A COMMUNITY project hoping to keep Launceston safe is looking for volunteers.

Launceston Community CCTV Project require additional CCTV operators to support their work monitoring cameras across the town and keeping the town’s residents safe.

John Ellison, who helps run the project, explained: “Volunteers who monitor our CCTV cameras will need to be a level-headed person who can observe events (both developing and as they occur) and be able to recall salient points of what you have witnessed.

“You need to be able to form judgments as to whether the incidents you witness require the attendance of others, principally police officers or possibly some other support agency such as the street pastors.

“Whilst you will quickly acquire, a “feel” for events in the streets which will assist you in forming those judgments you will be aided by the presence of another operator whose knowledge and experience will assist you and provide reassurance.”

Volunteers will be provided with full training.

He continued: “You will be taught how to use a police radio so that you can summon assistance and use precise language to ensure you convey necessary information with the minimum of fuss.”

Operators will be on duty approximately twice a month, or when available on weekends, at Launceston Police Station. A rota is sent every month for the operators to submit their availability.

Although perfectly capable of working alone many volunteers choose to work in pairs, which both guarantees nothing is missed during busy periods and boredom is prevented during quieter times.

John concluded: “Overall, their presence and work provides reassurance to all who use our town centre and contributes greatly to our quality of life.”

Those interested in taking on the role should contact John via: [email protected]