Neighbourhood Watch Controller

Introduction
This is one of a set of fairly recent posts established to improve the quality of our lives by reducing the threat of crime and other ant-social aggravation.  Neighbourhood watch controllers provide management support to administrators who are responsible for running citizen protection schemes in the community.  They are employed as police civilian staff to help reduce crime, disorder and fear in partnership with the community.  The police are committed to providing a caring and professional service.

Work Environment
The normal working week is 37 hours.  As the police service has a 24-hour, seven day week commitment, there may occasionally be a need to work at times and places beyond the immediate local area - especially on such occasions as major crimes, disasters or special operations.  Evening work is to be expected.

Daily Activities
The basic aim of the job is to promote and expand the various neighbourhood watch schemes in the council area.  This will entail monitoring how well they are working, helping to recruit staff and acting as public relations spokesperson on behalf of the various projects - through talks, articles and interviews with the media and others. Public speaking is an important part of the work.  NW controllers must seek to be involved with the community at every opportunity.  Overall, they have a responsibility to ensure that the tasks and objectives that have been outlined are completed, and produce an annual report on progress for senior police officers, the Police Authority, local councillors and elected members.  Neighbourhood watch schemes involve ordinary citizens and street wardens employed by the local authority.  The work includes:

  • keeping an eye on the area (mostly during afternoons, late evenings and weekends); 
  • supporting vulnerable residents (the old gentleman next door, the disabled woman across the road);
  • getting involved in community activities;
  • reporting crime, anti-social behaviour and environmental issues to the police, the council and other relevant authorities;
  • watching over empty properties;
  • supporting other agencies such as social services, age concern, the church, youth clubs etc.

It is the duty of the neighbourhood watch controller to make sure that the system works and ensure that all the schemes in the local area get the support they need from the authorities.

Skills & Interests
You should be:

  • a self motivated person who can work with minimum supervision;
  • a good communicator, both verbally and in writing;
  • committed to civic duty;
  • aware of the need to inspire public confidence;
  • tolerant, but fair, and respect the rights of the individual;
  • able to get along with people from different backgrounds;
  • a good manager of people and systems.

Entry Requirements
You would need to be educated to GCSE standard, especially in Maths and English and possess excellent keyboard skills.  As there is a fair amount of public speaking involved with the job, you should be confident and articulate.  Previous experience with neighbourhood watch or of crime prevention would be advantageous.  Access to a vehicle is essential.  There is a probationary period of 6 months required and every reasonable precaution will be taken to appoint persons of unquestionable reliability and integrity.  You may be required to take tests to demonstrate certain skills such as in-tray exercise, typing, writing and numerical reasoning.  Most police authorities are committed to providing training.  This is done through:

  • on-the-job instruction; 
  • internal and external courses;
  • study sponsorship;
  • NVQs in customer services, training and development, administration.

Future Prospects & Opportunities
More senior management posts are available within neighbourhood watch and other aspects of the police service as well as other local authority directorates.  The area of crime detection and prevention is a growing field and the police are always seeking for new ways to work with the community.

Further Information & Services
Asset Skills www.assetskills.org
British Security Industry Association www.bsia.co.uk
City and Guilds www.city-and-guilds.co.uk
Institute of Administrative Management www.instam.org
Neighbourhood Watch www.neighbourhoodwatch.net
Skills for Security www.skillsforsecurity.org.uk
Your local police authority

You may find further information about this area of work through Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or in your local library, careers office or school careers library.

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