Sidney and North Saanich are often thought of as some of the safest communities in the province, but that designation doesn’t come without the hard work of local police and the volunteer efforts of a group of COPs – Citizens on Patrol.
North Saanich resident Jim Shepherd has been a COP for the past two years after he saw a call for volunteers in the Peninsula News Review.
“I wanted to volunteer to help out if I could,” says the retired forestry worker.
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Currently COP operates with 10 active members but they’re on the hunt for at least eight more. When it comes to recruiting, Shepherd says they would welcome “as many as we could get.”
Anyone with a valid B.C. driver’s licence who is over the age of 19 and passes a criminal record check is able to join. Shifts run on weekend evenings, with pairs of volunteers working four-hour shifts in their own vehicles which are unmarked in order to remain relatively low-profile.
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“We’re out there to assist the RCMP,” Shepherd says.
“Unfortunately the RCMP can’t be everywhere at once so we’re just an extra hand. We’re an extra set of eyes and ears.”
For the most part COP keep a handle on unruly teens or people sparking illegal fires on local beaches.
But, Shepherd says the group does have the power to run licence plate numbers through ICBC – no information is accessible to the volunteers – and keep an eye on a suspicious vehicle while they await law enforcement.
COP are encouraged to stay inside their vehicles but can assist in the event of a collision. First Aid is not a requirement but those with similar emergency skills make good candidates to volunteer.
“Overall it is relatively quiet but you never know,” Shepherd says. “Hopefully we can stop a crime or help someone injured.”
Cpl. Chris Manseau of the Sidney/North Saanich RCMP says COP are another example of the excellent volunteer groups currently working in Sidney. “They are a great partner in our effort to keep Sidney and North Saanich safe places to live and work,” he said.
For more information about COP contact the Sidney/North Saanich RCMP at 250-656-3931.
@kristyn_anthony
kristyn.anthony@blackpress.ca
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