User Guide

Q: Is my name and address visible to other users?

Absolutely not. All your public activity is linked only to your anonymous public username (e.g., "Observer-1234"). Your private verification details are encrypted and visible only to high-level administrators.

Q: How do I manage my subscription or change my password?

Once logged in, click on the "My Account" link. You can securely update your password and personal details. For billing, you can click "Manage Billing" to access the secure Stripe Customer Portal to change your plan, update your card, or cancel your subscription.

Q: How do I add another region to monitor?

If you are on a Guardian or Sentinel plan, a "Manage Regions" link will appear in the main menu when you are logged in. On that page, you can add or remove regions from within your home state, up to your plan's limit.

Last Updated: September 28, 2025

IMPORTANT

This platform is NOT a replacement for emergency services. In an emergency or if a crime is in progress, always contact Triple Zero (000) immediately.

Step 1: Installing the App (Recommended)

For the best experience on your mobile device, you can install CommunityCrime.Watch directly to your home screen. This provides a faster, app-like experience on both Android and iOS.

Step 2: Registration & Verification

To ensure the platform remains a safe and reliable tool for genuine residents, we have a simple verification process. After creating your account, you will be asked for details to verify you are a resident of a region we serve. This information is kept strictly confidential and is encrypted in our database.

Step 3: Setting Up Your Alerts (Most Important!)

The most powerful feature of CommunityCrime.Watch is receiving instant alerts. After your first login, you will be prompted to enable notifications in your browser. You must Allow this to receive alerts. Then, navigate to the Alert Locations page to define your zones.

Circular Zones (All Members)

All members can create circular alert zones. Simply click on the map to place a pin and choose a radius from the dropdown. Available radiuses range from 100 metres to 10 kilometres.

Custom Polygon Zones (Sentinel Plan)

Members on the Sentinel plan can draw custom-shaped zones for precise monitoring of a specific street, park, or neighbourhood block. Select the "Custom Zone" tool and use the map controls to draw your desired shape.

Understanding the Map

Your Home Region: Your primary region, based on your verified address. Highlighted with a thick border.
Accessible Region: An additional region you have activated (Guardian plan or higher).
Locked Region: An active region you do not have access to. Upgrade your plan to unlock more regions.
Pulsing Red Pin (Critical): An urgent, active threat.
Pulsing Orange Pin (Awareness): An important community heads-up.
Pulsing Blue Pin (Log): An informational item.
Your Alert Zone: This animated zone is actively listening for new critical alerts.

Membership Plans & Features

While core safety features are free for all verified residents, paid membership plans help cover our operational costs and unlock powerful new tools for users who need them. You can view all options on our Pricing Page.

Viewing Historical Data

Your membership tier determines how far back in time you can view reports on the live map.

Resident: Up to 30 days of report history.
Guardian: Up to 90 days of report history.
Sentinel: Up to 180 days of report history.

Multi-Region Monitoring

Want to keep an eye on your home, workplace, and a family member's neighbourhood? Higher tiers allow you to activate multiple regions within your home state.

Resident: 1 (Your home region).
Guardian: Up to 3 active regions.
Sentinel: All regions within your state.

You can add or remove your active regions on the Manage Regions page, accessible from the main navigation menu when you are logged in.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is my name and address visible to other users?

Absolutely not. All your public activity is linked only to your anonymous public username (e.g., "Observer-1234"). Your private verification details are encrypted and visible only to high-level administrators.

How do I manage my subscription or change my password?

Once logged in, click on the "My Account" link. You can securely update your password and personal details. For billing, you can click "Manage Billing" to access the secure Stripe Customer Portal to change your plan, update your card, or cancel your subscription.

Why can't I see reports older than 30 days?

Viewing extended report history is a feature of our paid membership plans. The free Resident plan includes 30 days of history, while the Guardian (90 days) and Sentinel (180 days) plans offer a longer view. You can upgrade any time on the Pricing Page.

How do I add another region to monitor?

If you are on a Guardian or Sentinel plan, a "Manage Regions" link will appear in the main menu when you are logged in. On that page, you can add or remove regions from within your home state, up to your plan's limit.

What are Badges and Credibility Scores?

You earn Credibility Points and Badges for positive contributions like submitting and validating reports. These are displayed on your public profile to show you are a trusted member of the community.

How can I stay updated with news and announcements?

For the latest news, feature updates, and community announcements, we recommend following our official Facebook page.