officially launch the Neighbourhood Watch 2.0 initiative with four pilot communities, Public Safety Minister Michael Dunkley said today [Sept 27] in the House of Assembly.
The Minister said, “Neighbourhood Watch 2.0 is designed to enhance the present Neighbourhood Watch Programme by using technology to connect neighbours and their communities. Neighbourhood Watch 2.0 will notify residents via voice call and text messages. Smart use of technology is another best-practice tool in the fight for safer communities.
“On 16th October 2013, the Ministry of Public Safety will officially launch the Neighbourhood Watch 2.0 initiative and this event will highlight the power of co-operation between community, private business, public departments and the Government working together to build a better Bermuda through technology.
The Minister continued on to say that, “With assistance of the Bermuda Police Service, there will be four pilot communities to include a mixture of Neighbourhood Watch Groups and Community Action Groups.
“Each group will be sponsored by public or private partners for the year. I am pleased to advise that three of the communities are confirmed and they are Jennings Road, Convict Bay and Friswell’s Hill. A western location for a pilot will be announced shortly.
Minister Dunkley’s full statement follows below:
Mr. Speaker, I last provided an update on the initiative known as Neighbourhood Watch 2.0 to this Honourable House on 13th March 2013. As I stated then “a strong community needs equally strong public participation so that it encourages the development of our youth, safer communities and healthier relationships.” .
Mr. Speaker, as outlined in the Speech from the Throne, the vibrant Neighborhood Watch Programme must be supported as Bermuda’s residents bravely commit to taking back their communities.
Mr. Speaker, “Neighbourhood Watch 2.0” is designed to enhance the present Neighbourhood Watch Programme by using technology to connect neighbours and their communities. “Neighbourhood Watch 2.0” will notify residents via voice call and text messages. Smart use of technology is another best-practice tool in the fight for safer communities.
Mr. Speaker, as you are aware, Neighbourhood Watch is one of the most effective ways to reduce crime and build better relationships between residents of a specific area. It also encourages members of the community to share the responsibility for the welfare and upkeep of their neighbourhood.
Mr. Speaker, on 16th October 2013, the Ministry of Public Safety will officially launch the “Neighbourhood Watch 2.0” initiative and this event will highlight the power of co-operation between community, private business, public departments and the Government working together to build a better Bermuda through technology.
Mr. Speaker, our local vendor – Bermuda Security Group Limited entered into partnership with Village Defense thus aligning the “Neighbourhood Watch 2.0” programme with international best practice standards. Village Defense has performed testing of the technology successfully.
Mr. Speaker, with assistance of the Bermuda Police Service, there will be four pilot communities to include a mixture of Neighbourhood Watch Groups and Community Action Groups. Each group will be sponsored by public or private partners for the year. I am pleased to advise that three of the communities are confirmed and they are Jennings Road, Convict Bay and Friswell’s Hill. A western location for a pilot will be announced shortly.
Mr. Speaker, keeping Bermuda safe is not solely the responsibility of the Police. Each member of the community can play a vital role by getting involved in their neighbourhood. Cooperation, participation and partnerships are paramount for the betterment of our community.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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“Neighbourhood Watch 2.0 will notify residents via voice call and text messages”
Are we in 1990?
How else would you do it ‘really’.
Mr. Minister may i suggest Whale Bay.
Jennings Road hmm… you’re the MP for that area Dunkley. Oh never mind I get it now. Secure your votes Bie.
God forbid a politician represent his constituents!
How horrible that would be…
Mr. Hinds the majority of homes in my area have home security and there are cameras everywhere because we can afford it. Most of us that reside in this neighborhood are making way above the average and you can see this by the standard of living. This area is a OBA strong hold and always will be.
Why not test the system in neighborhood where people can’t afford home security?
I was speaking to the motivations implied by “Wow”. There has been a bizarre push lately to impugn the OBA by saying that ANYTHING they do is to secure votes. I find it very odd.
As to your question? I have no earthly idea and agree that it could, and probably should, be done elsewhere.
Thank Sir.
So you say same and feel comfortable with all “politician” doing this?
Define “horrible”
It’s sarcasm, Rummy.
Anything to appease.
I call it politricking.
It’s all good but you can email/text whatever. It’s the same as a phone call.
This crap and incidents will never cease until the ‘people’ speak and give statements and appear in court.
Shalom.
@ Tony Stark
I am not sure if your comment above is meant to show the disparity between races or the have and have nots, but let me let you in on a little secret.
My area too has security. We have had it for the last 20 – 30 yrs.
Its called family and neighbors.
And guess what we are a PLP stronghold, the UBP couldn’t break in nor the OBA.
And the funny thing is the area is made up of blacks, portuguese and whites.
How’s that for home security 101.