The Yorkton Citizens on Patrol Program is looking for an infusion of new volunteers.
Started in the mid-1980s, the program is one that benefits the entire community, said COP chairperson Cliff Trombley.
Trombley said it has been a combination of the program doing good work and having good people involved that has kept COP viable for more than 30-years in the city.
鈥淚t has been because of some of the people leading it over the years, and just in my own experience the importance of it,鈥� he said.
Trombley said simply having 鈥渢he extra set of eyes and ears鈥� out on the street looking for suspicious activity which is then passed on to the RCMP is important as it helps keeps the community safe.
But, they need people to be those eyes and ears.
鈥淩ight now we鈥檙e down to only a handful of volunteers,鈥� said Trombley.
So, they are actively looking for some new blood.
Trombley said the amount of time invested can be as little, or as much as one desires.
鈥淚t鈥檚 up to the individual,鈥� he said, adding it can be once a year, or five, or 12 or whatever a person has time for.
And, there is no direct cost either. Volunteers drive one of two COP cars, and the gas is provided too.
Trombley said in his own case he typically heads out between 9 and midnight, patrolling until 1 or 2 a.m., adding it varies on the activity level.
鈥淚f it鈥檚 quiet I might shutdown at 12,鈥� he said.
Again, most patrolling is done on Fridays and Saturdays as 鈥渢hat鈥檚 usually when stuff is happening,鈥� said Trombley.
Overall, COP involves citizens in the community observing and reporting suspicious incidents to reduce the incidents of crime:聽 i.e.; break and enter, theft, vandalism, auto theft or anything similar.
COPP members patrol the streets (132 miles) of Yorkton 鈥� business and residential areas 鈥� working in conjunction with the RCMP to reduce crime in our community.
Volunteers must complete a Criminal Record check at no cost to the volunteer.
Anyone interested in learning more about our Yorkton Citizens on Patrol Program can email [email protected]
