Anyone can take part in safety audits. They are designed to empower residents who feel vulnerable. When organising the audit you should consider everyone who would be interested in participating or helping in your effort. Ideally, a group of concerned residents would come together to share the tasks, as well as their safety related concerns.
While it is not necessary to include all of the following groups, they may be able to contribute to the success of the safety audit.
Your audit team could be made up of:
- friends and neighbours
- tenants' association
- community members/associations
- property owners/property managers
- local business owners or associations (B.I.A. representatives)
- women's support services/groups
- social services
- health services
- church groups
- representatives from local schools or school trustees (including students)
- City Councillors
- community planners/developers
- local community policing unit(s) or other Toronto Police Service staff
- representatives from the local "Y" or recreation centre
- other local groups such as Crime Prevention Association of Toronto (CPAT) or METRAC
The places you want to audit are those where you feel unsafe. You may wish to audit an area at night. If you choose to audit at night, each team should consist of several people to ensure everyone's safety. The best size for an audit team is at least five people or more to cover a large geographic area.
The Audit Team
The success of an audit depends on learning about the concerns and fears of the most vulnerable users of a space. The audit group should reflect the needs and opinions of people in the whole community. It should, if possible, include isolated seniors, those with disabilities, and other vulnerable people. If this is not possible, try to be aware during the audit of the unique points-of-view of other people who might be:
- using a wheelchair
- hard of hearing
- blind or visually-impaired
- mentally challenged
- very young
- elderly
- poor
- shift workers
- travelling with young children
- carrying parcels
- members of a minority culture or group
- unable to read
- not familiar with English
Remember, when scheduling time for a safety audit, to consider potential childcare needs. This consideration will make it possible for more people to participate.
