|
| |
About Us
The Morinville Citizens on Patrol
(C.O.P.) Program originated when the Community Policing Advisory Committee (C.P.A.C.)
expressed an interest informing a partnership with the R.C.M.P. to address the
problems in the community with regards to break and enters, vandalism, impaired
drivers, and young offenders.
Since 1994 this group has continually
served the citizens by working in partnership with the R.C.M.P. and the community,
providing eyes and ears of Morinville. The Citizens On Patrol Program is under
the umbrella of the Community Policing Advisory Committee (C.P.A.C.).
The Citizens on Patrol are an active group of
volunteers that work in cooperation with the R.C.M.P. We go out into our
community and report any suspicious activity or note suspicious persons or
vehicles in the area.
The Morinville Citizens On Patrol Association is
a member of A.C.O.P.A. - the Alberta Citizens On Patrol Association.
top of page
Our objectives:
 | To increase citizen participation in
observing and reporting suspicious events in the community.
|
| To reduce incidents of crime such as
theft from motor vehicles, break and enters, vandalism and impaired driving.
|
| To be accessible on an immediate
call-out basis to assist R.C.M.P. in missing children etc.
|
| To assist with traffic control
during Community Special Events |
top of page
How does C.O.P. work?
A volunteer team of usually two members,
using its own vehicle, on foot, or even on bicycle patrols the town and reports any unusual or suspicious
activity to the R.C.M.P. officers on duty. Volunteers on patrol are supplied with tools
including a radio, binoculars, flashlights and safety gear. Members often
also carry their own cell phones and digital cameras. When
necessary, immediate contact and assistance is available from the officer
situated closest to the volunteers.
C.O.P. volunteers NEVER BECOME INVOLVED IN
AN INCIDENT and only report what they see.
The patrol shifts are flexible. Each
member determines the time and duration of their individual patrols. The key
times for patrols are between 10 PM and 3 AM. An active member is expected to
dedicate a minimum of 25 hours per year to patrol and meeting duties.
Morinville C.O.P. members in 2009 volunteered
757 hours of their time and covered 2,178 kms while on
patrol.
top of page
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
-
What do I
do if I see unlawful activity such as an impaired driver, break in, or drug
transaction during a patrol? Follow protocol - report the incident to dispatch
from a safe location and complete a statement for the investigating R.C.M.P.
Member.
-
Can I chase
a bad guy? No. C.O.P. volunteers are not police or peace officers. While there may be
situations where following another vehicle could be helpful, at no time may
any traffic laws be broken, especially speed limits and stop signs.
-
Can I
arrest someone? No. C.O.P. volunteers act as additional eyes and ears. We
observe and report. We do not confront or interfere. Your personal safety
while on patrol is the most important thing.
-
Do I get a
weapon or can I bring my own? No. This is illegal.
-
Can I help
the investigation? C.O.P. volunteers may initiate an investigation only by
reporting suspicious activity. Observe and report. Do not interfere.
-
Do
volunteers get paid? The definition of volunteer means we are not paid for
our work. Legitimate pre-approved expenses are reimbursed and a
vehicle mileage allowance may be given for patrols.
-
How is the
group funded? Funding for the Morinville C.O.P. comes from Alberta Gaming
(casinos) and from local organizations and businesses.
-
Are there other
C.O.P. programs? Yes. There are over 1,300 individuals volunteering in 58
C.O.P. organizations across Alberta. There are C.O.P. programs across Canada
and the United States. Other countries have similar programs. Get involved!
-
Do I Get Flashing
Lights For My Car? No, C.O.P. volunteers are not driving emergency
vehicles. Volunteers may opt to display a magnetic sign with the C.O.P. logo
on their vehicles while on patrol. Some members believe the sign helps deter
crime while other members prefer to leave their vehicles unmarked.
-
What Tools Do I
Get? C.O.P. volunteers are provided with and are each responsible for a
kit bag containing a radio/scanner, flashlights, binoculars, and safety
equipment. In addition, there is a supply of jackets and golf shirts with the
Morinville C.O.P. logo. Other equipment available for sign-out includes bicycles, digital cameras,
magnetic vehicle signs and night vision goggles. Kit bags and contents remain
the property of Morinville C.O.P. Volunteers are encouraged to
use their personal cell phones as needed.
-
What Areas Are
Patrolled? All areas within the Town boundaries, the west and south
industrial areas, South Glenns, and Cardiff.
-
What do I do if I
am being followed? Vary rarely, a member of the public may decide to "turn
the tables" and shadow or follow a C.O.P. volunteer while on patrol. Your
personal safety while on patrol is the most important thing. Call dispatch to
report the situation. An R.C.M.P. member will quickly present a learning
opportunity to the "tail".
-
Where Can I Learn
More? If you meet the criteria below, come to a
meeting and meet us. You can even arrange to
go on a ride-along with a C.O.P. volunteer to get a feel for the program.
top of page
How Can I Help?
Volunteer a few hours each month. Join us in making Morinville a better
place to live and work.
Volunteer Qualifications:
|
a resident of
the Morinville area |
|
18 years of
age or older and of good character |
|
able to
pass an R.C.M.P. security check |
|
willing and
able to volunteer at least 25 hours of your time per year for patrols and to attend monthly meetings |
|
able to complete
the in-house training program and pass a written exam |
Members are expected to be familiar with
the Citizens On Patrol Basic Training Manual which can be downloaded from the
Forms & Links page.
You can download an application form from
the Forms & Links page or pick one up at the
Morinville R.C.M.P. detachment at 10512 - 101 Ave, Morinville, Alberta.
Applicants must also complete a criminal record check form in person at the
R.C.M.P. Detachment. There is no cost.
top of page
|
