NHW SA Watch on SA magazine Issue 12, 2018

Watch on SA Neighbourhood Watch SA Magazine Issue 12 Autumn 2018

Zoning in on community safety

Neighbourhood Watch SA a safe and connected community

IN THIS ISSUE

From the State Coordinator Welcome to Watch on SA for Autumn 2018.

Since my last editorial three months ago I am pleased to report that we have welcomed a number of new Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) groups – with successful launches at Morgan, Lightsview, Mawson Lakes, Elizabeth Vale and Sanctuary Rise at Hillbank. I extend a big welcome to these groups and look forward to working with you in the future to promote the program and to engage with your communities.

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce and welcome Sergeant Phil Gurr to the NHW State Coordinator position. Phil recently commenced the role and will be working alongside the NHW assistant in supporting the Watch program and providing assistance to the Board of Management, the State Council and to NHW groups at a local level.

The NHW reinvigoration process has seen a steady increase in numbers accessing the NHW website and Facebook page. We are encouraged that people are accessing this information to learn more about the NHW program and to obtain crime prevention and safety advice.

Watch on SA magazine is designed to showcase the activities of NHW volunteers and provide practical safety advice and information. It aims to inform you about policing activities that you

may not ordinarily hear about and provides a great opportunity for volunteers to share what they have been doing in their community. The Summer 2018 issue was available for reading electronically and this has allowed us to extend our reach into the broader community and also attract readers from interstate and overseas.

State Community Engagement Section has recently re-ordered a number of the popular NHW resources such as bin stickers and Safety and Security booklets. These resources are available to NHW groups and can be obtained from your local Crime Prevention Section.

We are continuing to design new promotional material that not only provides relevant crime prevention information but also ways of connecting communities.

Please take the time to read the magazine and share it with your family, friends and neighbours. NHW is about engaging with the community which in turn promotes a safe and connected community.

From the State Coordinator...................... 2 President’s report..................................... 2 State Community Engagement Section...................................................... 3 New State Coordinator............................. 3 Zoning in on community safety................. 4 Working together to engage with youth.... 6 Klemzig NHW clean up act of vandals..... 7 New NHW groups..................................... 8 Don’t let your assets go up in smoke........ 9 Hits of stage and screen - Event............ 10 Police Officer of the Year Nominate now......................................... 11 Events calendar...................................... 12 Looking for guest speakers for your next meeting?......................................... 12

I hope that you enjoy this issue of Watch on SA.

Senior Sergeant First Class Neil Hodgson Neighbourhood Watch SA State Coordinator South Australia Police

President’s report Just what is this Neighbourhood Watch, or NHW? NHW is a crime prevention program operating throughout Australia, and here in South Australia the program is run by South Australia Police (SAPOL) under the name of Neighbourhood Watch SA. In order to operate the program SAPOL utilises the services of some 15,000 volunteers, members of individual NHW areas, to distribute program messages on crime reduction and personal safety via newsletters, at events such as displays and fetes, and of course, at their local public meetings – the catchcry being “a safe and connected community”.

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So where does the Neighbourhood Watch Volunteers Association of SA Inc. (NHW VASA Inc.) fit in?

NHW VASA Inc. came in to being to represent all those volunteers so they can have their say in how the program should run, and just what volunteers could or should do.

In short, they manage the running of the NHW SA program collaboratively with SAPOL through group volunteers’ meetings, electing a system of State Councillors, under a Board of Management (BoM).

The State Council-elected BoM provides twoway communication between the BoM and volunteers, and also the BoM and SAPOL.

Phil Tavender President Neighbourhood Watch Volunteers Association of SA Inc.

State Community Engagement Section Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) continues to move forward despite having experienced some staff changes in recent times. I would like to thank Senior Sergeant First Class Neil Hodgson for acting as the interim NHW State Coordinator until the recent arrival of Sergeant Phil Gurr who now takes up that role. My thanks also go to Heather Warnett who has stepped in to fill the void left by Daniel Schmidt.

It is indeed heartwarming to see such large turnouts at the launches of the new areas since the last issue of this magazine. Most exciting was the attendance of such a broad cross section of ages at the community and launch meetings. All of this bodes well for the future of NHW.

in. Please contact NHW on 7322 3298 or email SAPOL.NeighbourhoodWatch@police.sa.gov. au with those details so that that we can make both the website and Facebook pages as informative as possible.

