Rural Crime Watch and Block Watch will be the focus but they won't be the only topics on the agenda when a trio of public meetings are held over the coming weeks.
Representatives from the city's and regional district's parks departments, Prince George Fire Rescue and area volunteer fire departments, and - depending on their workload - the Conservation Office are also scheduled to appear.
The meetings will be held on:
Today at the Hart Pioneer Centre, 6986 Hart Highway, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Oct. 21 at the Beaverly Fire Hall, 12560 Highway 16 West, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Nov. 17 at the Fraser-Fort George Regional District office, 155 George St. from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
There are about 60 Block Watch and a dozen Rural Crime Watch programs in and around Prince George and although those are healthy numbers, Linda Parker, who coordinates the Prince George RCMP's community policing program, said there is room for more.
But the meetings are not just for those interested in establishing a program in their own neighbourhood.
Parker said it's also a chance for members of existing programs to get together to compare notes on what's working and where there's room for improvement. And anyone in general who wants to learn more about how the local parks systems, fire services and Conservation Office works and raise any concerns they may have are also welcome to attend.
"(They're) opportunities to learn how each of these representatives are responsible for and how they can assist and an opportunity to network with perhaps another Rural Crime Watch or Block Watch group," Parker said.
Those interested don't have to live in the area where the meeting is being held to attend.
Because it's hunting season, representatives from the Conservation Office might not be able to make it, Parker cautioned. Appearances by fire department representatives will also be dictated by whether they're called out to a scene.
"Anyone and everyone is welcome and we'll try to have all these representatives there in attendance," Parker said.
For more information, call Parker at 250-561-3319 or email her at [email protected].
