NHW and Safety House

The NHW State office has on a number of occasions been asked why Neighbourhood Watch and the Safety House Program should not join forces. Whilst it is true that both programs share similar objectives in making our communities a safer place to live there are many differences that preclude the amalgamation of the two organisations.

The Safety House Program commenced in Queensland in 1984 and is administered by the Safety House Association of Queensland Inc. Safety House seeks to assist the community by providing places of safety through their ‘Safety Houses’ should community members feel they require assistance. The program also provides education in participating schools about the Safety House and other safety strategies. The program continues to provide places of safety through approximately 90 Safety House areas and 200 schools. The program is an incorporated body and is governed by the rules of incorporation and its own constitution. These policies and procedures ensure that the program maintains a very high level of safety and security for those using a Safety House.

The NHW program is an un-incorporated program which is organised by the community and supported by the police. The program seeks to organise communities to reduce the incidences of resident crime through being the eyes and ears of police and providing education on prevention strategies. The program is actively operating in approximately 700 communities throughout the state and is invaluable in assisting the police to reduce local crime.

With substantially different rules and regulations governing both programs, it is not possible for both programs to operate under one committee. They can however work side by side in the protection of the community particularly our children and the elderly. So if you have the time why not volunteer for both programs and make your community a great place to live. For more information on Safety House contact the Safety House State office on 33569922. For more information on NHW contact your local police station or your District Crime Prevention Coordinator.