Don Kelly, NW Coordinator
Did you know that the Ottawa Police Services (OPS) are shifting their police services approach?
The OPS are moving away from a centralized policing structure toward a new district policing model, dividing the city into four full-service districts: West, Central, South, and East. This new model aims to provide more community-focused policing with integrated Neighbourhood Teams in each district, including specialists like Community Intake Relationship Specialists, analysts and youth officers. The transition is a strategic move with a goal of fostering stronger community connections. The model is also designed to create more direct lines of communication between communities and officers, and to tailor policing to the specific needs of different neighbourhoods. The Blackburn Hamlet Neighbourhood Watch (BHNW) will be actively involved in the roll-out of the new OPS strategic plan.
Your BHNW is designed to work in partnership with invested partners to reduce crime and enhance public safety in our community. Recently, the BHNW and the Neighbourhood Watch of Cardinal Creek, because of the advancements these two communities have made with their programs, was asked by the OPS to spearhead a program for advancing NW to other communities. This program aims to assist 18 other Community Associations.
And, while it is a privilege to act in this role of Neighbours helping Neighbours, we need to continue developing our NW program. Presently, we have over 200 NW members and 40 Block Captains. Nonetheless, we still have many streets without Neighbourhood Watch representation. The BCA is asking for all community residents to consider joining our program, either as a Member and/or Block Captain. To learn more or to find out how to join, go to the Neighbourhood Watch page on the BCA website. You may also contact safety@blackburnhamlet.ca.
