March 03, 2014 - 10:14 AM
The Vernon Citizens Patrol (COP) Program, part of the City of Vernon’s Safe Communities Unit, has graduated 12 new volunteers who start patrolling the communities in Vernon starting March 1, 2014.
For over 21 years, the community-based volunteer group has helped to minimize the amount of crime occurring throughout Vernon. COP members assist the RCMP by acting as an extra set of eyes and ears while patrolling our city. Duties involve patrolling streets, business areas, parks and shopping center parking lots, and documenting suspicious activities and calling them into the RCMP. COP programs also include Speed Watch, Cell Watch and Lock-Out Auto Crime.
Being a proactive member of the community and assisting police are COP priorities. The Safe Communities Unit of Vernon is innovative and uncompromising in its training of volunteers and approach to implementing Crime Prevention initiatives. Training and safety is of the utmost importance, and volunteers undergo 12 hours of classroom instruction covering security and program interests, plus five months of patrol mentor- training. Training involves developing observation and patrol skills, taking notes, court procedures, being the first car at an accident or crime scene and working with outside agencies including Vernon Bylaws and ICBC. The Vernon City Council has been very supportive and appreciates the work of its volunteer force allowing our Citizens Patrol Program to lead the way in taking action where ever it can assist in crime prevention and safety for the residents of Vernon and assist the RCMP.
News from © iNFOnews, 2014