October 30, 2016, marks the start of the 15th annual Citizens on Patrol Week, Crown Services Minister Ron Schuler and Manitoba Public Insurance announced.
“More than 1,000 Manitobans volunteer their time to participate in the Citizens on Patrol program throughout Manitoba,” said Schuler, a former COPP volunteer in East St. Paul. “Each and every one of these volunteers deserves special recognition for their commitment to this community-based crime prevention program, and for the work that they do with local law enforcement agencies to keep our communities safe.”
In addition to providing funding for COPP Manitoba Public Insurance offers coordination assistance in co-operation with the Winnipeg Police Service, the RCMP, the Brandon Police Service and other municipal police services.
“These Manitobans are grassroots, feet on the ground volunteers,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development & Communications and chief product officer, Manitoba Public Insurance.
“Over the past 12 months, COPP volunteers have contributed 14,000 patrol hours and almost 22,000 volunteer hours to the program. Their efforts continue to be instrumental in preventing crime and assisting local police agencies. COPP members are also an integral part of our efforts to raise awareness of road safety risks and to keep Manitobans safe.”
In addition to patrolling their communities, COPP groups display speed-reader boards (provided by Manitoba Public Insurance), patrol at school crossing zones, identify impaired drivers on the road and conduct seatbelt and cell phone use surveys in conjunction with the RCMP.
COPP Week kicks off this weekend with a provincial conference in Winnipeg where program representatives from across Manitoba will meet to share successes and discuss how to continue providing value to the communities in which these volunteer groups operate.
Manitobans interested in joining or learning more about the Citizens on Patrol Program can visit the organization’s website or call the provincial coordinator at 204-985-8849 or toll free at 1-866-326-7792.
