June 9, 2010, will mark one year since volunteers took their first shift as part of the Citizens On Patrol Program (COPP) in Steinbach and feedback has been very positive.
Currently patrolling about five nights per week, the Program has eleven volunteers who patrol by foot, car, or bike to observe, record and report to RCMP any suspicious activity they see around the city.
Regarding the COPP volunteers relationship with the RCMP, Steinbach’s COPP Coordinator Laurie McLean said, We’ve been privileged to observe our police officers when they’re working, and its an honour to be able to assist them however we can. Staff Sargent Lee is doing an excellent job, and we have exceptional police officers here in Steinbach.
McLean says the response time for the RCMP to reply to a volunteers call has been outstanding, usually less than five minutes.
Since we report to RCMP dispatch at the beginning of our shift, officers are easily able to locate us. There’s always good direction from dispatch in exactly what to do and how to handle any given situation. If its a little more complex, dispatch stays on the telephone with us until officers arrive.
As Detachment Commander, it has been a pleasure to witness the achievements by the COP Program here in Steinbach, said Staff Sargent Davy Lee. The volunteers are dedicated and have accomplished many things in a
very short time. I look forward to continuing our partnership and working together to combat crime in Steinbach.
In just a short while, the COP Program has proven itself a valuable asset in keeping our community a safe place to live, work and play, said Mayor Chris Goertzen. On behalf of City council and staff, I commend and thank each COPP volunteer for giving their time and attention to this worthwhile program.
For more information on how to become a COPP volunteer or to read an interview with a current COPP volunteer, please visit the City’s website or contact Laurie McLean at 320-2911.
