Neighbourhood Watch is a national scheme in the United Kingdom, but many other countries around the world also organise similar operations.
In Hertfordshire it is better to join your local scheme through the Herts Connected portal, so that information is local and relevant to where you live.
In some areas of the county there are a number of volunteer groups who assist with a specific project or activity. This may be in the form of alternatives Watches (e.g. Dog Watch ~ where dog events and shows are organised, or perhaps a Community Clear Up scheme where residents help with litter picking or clearing a local park) Details of these events can be gained from OWL messages, adverts in local magazines and publications, or reports on local social media posts.
If you have a little time to spare, there are a number of opportunities which you can engage with to help your local community. You may have specific skills to offer the local association, or you may just want to help out with the everyday running of a scheme in your road, or as a helper at events and functions. The age limit is 18 if you wish to become a road coordinator, but we have reduced this threshold to 16 if parental or guardian support is confirmed and accepted.
In Hertfordshire, each district has a local Neighbourhood Watch Association. These groups are governed by a local constitution and they work independently of HertsWatch. The chairs of each Association participate on the Hertswatch committee, which is the umbrella organisation for the county. In this way, we try to ensure continuity and consistency across the county.
There are many roles to fill and opportunities to participate in at a local level.
Each committee requires a Chair, Deputy Chair, Treasurer and Secretary; the latter two require specific skills (financial knowledge, and administration/office skills). The committee also includes representatives from each of the wards within the district, and may include representatives from the local police, council or other partner agencies.
Additional roles and responsibilities may also be required, so there is always an opportunity for you to offer your skills set when a position has become vacant or is being created. We often send out appeal messages requesting extra help at a local level. Please respond by contacting your local District Coordinator.