The City of Cold Lake and Cold Lake RCMP are working together in an effort to reduce crime in the area.
On Feb. 7, the City of Cold Lake will be hosting a Citizens on Patrol information session.
In addition to a presentation from a member of the Alberta Citizen on Patrol Association (ACPA), the session aims to inform residents about the amount of work and commitment required to make such an initiative successful.
Mayor Craig Copeland made contact with the organization after speaking with S/Sgt. Jeremie Landry at the RCMP Open House on Jan. 11.
“Some of the people in the audience wanted to work on a Citizens on Patrol in the area. S/Sgt. Landry said if it got up and running, he would assign a constable to the program,” explained Copeland.
The constable would work as a liaison officer with the organization.
This isn't the first time the idea has been brought to the City of Cold Lake. However, the first attempt at establishing a Citizens on Patrol was unsuccessful. This time around, Copeland is hopeful, but running a group like is dependant on the dedication of the community.
“They say it's a lot of work in terms of commitment because they have to go on some training and teach the staff a course,” explained Copeland.
The purpose of this group is to use members of the public to be eyes and ears for the RCMP. The hope is that this will help lower crime numbers in the city.
Landry noted the RCMP would be happy to partner with the city on this initiative, however, the first step is getting the presentation completed.
“Then the community can decide if they want to do that type of program, and from there the RCMP will move forward working with that group. We would provide them with a liaison officer that they could work with,” said Landry.
Copeland noted the financial committment from the city would be minimal. Insurance would cost around $200 a year, which he felt was low, as well as some start up costs for the organization. They will also be footing the bill for the information session and presenter. Copeland added the most important part to all of this is community involvement.
“One of the things they stressed on the phone was to make sure if they come out that people from the audience are actually going to man up and join the organization,” said Copeland.
This information session will take place in the evening of Feb. 7 with the location and time of the presentation yet to be determined.
Check the city's social media pages and website, www.coldlake.com, for updates.
