The Innisfail and District Citizens on Patrol (COP) is looking for more volunteers to bump up patrol hours.
COP members work with the local RCMP and peace officers, driving around Innisfail and Penhold looking for suspicious or criminal activity they then report to the police.
“I want to see our community safe,” Bev McKee said, explaining why she is a COP.
“It gives me that peace of mind,” she added.
Members are broken into groups of two and are required to patrol at least once a month for a shift between two and six hours.
During a society meeting Nov. 28 Cpl. Jeff Hildebrandt asked that because of the recent increase in property crime the group also drive during the weekday evenings.
Chairperson Bob Bartlett readily agreed but did note more volunteers would go a long way in helping to complete this request.
Currently the COP group is made up of 10 volunteers, eight of whom are currently on the road.
“We have some who are in wheelchairs or have mobility issues so they help in other ways and are a big help,” he said.
Bartlett and his wife first got into the volunteer society when their home was broken into.
“A lot of our service members are victims of crime. But not all. Some just want to help out.”
To qualify, a person must be over the age of 18 and pass a security check with the RCMP. The newbie is then taken out on a shift for training before being paired up with a partner.
“We're the eyes and ears,” said Bartlett, who explained the COP will spend the shift driving between the two municipalities, checking out all parts of the community from residential and business areas to parks and graveyards.
“I think our volunteers enjoy themselves because they know they are doing something good for the community.”
The society has been in Innisfail for 20 years.
Anyone interested in joining can call Bartlett at 403-227-8428 and ask for an application.