In this edition you will also see us advertising a special NHW fundraising event in conjunction with Encounter Youth. Having the Band of the South Australia Police and guest singers Henry Olonga and Courtney Turner appearing at the Adelaide Town Hall is a real coup. With tickets costing only $25, I am sure the event will sell out quickly so get your tickets now for a fabulous evening’s entertainment.

Chief Inspector Alex Zimmermann Officer in Charge State Community Engagement Section South Australia Police

I would like to encourage everyone to make the most of the NHW website and Facebook page by utilising them to advertise their meetings and any events you may be involved

New NHW State Coordinator I just wanted to briefly introduce myself as the incoming State Coordinator. My background includes 18 years of service with Sussex Police on the south coast of the UK where I spent much of my time in frontline neighbourhood policing roles in busy seaside towns and later in more rural areas bordering other police jurisdictions. I joined SAPOL during their UK recruiting drive in 2005 and have since worked on patrols and later in human resources roles, and most recently I was the Multicultural Portfolio Sergeant within the State Community Engagement Section.

I have a passion for evidence-based policing and although Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) has without question become an established and proven crime prevention success story in many countries including Australia, I think there is always room for improvement to make a great initiative even better.

Providing safe communities for everyone through equitable and accessible policing services is something I am passionate about and the theme of inclusivity could, and perhaps should, be applied to the workings of NHW groups. Striving for such diversity of representation will better enable NHW to hear the voices of many of the most vulnerable community members who, for a multitude of reasons, may otherwise remain silent.

I am very excited about my new position and I am looking forward to engaging with many of you to share our stories, experiences and ideas.

Sergeant Phil Gurr Neighbourhood Watch SA State Coordinator South Australia Police

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Zoning in on community safety

Police now have additional powers to curb antisocial and disorderly behaviour with the introduction of Declared Public Precincts (DPP).

Introduced after the Summary Offences (Declared Public Precincts) Amendment Bill was passed in October 2017, the new legislation enables police to use metal detectors to search people, ban people from a precinct between specified hours, direct a person to move on and remove children under the age of 18 if officers consider them at risk. Those behaving in a disorderly or offensive manner may also be fined up to $1,250.

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The first DPP was established in the City West area – bordered by North Terrace, West Terrace, Currie Street and King William Street, and including Hindley Street – on 10 November 2017. It will be operational every Friday and Saturday between 6.00 pm and 6.00 am until 11 November 2018. DPPs have also been temporarily established during events including the Adelaide Fringe, Australia Day and the Schoolies Festival.

Officer in Charge of Eastern Adelaide Local Service Area (LSA), Superintendent Craig Wall hailed the City West DPP a great success.

“It has been an effective tool to ensure community safety and enjoyment in entertainment precincts while preventing street crime and antisocial behaviour,” he said.

“Police can now act swiftly to remove troublemakers from the area, which usually defuses situations before they escalate.”

In the first three months of the City West DPP 521 people were ordered from the precinct, 32 people were barred, 126 expiation notices were issued for disorderly conduct, 128 vulnerable children were removed from the precinct, and 189 people searched with a metal detector.

“Police worked tirelessly alongside Encounter Youth and their ‘green team’ volunteers to ensure the event was safe and enjoyable for everyone,” he said.

“The DPP provided police with a valuable tool to prevent problems before they occurred, particularly with the ability to search people for weapons and use a police dog to detect drug possession.”

During the Schoolies Festival seven people were ordered from the precinct, with four people barred. Only two people were arrested for returning to the DPP. Sixty revellers were searched with a metal detector with no weapons located. The passive alert drug detector dog was used for the first time in a DPP, registering 110 indications with 86 people admitting to using illicit substances. Two people were drug diverted for possessing a controlled drug.

“The DPP allows police to effectively manage inappropriate behaviour in real-time without being unduly tied up with arrest documentation or administrative burdens,” Superintendent Wall said.

“The safety message is getting through as we have noticed a significant reduction in the number of vulnerable children frequenting the precinct and have not seized any weapons.

“The DPP is making a difference and has been well received by the community and business owners within the precinct.”

Director of the HQ Complex in Hindley Street, Stephen Rose believes the DPP is a positive initiative that has reduced disorderly behaviour in and around the west end of the city.

“It’s a valuable tool to ensure the minority of troublemakers are promptly removed from the City West precinct, ensuring a safe environment for the rest of the community,” he said.

