THE BATTLEFORDS — The Battlefords Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) is in the process of obtaining a dedicated, marked patrol vehicle and is reaching out to businesses for financial or in-kind support for operational costs.
COPP is a volunteer, non-profit crime prevention organization committed to creating a safer and& more secure community for all; members act as another set of eyes and ears for the RCMP and Community Safety Officers. COPP's main activity is patrolling the streets of the Battlefords; when suspicious activity is seen, members immediately notify the RCMP. In 2022 COPP patrolled over 17,000 city and town blocks and this calendar year currently just under 22,000 blocks are patrolled.
In exchange for an annual financial or in-kind support of $500 COPP offers to place a business logo decal on the dedicated vehicle. Design, cost of production and communication with the decal supplier will be the donor’s responsibility.
Currently, members patrol using personal vehicles and are reimbursed on a per-patrol basis by COPP. Based upon feedback from citizens and comments from other COPP groups using marked vehicles, the organization says a clearly identified and dedicated patrol vehicle would accomplish four objectives:
- act as a deterrent to criminals and vandals;
- through the use of clear identification, allay citizens’ concerns about an unknown vehicle driving around their neighbourhood;
- encourage recruitment as some citizens are reluctant to patrol with their personal vehicles;
- increase the awareness of COPP, thereby also aiding in recruitment.
A sponsor has come forward willing to financially support the lease or purchase of a vehicle. An auto dealer is willing to provide the vehicle at a reduced cost. However, the sponsor’s support is contingent upon COPP being able to identify sources of operational funding. Operational costs include annual vehicle registration and insurance, fuel, maintenance, tires and other items.
The dedicated vehicle will not be the only vehicle used for patrols; up to five personal vehicles have been out at one time in the past eight months. COPP still reimburse patrollers for personal vehicle use.
If you wish to support COPP’s crime prevention efforts but prefer to opt out of vehicle decal recognition, the organization has other resourcing needs they would be happy to discuss. As a non-profit, COPP receives some grants from the city and town but relies upon additional financing for resource activities.
