COP: Citizens On Patrol

(Page 12)
By Todd Curran
Turner Valley RCMP is reviving the Citizens On Patrol program in an effort to reduce crime in the area.
A meeting was held on August 18th at the Flare n' Derrick to pique some initial community interest and invite volunteer support for the program. Constable Jeremy Purdue and Bob Phillips, Southern Region Vice President of the Citizens On Patrol Association and former volunteer for the program, are aiming to restore the organization to its former status. “There was a program in place before my time here,” says Constable Purdue. “But, due to waning interest it fell by the wayside. I've seen it work in other communities and we'd like to get it up and running here. There are benefits to having this group in the community.”
Although duties and commitments are mandated by the Association, Constable Purdue explains that generally two volunteers patrol the community in cars and report any suspicious activity or crime in progress. “One advantage of the Citizens On Patrol program is that volunteers living in the community bring their experience into play. They often recognize the vehicles driven by friends and neighbours and know which ones don't belong.”
The variety of communities that the RCMP work in has furnished them with a lengthy list of programs for officers to become involved in. “We have strong motivation to get the program running again,” Constable Purdue says, hoping it will grow to encompass surrounding towns as well.
For more information on Citizens On Patrol call the Turner Valley RCMP detachment at 933-7227. A criminal record check is required to volunteer in the program.