Citizens on Patrol Program

Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) is a grassroots, crime prevention program where volunteers work in cooperation with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to reduce crime and improve safety in the community through deterrence and education.

Background

• Established in south St. Clements in March 2004.
• The program has since expanded north to Highway 4 and a group is now active in Gull Lake.
• Interested in having the COPP program in your area? Let us know!

Deterrence

• COPP road signage is in the areas we patrol.
• Our members go on regular patrols and are trained to observe and report any suspicious activity or safety concerns.

Education

• We bring displays and have members available to answer questions at public events like the RM Open House and Fire Hall Open House.

Patrolling

• Patrols are done in teams of two or more persons.
• Members wear a reflective vest and patrol cars are identified with COPP signs.
• Members are trained in observation skills through the provincial COPP program.
• Patrol teams carry cell phones
• The RCMP are notified at the beginning and end of each patrol.
• During the patrol anything that is suspicious or any emergency that is observed is reported to the RCMP. Members do not get involved directly in any confrontation.
• During a patrol, members also have the opportunity to talk with residents in their patrol area and learn of any concerns.
• All safety issues such as missing road signage is reported to the RM, who responds and has the situation corrected.
• Patrols last from two to three hours and are done at various times during the day or night.

RCMP Liason

• Each COPP group in the province has an RCMP or police liaison officer who assists them with information and advice regarding our activities.
• The liaison officer attends our meetings and also helps with training in observation skills.

Volunteer

If you are a residents of St. Clements, 18 years of age or older, and would like to consider volunteering for the RM of St. Clements COPP program please contact the RM at 204-482-3300 or by email at info@rmofstclements.com.