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Community members were invited to attend an information session on the possibility of starting a Swift Current-based Citizens on Patrol Program on Monday.
Saskatchewan Citizens on Patrol Association's Doug Fehr, Saskatchewan RCMP "F" Division Seargant James Flynn, and Swift Current Municipal RCMP Staff Sergeant Evan Gordon explained the requirements for the COPP to operate in Swift Current.
Citizens on Patrol involves at least six core community members to organize patrols in the community. These individuals must be 18 years of age or older, with a healthy respect for the legal system, and must never engage in vigilantism.
"The way we position it is that volunteer patrollers patrol when they have time available," said Fehr. "So for some people, that's not many hours in a month. For others, they spend a lot of time during a month. It's totally up to those patrollers as to how many hours and what time of day and how many days they can offer."
The main goal with anyone going on patrols is to observe and report. The safety of the patroller is their first priority, with observation being the second goal. They are never required to interact or become involved in a situation. They simply report to the RCMP and let officers take over from there.
Any members who sign up must complete a criminal record check and undergo training provided by both COPP and RCMP. In total, 20 people were at the meeting, with many voicing interest.
"I think that the excitement we saw and heard was good for the community," said Gordon. "I think it was definitely worthwhile to put this information out there. Thank you to Doug and Jim for coming out.
"I know that there are more people in this community who are interested in this initiative. I have no doubt that with some of the folks that were in this room, that information is going to spread."
The COPP is community-run, without direct oversight from the RCMP. They work cooperatively, but are not a branch of a law enforcement agency.
"This really is a community-led, volunteer-driven initiative," said Gordon. "It's not an arm of the RCMP, so there has to be interested and invested community members."
One of the questions ventured during the meeting was regarding the possibility of being called to court as a witness. All three presenters confirmed that it was a possibility and that they would be treated as a regular citizen.
"I don't think there's anybody who can train you for court," said Flynn. "But as a Citizens on Patrol member, if you were to go to court, you would have a conversation with the Crown with regards to what their expectations are in your testimony, and ultimately you give your testimony as any other person would attending court."
If anyone would like to know more or has any questions, they can reach out to SCOPA. Anyone interested in joining can contact Heidi Deg at 306-773-7268 or email her at assistant@swiftcurrentchamber.ca. The Swift Current and District Chamber of Commerce arranged the meeting, and hosted it at the Innovation Centre in downtown Swift Current.