“Since the DPP was introduced SAPOL has kept business operators informed and developed a close working relationship which has been mutually beneficial.

“School leavers and the local community appreciated the effectiveness of the DPP and its positive impact on deterring antisocial behaviour,” Superintendent Fairney said.

“I would love to see the DPP become permanent and possibly expand.”

An appropriate tool for ‘Schoolies’ From 24-26 November 2017 around 8,000 school leavers descended on the normally tranquil seaside town of Victor Harbor for the annual Schoolies Festival.

In previous years the festival has seen celebrations disrupted by unwelcome behaviour from non-school leavers, with a spike in offences. To counteract this, a DPP was established in the main part of Victor Harbor from 6.00 pm until 3.00 am on all three nights of the festival.

According to Officer in Charge of Hills Fleurieu LSA, Superintendent Mark Fairney the DPP was integral to improving public safety throughout the event.

Source: Blueprint, South Australia Police’s magazine

Issue 1 2018

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Working together to engage with youth Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) SA has been spreading the word amongst high school students that their one voice can make a difference when it comes to local community safety. Being the principal partner to Encounter Youth’s Party Safe Education™ program means that students in every seminar are being encouraged to consider using their skills in their local NHW group.

as far south as Wirreanda Secondary School at Morphett Vale. Term two will see further engagement with students in regional areas thanks to a grant from Variety – The Children’s Charity. If you are connected to a regional or disadvantaged school community in South Australia, please inform your school faculty that discounts are available for Encounter Youth’s program.

Encounter Youth’s alcohol and other drug education programs equip young people to celebrate positively and safely, while also highlighting the benefits of being involved in NHW SA.

It was a real privilege for Encounter Youth to educate Year 11 and 12 students at Clare High School (photo below) just one week before their school formal, with discussion centred on transitions into adulthood. Instilling social responsibility and discussing alcohol and the law are key focuses of the Year 12 seminar known as #Adulting, which echoes loud and clear NHW’s desire to see a safe and connected community.

Young people have expressed interest with NHW SA in a variety of areas including helping plan an event in their local area, networking with South Australia Police and locals, and newsletter design. Young people are also reminded through the program to keep an eye out around their neighbourhood, and the importance of reporting suspicious behaviour to police on 131 444 or calling Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.

Term one of the program saw Encounter Youth (two of the presenters pictured right) deliver research-based education to students from as far north as Port Broughton Area School, and

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Another highlight for NHW was reaching Year 11 and 12 students based in the Barossa Valley to empower them with helpful tips about enjoying safe celebrations in the community. With the Barossa being an iconic South Australian wine region, it is important for Encounter Youth to equip the next generation with the right advice so they can make well informed choices when it comes to considering how they celebrate, if they choose to consume or abstain from

alcohol and the effects alcohol has on the body.

NHW SA is provided with excellent points of contact with Encounter Youth’s program participants, and to end term one on a positive note, Encounter Youth discussed NHW with students at the annual RAA Street Smart High event in April which attracted around 8,000 people.

Find out more about Encounter Youth’s Party Safe Education™ and see how your local community can benefit by visiting encounteryouth.com.au or contacting them on (08) 8179 0300.

Klemzig NHW cleans up the act of vandals

Graffiti issues have been a long-term concern for Klemzig Neighbourhood Watch (NHW), having first been raised at local meetings as far back as 2000. This heralded the start of a close association with the Port Adelaide Enfield Council, with graffiti removal becoming a priority in the local area.

In June 2001 Klemzig NHW received two grants, one from the Port Adelaide Enfield Council and one from the Attorney General’s Department, enabling them to purchase a trailer, basic equipment, safety vests and signs to set their graffiti removal project in motion.

Port Adelaide Enfield Council agreed to supply paints and solvents, volunteers were trained by South Australia Police (SAPOL), and the trailer was stored by Klemzig Primary School.

Klemzig NHW initially established three graffiti removal teams to cover their North, South and West zones, with a trial run of the project carried out in August 2001. The importance of the Klemzig graffiti project was reflected in the Port Adelaide Enfield Council Annual Review 2000-2001 which featured a photo of a graffiti removal volunteer on the front cover and an article about the project within the booklet.

Klemzig NHW successfully obtained another grant for a camera with a time and date function so the volunteers could photograph and report graffiti tags in the Klemzig area to assist SAPOL.

