Mission Statement:

"WatchSA's mission is to provide a coordinated approach of community engagement that enhances community safety and facilitates community preparedness."

WatchSA promotes collaboration and the exchange of information between police and all sections of the community.

 In doing so, WatchSA aims to:

• promote collaboration between the police and all sectors of the community through the problem solving approach to crime reduction
• reduce the incidence of crime and disorder and enhance public safety
• reduce and rationalise the fear of crime
• educate the community on security issues affecting them and methods of improving personal, vehicle and building security
• deter criminal activity by increasing the likelihood of apprehension
• increase the exchange of information between the police and the community including the reporting of crime and suspicious behaviour

WatchSA also works with the South Australia Police to educate the community on security issues affecting them and methods of improving personal safety and security, property security and business safety and security.

WatchSA recognises five primary Watch programs:

• Neighbourhood Watch
• School Watch
• Business Watch
• Health Watch
• Transit Watch

WatchSA coordinates the crime reduction activities of all approved Watch programs in South Australia.  This enables Watch programs to better support each other, make efficient use of available resources and operate collaboratively to reduce crime and the fear of crime.

Visit www.watchsa.com.au for more information about these programs.

Neighbourhood Watch

Neighbourhood Watch is about safety in places where people live - about local police and communities working together to create safer suburbs and towns in South Australia.

It is a community-based crime prevention program aimed at reducing crime through consultation, working together in a pro-active manner to address the causes of crime and to report crime requires the police attention. By having a link with the local police, residents are kept informed of emerging crime trends, new scams and changes in laws.

Business Watch

Business Watch focuses on crime reduction and community safety issues in both business districts and for industry groups. The program uses ongoing problem solving strategies in partnership with local police and service providers.

See our business safety and security pages for tips on how you can keep your business safe and secure.

School Watch

This is a joint community-based awareness and crime reduction program of the South Australia Police and the Department of Education and Children's Services (DECS). It focuses on creating a safer place at learning centres by:

• reducing the opportunities for crime and unacceptable social behaviour
• developing in young people an understanding of the need to respect and protect public and private property.

School Watch includes all schools in South Australia, from kindergarten to high school, in both the government and the private sector.

The schools receive a School Watch Safety and Security Resource Folder and information packs on various topics are sent throughout the year.

School Watch is staffed through the School Care Centre, a partnership between South Australia Police and the Department of Education and Children's Services.

Health Watch

This initiative focuses on safety and security in all hospitals and for community health sector service providers. Operating in partnership with the Department of Health, the program works on the same principle as Neighbourhood Watch, enhancing the safety for staff, patients and visitors to health facilities.

 

Transit Watch

The Transit Watch program operates within the passenger transport system of South Australia. SAPOL's Transit Police Services coordinate the program with all train, tram, bus and taxi service providers. The focus is on security at sites, depots, yards and other infrastructure as well as safety for staff and passengers.