THE BATTLEFORDS — According to the Battlefords Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) annual report, 2023 showed a major increase in support for the crime-reduction program.
Councillor Judy Pruden, who read through their report to Battleford Town Council on Monday, Jan. 22 noted their improvements in comments to council.
"They are very active and they’re growing and it’s a good sign," she said, highlighting an increased relationship with the RCMP and Community Safety Officers (CSOs) as signs of their success.
Highlights from their annual report include:
- Growth in the number of blocks patrolled within the Battlefords from 17,225 to 36,600;
- Acquisition of a dedicated & marked patrol vehicle supported by funding from BATC;
- Growth in members from 15 in mid-2022 to 26 currently with members in the application and training process;
- Acquisition of vests to better identify members;
- Participation in over 12 community events including RCMP bike rodeos, the Community Safety Officer Pack the Patrol Unit event, City of North Battleford community BBQs, street festivals, and parades.
Councillor Pruden noted that COPP did want to remind residents to of the with information on the town's website, and the City of North Battleford's
"They would like to have COPP signs erected ... maybe at 29th and 35th, or entering different subdivisions," Councillor Pruden added.
However, COPP's report also noted challenges they've faced in 2023, which range from struggles getting all patrollers to the 12 patrols per year requirement and recognizing that deterrence is their main impact and that there is an inherent difficulty measuring that.
"It's just [there are some] challenges in addressing the myth that if you are a volunteer you would interact with suspects ... but it's not, it's just eyes and ears and observation," Councillor Pruden added.
"As I said, the statistics are way up ... if anyone wants to get involved they're always looking for volunteers," she said.