In October 2002 the Port Adelaide Enfield Council once again contributed funds, which along with a Department of the Premier and Cabinet Volunteer Support Fund grant enabled Klemzig NHW to purchase a pressure cleaner with sandblaster attachment to assist the graffiti removal team.

In December 2003 the council helped Klemzig NHW finance the purchase plus ongoing annual support and running costs of a second-hand vehicle to tow the trailer due to the wear and tear on the volunteers’ vehicles. In 2012 the council provided Klemzig NHW with a secure lock-up facility for the graffiti removal trailer, vehicle and equipment.

Currently, Klemzig NHW graffiti removal volunteers go out in teams once or twice a week. Klemzig now has 11 active graffiti removal volunteers on record. If you are interested in being a part of this positive and proactive team of volunteers you can apply to be a NHW volunteer. Find out how to join by visiting our website www.police.sa.gov.au/nhw

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New NHW groups The Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) reinvigoration project is already seeing goals being achieved.

One of the major goals is to increase our volunteer base, especially in the under 60-year-old age range. Since the last issue of this magazine five new NHW groups have launched. We welcome Morgan, Lightsview, Mawson Lakes, Elizabeth Vale and Sanctuary Rise (pictured here), all of which include members under the age of 60 and have young families who have joined, which is wonderful to see.

If you live in these areas and would like to contribute to your local community go to our website www.police.sa.gov.au/nhw to find your local NHW contact person or contact us on 7322 3298 or via our Facebook page www.facebook.com/NeighbourhoodWatchSA and we can put you in touch with your local NHW representative. If your local area doesn’t have an active NHW group and you feel it would benefit from having a group, contact us on 7322 3298 or via our Facebook page and we can show you how to establish a group.

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Don’t let your assets go up in smoke

When you sleep you have no sense of smell; you may not wake up if there is smoke in your house. You need a working smoke alarm to give you an early warning of fire, so you can escape before the house fills with toxic smoke.

Correctly located smoke alarms in your home provide early warning of fire, providing you with the precious time which may be vital to your survival. They must be installed on every level of your home and it is imperative that you can hear your smoke alarm in your sleeping areas.

If you sleep with your bedroom doors closed, consider installing additional smoke alarms in your bedrooms.

Change the battery every year

Interconnectable alarms

If your smoke alarms are powered by a disposable battery, change the battery once a year or if a ‘battery low’ warning ‘beep’ is emitted. This also applies if the back-up battery in your hard-wired smoke alarm is disposable.

All types of smoke alarms (photo-electric and ionisation) are available as interconnectable alarms. Where two or more alarms are installed, the MFS recommends they be interconnected.

The interconnection of alarms ensures that, if one alarm detects smoke, all interconnected alarms will activate to sound the warning.

Legislation requires that multiple smoke alarms must be interconnected in all homes (and major extensions) approved since 1 May 2014. Ensure that the alarms you purchase are capable of this function.

An ideal time to do this is when you change your clocks back at the end of daylight saving.

Change your clock; change your smoke alarm batteries!

You need to replace all smoke alarms every 10 years.

Smoke alarm maintenance

Types of smoke alarms

Test your smoke alarms monthly

There are two types of smoke alarms: ionisation smoke alarms which detect small diameter smoke particles and are most effective in the case of flaming fires, and photo-electric (photooptical) smoke alarms which detect larger smoke particles and are most effective in the case of smouldering fires.

Press the test button once a month to ensure the smoke alarms are working. Test the backup battery of hard-wired smoke alarms by isolating the power supply (main switch or circuit breaker) before pushing the test button.

Clean your smoke alarms every six months Every six months you should clean your smoke alarms using your vacuum cleaner with the brush head attachment. Items such as dust or cobwebs can interfere with smoke alarms.

Further information For further information and advice contact the MFS Community Safety and Resilience Department on telephone 8204 3611, website www.mfs.sa.gov.au or email samfscommunitysafety@sa.gov.au

The Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) recommends that the best protection across a range of fires is provided by photo-electric smoke alarms which are hard-wired to the 240 volt power supply.

For homes which already have ionisation alarms, the MFS recommend they be supplemented with additional, interconnected photo-electric alarms. When existing ionisation alarms reach 10 years of age, they should be replaced with photo-electric alarms.

