Cumbria Neighbourhood

Watch Association

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Charity No - 1092522

Company No. 05854713

"The vision of CNWA is that Cumbria will be a safer and stronger place to live, work and visit"         In an emergency always dial 999.

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Current members of Neighbourhood Watch schemes in Cumbria are invited  to register with a new site to help test our pilot local Community Messaging System.    Click Here

Citizen Patrols Workshop Flyer

New Community Messaging System for Cumbria.

The present means of communicating with Watch Scheme members (and other users) is through the Voice Connect system. Communication is a critical element of the ‘Watch’ ethos, and Voice Connect has helped provide the public with timely information that has led to the arrest of many criminals and the recovery of much stolen property.

Voice Connect is hosted on the police network but was procured and supported by Crime & Disorder Reduction partners. A point has been reached whereby substantial investment is required to maintain current levels of service. Due to advances in technology, the police, partners and Cumbria Neighbourhood Watch Association have jointly decided to change the communication system.

Following a procurement process, VISAV were chosen to provide an Internet based communication tool, to be called Cumbria Community Messaging. VISAV presently provide a similar system for the National Home and Neighbourhood Watch Network and three Midlands based police forces. Whilst the new system is Internet based, you do not need to have Internet access to receive messages, therefore you will not be disadvantaged. A date is yet to be determined for change over, but it is anticipated full change over will be completed by the end of July this year.

User details will need to be transferred to the new system in the coming weeks and months. Cumbria Neighbourhood Watch Association will be the licence holder for the new communication system and responsible under Data Protection legislation for data stored on the new system. Personal details will be securely held and NOT visible to or shared with other agencies without your consent.

As current Data Controllers, the police will manage the data transfer process and are asking you to visit the new website - www.cumbriacommunitymessaging.co.uk - and register your details. The more people self registering, the less follow up work needs to be done. Registering your email address will also help keep costs down.

Pre registration will ensure that when the system goes live you will continue to receive messages from the Police, Cumbria Neighbourhood Watch Association, Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, Cumbria County Council and district Community Safety Partnerships. The new website will allow you to view recent messages, access wider community safety information, and manage your message preferences – prioritising what information you receive and who you receive it from.

Non Internet users will still receive information on Cumbria Community Messaging, but this will be a limited service. If you do not have access to a computer, and cannot get a family member or friend to register on your behalf, information will be circulated in the coming weeks on how to register for the new system.

If you would like further information on Cumbria Community Messaging, contact Cumbria neighbourhood Watch Association at Cumbrianwa@aol.com