An internet based crime reporting program set up by the City of Gosnells in Western Australia recently won a commendation in the 2003 National Awards for Local Government. The eWATCH program is part of Council’s Safe City Urban Design Strategy, which has also received two Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Certificates of Merit.
Under eWATCH, residents and businesses are helping to make Gosnells a safer community. WA Police and the City of Gosnells signed a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate the exchange of information when eWATCH was launched in December 2002.
When Gosnells Police need the communty’s help to solve a crime, they simply send a message to eWATCH and the information is forwarded to registered users. Their replies are passed back to police through the Safe City initiative.
Council also uses eWATCH to provide safety and security information to residents. All information provided is confidential and users remain anonymous. There are currently 134 businesses and residents using the service. Anyone with email is able to register.
Mayor Patricia Morris said eWATCH had established a technology network of ‘community eyes’ that provided a valuable and immediate information base for police.
“This project is an inexpensive and timely way to encourage the business and residential community to participate in crime prevention,” Mayor Morris said. “By using emerging technology strategies eWATCH is helping community and business to engage in effective two way communication with Local Government.”
Mayor Morris said the key objectives of eWATCH – to improve community surveillance techniques and inform residents and business about crime in the City – were being met.