Source: Metropolitan Fire Service

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Neighbourhood Watch SA and the Band of the South Australia Police presents

Wednesday, 22 August 2018 7.30 pm Hits from Stage and Screen. Hall.

Adelaide Town

With special guests

$25 per ticket or $22.50 per ticket for groups of 10 or more.

Tickets available through Bass outlets or online at www.bass.net.au All proceeds go to Neighbourhood Watch Volunteers Association of SA Inc.

Neighbourhood Watch SA

Henry Olonga

Courtney T

from Encou

urner

nter Youth

POLICE

OFFICER

OF THE YEAR

Do you know a police officer who deserves recognition for service to the community?

Here’s your chance to say thanks for a job well done!

NOMINATE NOW When nominating a Police Officer you should forward a written submission detailing the reasons for the nomination to: ‘The Police Officer of the Year’c/o Rotary Club of Unley PO Box 18, Unley SA 5061 or pooty@rotaryclub.org.au Nominations close Friday, 27 July 2018.

Proudly sponsored by the Rotary Club of Unley as a vocational service.

For further information and to get a nomination form visit our website unley.rotaryclub.org.au

Events calendar Volunteer Week: 21–27 May 2018 Scams Awareness Week: 21–25 May 2018 NHW VASA State Council Meeting: 19 May 2017

Watch on SA Neighbourhood Watch SA Magazine

Next issue: Winter 2018

For all State Councillors and Executive Committee members.

12.30 pm for a 1.00 pm start. Education Development Centre, Milner Rd, Hindmarsh.

NHW SA and the Band of the South Australia Police Event ─ Hits of Stage and Screen: 22 August 2018

Are you looking for a guest speaker for your next meeting?

Come and learn CPR. It’s FREE Do you know what to do in an emergency?

Community CPR-30 is the South Australian Ambulance Service (SAAS) program designed to allow SAAS to engage with our community, encouraging them to be a part of the cardiac arrest chain of survival.

The use of a short video and simple inflatable mannequins allows participants to practise some key components of basic life support in a relaxed, non-threatening environment.

SAAS trainers will guide participants, provide feedback on techniques, and answer questions regarding CPR and AED use. Community CPR 30 does not replace nationally accredited CPR/ AED training programs as required by many professions or workplace first aid codes of practice.

Community CPR 30 is a free program and the running time is 30 minutes. Maximum class size is 20 people per session.

To find out more or book a session go to www.saambulance.com.au/NewsPublications/ CPR30trainingsessions.aspx

Fire and life safety - Metropolitan Fire Service The MFS is committed to teaching people about home fire safety. For groups of 15 people or more a guest speaker from the Community Safety and Resilience Department can provide a free home fire and life safety presentation.

The topics covered may include: • cooking and bbqs • electricity and electrical appliances • heating, candles, oil burners and incense • smoking • smoke alarms, fire blankets and extinguishers • home fire escape plans.

The presentations can be tailored to suit the needs of the particular group, ranging in length from 30 minutes to two hours, and can be electronic (data projectors with PowerPoint presentations and movies) or more conversational with the presenter demonstrating various pieces of home fire safety equipment.

Bookings are subject to availability. For more information or to download a booking form please go to www.mfs.sa.gov.au/ site/community_safety/home_fire_safety_ presentations.jsp

Got an event coming up?

Editorial content

If your Neighbourhood Watch Area is planing a large event and want it promoted in this magazine, on the Facebook page or the NHW SA website, just email or call the State Community Engagement Section.

Watch on SA magazine will accept editorial from Neighbourhood Watch volunteers. Contact the State Community Engagement Section to learn more.

RediPlan sessions Did you know that in the event of an emergency it is most likely your neighbour or those closest to you who will be first to help? If you are interested in getting yourself and your neighbourhood ready for emergencies, Australian Red Cross can attend your next meeting to speak to you about how you can mentally and practically prepare.

If you are interested in a preparedness session in the City of Charles Sturt, City of Onkaparinga and Adelaide Hills Council areas please contact us at sarediplan@redcross.org.au or 08 8100 4602 (within business hours).

State Community Engagement Section SA Police Headquarters 100 Angas Street Adelaide SA 5000 GPO Box 1539 Adelaide SA 5001 Phone: 7322 3298 Email: SAPOLNeighbourhoodWatch@ police.sa.gov.au Facebook: NeighbourhoodWatchSA Website: www.police.sa.gov.au/nhw