The future of Clearwater Community Crime Watch (CCCW) will be up for discussion during a special meeting taking place this week.

The meeting, scheduled for Thursday, March 31, at the Rocky Regional Recreation Centre inside the Rotary Room at 5332-50 Street at 7:00 p.m., is expected to have representatives from the National Police Federation in attendance who will do a virtual presentation for the discussion on the future of CCCW.

In a letter to CCCW from the board, it’s noted that, “The Clearwater Community Crime Watch discussed the future of CCCW and decided that we, the current board, are not able to continue as the board going forward.”

According to the board’s letter, the number one reason was that the board has tried for three years to attract new board members but has not succeeded in securing enough new members to keep CCCW alive. The current board believes the future success of CCCW requires an entirely new board comprised of young, enthusiastic and tech-savvy individuals who can connect with young working people and teenagers that embrace new technologies. The current board also believes a new board might refocus an entirely new crime watch initiative, as the current one could be seen as outdated.

Officials say the new means in crime prevention are rooted in cybersecurity, further noting the use of mobile phone apps, security cameras and digital alarm systems which are now seen as the most effective methods in crime reduction.

For three years, board officials say they have tried to promote an app called “Lightcatch”, a mobile phone app for crime reporting and awareness. The board claims if they could get 30 per cent of both town and county residents and businesses to use it for immediate crime reporting, they could replace their outdated system, which entails forwarding weekly police notifications about what transpired the week before. The board recognizes their old approach will likely never reach or interest a younger audience either.

Officials with CCCW acknowledge this could potentially could be the last meeting for the organization unless a new board comes forward.

If you would like to attend the meeting, you can attend it in person or RSVP to info@clearwatercrimewatch.com for a link to attend virtually.