BATTLEFORD — Citizens on Patrol provided its latest update to the Battleford town council meeting Monday.
Councillors heard from Doug Fehr about the activities of the organization in the Battlefords. COPP members will report on incidents such as impaired driving, suspected break and enter, graffiti tags, drug dealing, car shopping, assault and any other activity that threatens persons or property. They also operate a security camera registry.
Earlier this year, Citizens on Patrol had reported struggles in recruiting and keeping members. They were down from the 30 members they had at their height.
Fehr reported a recent “rejuvenation” of sorts with “five new active members and several more in the application process.” They are now up to 15 active members.
Fehr also presented the organization’s recently developed strategic plan at the meeting. The plan is for the next three year and focuses on three priorities: awareness and education, a sustainable business model and communications.
They plan to improve the awareness of COPP in the community and expand their volunteer basis. They intend to take part in the Battleford street festival this weekend and the North Battleford BID fall festival the next weekend.
At council Monday, Fehr invited the town to have a permanent liaison position with the COPP. He also said he wanted to see COPP focus more on the town.
“We believe we should involve the town more in both patrolling and crime deterrence and prevention strategies.”
Fehr also made a pitch to the town for a financial contribution to assist with costs. This is something that would be considered during budget deliberations.
