The Saanich Block Watch program is entering a new era with the launch of a modern digital platform designed to make neighbourhood safety efforts easier and faster.
Starting this July, Saanich Police are moving the long-running community safety initiative to a new tool called Member Impact. This all-in-one system allows Block Watch captains and participants to manage member lists, access crime prevention materials, and receive updates, alerts, and newsletters through a secure web portal or mobile app.
Staff Sergeant Pat Mangan explained that this shift is all about improving communication and reducing manual work.
The goal is to give community leaders and volunteers a central place to get information and share it with their neighbours. Mangan noted the new platform makes this process quicker and easier. It removes the need for paper records and replaces them with digital tools that help people stay connected and informed.
Mangan added that the platform is much more user-friendly and intuitive than the old system. With just a few taps or clicks, Block Watch captains can get the latest updates and resources.
The updated platform also improves the flow of information between the police department and the community. Mangan said this new setup helps Saanich Police “work smarter” by getting important safety information to neighbourhood leaders without delays.
Volunteers will now have the ability to access everything from crime alerts to program news in real time. This reduces the need for phone calls or emails and keeps neighbourhood teams better prepared.
The new tool also makes it easier for the department to track membership and update participant records. Everything is now stored securely online, saving time for both coordinators and police staff.
The Block Watch program has a long history in British Columbia. It began in 1986, inspired by a similar program in Seattle that cut home break-ins by 60%. The B.C. version quickly expanded as communities across the province joined the effort to fight crime locally.
By 1993, the Block Watch Society of British Columbia became an official non-profit group. Since then, it has helped reduce crime and build stronger neighbourhood ties.
Saanich joined the program in the mid-1990s. Today, it includes 15 community associations and over 10,000 active members. Residents across the area take part in helping each other stay safe, watching for suspicious activity, and sharing helpful tips through their neighbourhood groups.
The switch to a digital system is the next step in modernizing how the program works and ensuring it remains effective for years to come.
Saanich Police believe this change will not only save time but also help the program grow. With an easier way to manage information, more people may be encouraged to take part.
For those already involved, the new tools offer added convenience and a better way to stay connected. And for those thinking about joining, it’s never been simpler to get involved.
As of July, all Saanich Block Watch communications will move to the Member Impact platform. Participants can download the app or access the system online to get started.
