To ask if you'd be a Streetwatch Volunteer

dottypotter · 2023-09-04T09:26:29+00:00

Local area are asking for volunteers to help the police by giving 2 hours a month to patrol their local area. You go out in pairs and wear a high viz jacket and talk to people and report any issues? Would you do it, or do you think it could be stressful?

SisterMichaelsHabit · 04/09/2023 10:28

No police powers but doing a policing role? Not a chance. They should hire and pay for and train actual police and get them off Twitter and on the streets.

vodkaredbullgirl · 04/09/2023 10:30

No way

girlfriend44 · 04/09/2023 10:31

They haven't got enough police to do everything, and that won't change.
You would be helping out.

Original poster

dottypotter · 04/09/2023 11:01

Anyone else?

OP posts:

PinkRoses1245 · 04/09/2023 11:04

Definitely not.

AndrexPuppy · 04/09/2023 11:04

No I wouldn’t. It’s another way for the govt to weasel out of funding public services properly.

NightTroll · 04/09/2023 11:04

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

ohtowinthelottery · 04/09/2023 11:05

Isn't that what PCSOs are for - a scheme that was already watered down policing?

musicforthesoul · 04/09/2023 11:07

No way. They should hire more actual police officers with appropriate resources and training.

Original poster

dottypotter · 04/09/2023 11:08

Not sure,this is called Streetwatch Volunteer.

OP posts:

Finlesswonder · 04/09/2023 11:10

Would I run the risk of getting stabbed without a stab vest or training? Ummm no no I wouldn't

Needmorelego · 04/09/2023 11:12

I know someone who is part of a volunteer group who goes around town on Friday/Saturday night and makes sure the pub/club goers are safe etc.
They do things like reuniting groups that have got split it up (ie a lone female might be wandering the streets because she can't find her friends), making sure people are getting into legit cabs, etc.
They have radios to communicate to the police/emergency services and the town CCTV people so if something more serious is happening they can call them asap.
It takes the police away from issues such as the drunk lone female wandering around looking for her mates so they can focus on more serious things like a massive punch up with knives going on.
Bit sad this is needed but it seems to work.

BackToOklahoma · 04/09/2023 11:16

Absolutely not. Volunteers are already propping up services that should be properly funded, this is taking it way too far.

NeedToChangeName · 04/09/2023 11:16

Needmorelego · 04/09/2023 11:12

I know someone who is part of a volunteer group who goes around town on Friday/Saturday night and makes sure the pub/club goers are safe etc.
They do things like reuniting groups that have got split it up (ie a lone female might be wandering the streets because she can't find her friends), making sure people are getting into legit cabs, etc.
They have radios to communicate to the police/emergency services and the town CCTV people so if something more serious is happening they can call them asap.
It takes the police away from issues such as the drunk lone female wandering around looking for her mates so they can focus on more serious things like a massive punch up with knives going on.
Bit sad this is needed but it seems to work.

@Needmorelego we have something similar, where volunteers marshal the taxi rank in the city centre and keep an eye on people who seem under the influence. It seems to work well

But I also agree with PP that proper policing tasks should be done by suitably trained staff and Govt shouldn't be relying on volunteers to plug the gaps in public services

DrinkFeckArseBrick · 04/09/2023 11:19

I'd do it if there was training, and it was in groups bigger than two (eg 5). I don't think two is enough. I didnt think the expectation is that they confront people doing anti social behaviour. More that it's preventative eg people seeing high viz on patrol are probably less likely to dump rubbish, graffiti etc

SerendipityJane · 04/09/2023 11:21

Someone has to report dangerous subversives who might think about possibly taking a photo of a sticker that may suggest womens only spaces are for women. Sign me up.

Is one way of looking at it.

Another way is if the fucking police did their fucking police job properly before fucking around with easy-to-log thought "crimes" then maybe they would be advertising for policing on the cheap like this.

MNHQ already have my details when this post is picked up by plod so I can get a "visit" to log my non-crime crime.

Sweetladyjane · 04/09/2023 11:22

I’m a street pastor so do similar. We chat to people and help make sure those who are worse for wear get home safely. We have radios so can call the police quickly if needed. It’s very rewarding.

Original poster

dottypotter · 04/09/2023 17:06

Yes it's in pairs.

OP posts:

Original poster

dottypotter · 04/09/2023 17:08

Finlesswonder · 04/09/2023 11:10

Would I run the risk of getting stabbed without a stab vest or training? Ummm no no I wouldn't

There is training, high viz jacket only.

OP posts:

Needanewnamebeingwatched · 04/09/2023 17:09

Start a neighbourhood watch, but I wouldn't patrol

nothingcomestonothing · 04/09/2023 17:10

SerendipityJane · 04/09/2023 11:21

Someone has to report dangerous subversives who might think about possibly taking a photo of a sticker that may suggest womens only spaces are for women. Sign me up.

Is one way of looking at it.

Another way is if the fucking police did their fucking police job properly before fucking around with easy-to-log thought "crimes" then maybe they would be advertising for policing on the cheap like this.

MNHQ already have my details when this post is picked up by plod so I can get a "visit" to log my non-crime crime.

Yeah this. I have no confidence in the police at all, why would I risk my safety and use my time helping them out?