Local Obs resident volunteers his tech skills
"I'm a back room boy," said Frank Schuitemaker, resident in Observatory for 31 years.
Frank is an intelligence man, who previously worked in the Insurance industry and is a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute UK. He is a volunteer for the Observatory Improvement District (Obsid).
Among other things, he has written the analytical predictive program to collect and sort crime stats for Obs.
He gives advice, training and mentorship to Obsid staff on data analysis.
He has also consolidated and streamlined the Whatsapp group reporting system which is very successful with over 1000 participants.
Frank further edits the Facebook neighbourhood watch page, created the Obs street and house map and the Obs directory of essential numbers to call in an emergency.
Always with a sunny smile and a ready quip, Frank is undismayed by the battle against crime.
"Collection and analysis of crime stats is rapidly coming together. We will soon have accurate monthly reports that gauge fluctuations and allow us to target our resources very effectively," said Frank. "We are 90% there".
"All we need now," he added, "Is a few more volunteers. Then we can take bigger strides much more quickly.
"Volunteers often say that this work is fun and that they have never met so many interesting people before," he said.
"We welcome everyone, but will especially be happy to have more young people , women and people of colour joining us. The big thing is having more eyes and ears and rapid reporting," Frank said.
Volunteer opportunities include patrollers and patrol coordinators, Whatsapp group coordinators and monitors and radio Operators.
Training and mentorship will be given. "We aim to encourage efficient volunteer groups who react quickly and effectively," said Frank.
When asked what he thinks about the Woodstock Police problem, Frank said: "There are lots of good men and women in blue at Woodstock. The problem is that management is struggling to control rotten apples in the ranks who simply don't care."