Gorleston CCTV Ltd - Protecting Gorleston (Great Yarmouth) Highstreet.

Gorleston CCTV Ltd - Protecting your shopping hood. Nofolk Police.

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VOLUNTEERS

Just a little of your time could help make a direct and significant difference to protecting your local neighbourhood.

Gorleston CCTV has a team of volunteers who give up their free time to operate the cameras which work in and around Gorleston Town centre. They spend a few hours a week watching the cameras and being in direct contact with the police and shops via radio, they are fully trained to a high standard.

Why does Gorleston CCTV use volunteers?

Gorleston CCTV was set up solely by private funding and has no means of income except from the support of the community. The volunteer scheme is the only way that the cameras could be monitored on a daily basis.

Who can volunteer?

All applicants are considered and go through an informal interview and will be fully vetted. The scheme is organised by Norfolk Constabulary and you will become part of the police family, however your daily role will be working for Gorleston CCTV.

Why become a volunteer for Gorleston CCTV?

We understand that your time is valuable but there are many reasons for volunteering. Few opportunities will have such an impact on your local community

We operate within a very rewarding and challenging environment. Depending on the nature
of the role, volunteering with Gorleston CCTV can offer you:

• Personal development and achievement.
• New and improved skills.
• A chance to meet new people.
• Additional training.
• An opportunity to make a positive contribution to your neighbourhood and local community.

How much time do I need to give?

It’s entirely up to you.

Do I receive expenses?

Reasonable travelling expenses will be paid.

Where will I be located?

Within your local community at Gorleston.

As a CCTV volunteer this is my view of the “job.”

1) Its great fun.
Yes, at times it can be boring when nothing is going on but then there are always the cars that park on double yellow lines to catch or those who outstay their ½ hour parking allowance to find and ‘capture’ on camera. These are then recorded to be dealt with by the Police themselves later on.
2) The social side.
Meeting like minded people who enjoy helping the town to become a far better place is brilliant.
When a shift takes over from another there is always a few minutes ‘catch up’ and exchange of information. Also we have a laugh. We can’t live without laughs. Better than any medicine. Social gatherings are on the cards. At the pub or another volunteer’s house just to have time away from the monitors to have a glass of wine or a beer and to exchange ideas and thoughts.
3) The exciting times.
A call comes through from one of the shops that are on the Town Link Radio that they have a suspected shoplifter on their premises. A description comes through and then as CCTV operators we pick up the suspects on the cameras and then follow their progress ~~ alerting other shopkeepers, via the radio, that the alleged suspect has then entered their premises. Again, we watch for their progress. The adrenalin is pumping. Can we spot them as they leave the shop ~~ where will they go next? What is their next action going to be? Can we pre-empt their next thoughts and be one step ahead?
A fight breaks out at a pub. We call for Police presence but all the time recording the goings on. Who started the punch up and why? Is anyone going to be seriously hurt? The adrenalin is pumping even more.
Maybe an accident happens or someone falls over. We are there to help via monitoring the situation and calling the emergency services, if needed, and guiding them to the location. Therefore we are helping people in need.
4) Helping the Police.
By becoming a CCTV Operator this enables our Police to have more time on the beat. By being the eyes of the town it means that our Boys and Girls in Blue can be out there doing what they initially joined up to do ~~~~ helping the general public.
5) My recommendations.
Think about becoming a volunteer. Younger and older people can do this.
Training is given and there is always help at hand should you need to ask questions or have any queries.
Just a couple of hours a week can make all the difference not only to the town but also to YOU. It’s a whole new and different life.

Please think about it.

I can thoroughly recommend in to anyone who wants to help make our town a better, safer, friendlier and nicer place to live.