Swift Current could see the implementation of a local branch of Citizens on Patrol in the future.
One of the main driving forces behind that is Swift Current Municipal RCMP Staff Sergeant Evan Gordon, who has invited Doug Fehr, chairperson for the Saskatchewan Citizens on Patrol board, for an information session on September 15th. It will be held on the lower level of the Innovation Centre at 6 p.m.
The session will allow interested individuals to come and learn about the program, how volunteering works, and what the requirements would look like.
"It really is a general information session to talk about what the program looks like, what it's capable of, and then what it takes for a community to get one set up in their town or city," said Gordon. "I think (Doug Fehr) is going to be able to answer a lot of those questions based on personal experience and a very in-depth understanding of the program."
Citizens on Patrol is not a part of the RCMP. They aim to work cooperatively, aiding the RCMP by keeping their eyes open and relaying any information they come across to local law officials.
Gordon says that there will be requirements for people joining, such as record checks, as well as the completion of required training.
"We'll be looking for people of good character who are interested in making a positive impact in their community," said Gordon.
Gordon has also extended the invitation to some more rural areas surrounding Swift Current to get involved as well. Whether or not they would fall inside the coverage of a Swift Current-based Citizens on Patrol group would be up to the group itself to decide.
Gordon will not be a member or part of the group should it begin operating in Swift Current. As a member of the RCMP, he is only trying to get the ball rolling.
"I'm hoping because there is some interest because there is success in these programs in regards to crime reduction and crime prevention," said Grodon. "I'm hoping that there will be that interest within the community of Swift Current to look further into this."